Introduction to Biological Systems (BIO 100B) – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Introduction to Biological Systems

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of biology, focusing on cellular reproduction and genetics, biological diversity, animal and plant form and function, and the interactions within communities and ecosystems. It is designed for students seeking a general understanding of biological systems, but it does not count toward a Biology or Environmental Science major, concentration, or minor.

• Prerequisites: None

• Co-requisites: Academic Integrity Training 100

• Credit Value: 3.0

• Delivery: Face-to-Face

Course Learning Outcomes

• Understand the origins and diversity of life.

• Describe the hierarchies of organization found within the living world.

• Explain the interactions that occur within communities and ecosystems.

• Discuss the significance of humans as part of the living world.

• Understand the physical reality of genetic information and its transmission.

• Evaluate the application of biotechnologies in society.

Lecture Topics

• Introduction to Life and the Unit of the Cell (Chapters 1, 3, 4)

• Cellular Basis for Reproduction (Chapter 8)

• Patterns of Inheritance (Chapter 9)

• Molecular Biology of Genes (Chapters 10, 11)

• DNA Technology and Society (Chapter 12)

• Evolution (Chapters 13, 14, 15)

• Diversity of Microbial Life (Chapter 16)

Evaluation Methods

• Midterm 1: 20%

• Midterm 2: 20%

• Quizzes: 20%

• Final Exam: 30%

• Discussion & Engagement: 10%

Required and Recommended Resources

• Required: Moodle (CCMS) access for course materials and updates.

• Recommended Textbook: Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 10th Edition (Pearson, 2021), ISBN-13: 9780136538783.

Course Policies

Academic Integrity

• Students must adhere to the institution's academic integrity policy, avoiding cheating, plagiarism, and misrepresentation.

• Penalties for academic dishonesty may include a grade of zero or expulsion.

• Appeals process is available as outlined in the Academic Calendar.

Classroom and Exam Procedures

• Accommodations are available for students with disabilities.

• Recording of classes is only permitted with prior written consent or as part of an approved accommodation plan.

• Exams must be completed within the assigned time limit as scheduled.

• Missed exams due to illness or other valid reasons may be deferred with appropriate documentation.

Support Services

• Registrar’s Office: For registration and administrative support.

• Academic Support: Includes Student Life and Learning, Vice President of Campus Life, and Student Success Centre.

• Writing Centre: Offers free support for writing and learning, including one-on-one consultations.

Grading Scale

The following table summarizes the grade descriptions and their corresponding grade point values:

Grade Description	Letter Grade	Grade Point Value
Outstanding performance, demonstrating complete and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, initiative, and analytical ability.	A+	4.0
Excellent performance, demonstrating thorough understanding, initiative, and analytical ability.	A	4.0
Very Good performance, demonstrating a high level of understanding and analytical ability.	B+	3.3
Good performance, demonstrating a sound understanding of the subject matter.	B	3.0
Satisfactory performance, demonstrating adequate understanding of the subject matter.	C+	2.3
Poor/Minimal Pass, demonstrating only a marginal level of understanding.	D	1.0
Failure, demonstrating an inadequate understanding of the subject matter.	F	0

Additional Information

• All students must complete the AT 100 module before the first midterm exam.

• Contact information for instructors and support staff is provided in the syllabus for further assistance.