Introduction to Biology (BIOL 101-50) – Syllabus and Study Guide

Study Guide - Smart Notes

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Course Overview

Introduction

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of biology, emphasizing the scientific method, biological organization, genetics, evolution, and ecology. It is designed for undergraduate students and fulfills the General Education Requirement for Scientific Reasoning.

Instructor: Dr. Ash Stuart
Course Format: Online (Aug 27 – Dec 12)
Textbook: Biology: Science for Life, 6th Edition by Belk and Borden Maier
Course Platform: Canvas

Course Goals

Critical Discussion Topics

By the end of the course, students should be able to critically discuss the following topics:

The Scientific Method: Hypotheses, theories, and experiments; statistics, sources
Basics of Life: Water, chemistry, macromolecules, prokaryotic & eukaryotic cells, metabolism, nutrition
Energy: Respiration & photosynthesis
Genetics: Cancer, cell division, DNA replication, chromosomes, inheritance, forensics, genetic engineering
Evolution: Darwin, natural selection, disease & human health, sexual selection
Diversity: Tree of life, kingdoms & domains, populations, carrying capacity, extinction, predation, circle of life (e.g., Lion King)
Environment: Climate patterns, biomes, climate change

Course Objectives and Outcomes

General Education Learning Outcomes

Objective 1: Apply methods of scientific inquiry effectively.
- Understand the scope and philosophy of scientific inquiry
- Use scientific methodology to address and solve problems
- Analyze a scientific study to determine if conclusions are appropriate
Objective 2: Demonstrate logic and reasoning skills.
- Demonstrate logic and reasoning skills
- Apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address complex knowledge
Objective 3: Apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address complex knowledge.
- Utilize disciplinary or interdisciplinary skills to address complex problems
- Realize the impact science has on contemporary life
Objective 4: Acquire basic biological knowledge.
- Understand science as empirical inquiry
- Become fluent in scientific terms such as "fact," "hypothesis," "law," and "model"
- Explain the chemical composition, structure, and function of the cell
- Communicate the fundamentals of genetics and evolution
Objective 5: Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry.
- Recognize that scientific advances often depend on new technology
- Appreciate that advances often combine knowledge from different fields
Objective 6: Learn about the interdependence of organisms and their environment.
- Recognize the diversity of living organisms
- Appreciate large scale effects of populations on the environment

Course Sequence

Weekly Topics and Reading Assignments

Week	Chapter	Topic	Due Date
1	Intro Assignments	The Scientific Method and Experiments	Aug 29
2	2	Chemistry of Life	Sep 5
3	4	Cellular Metabolism and Nutrition	Sep 12
4	5	Global Warming and Plant Cells	Sep 19
5	6	DNA Synthesis and Mitosis	Sep 26
6	7	Meiosis and Human Reproduction	Oct 3
7	8	Mendelian Genetics	Oct 10
8	9 & 10	Traits, Heritability, Expression, DNA profiling, Mutations, Cloning	Oct 17
9	11	Evolution	Oct 24
10	12	Natural Selection	Oct 31
11	13	Speciation & Macroevolution	Nov 7
12	14 & 15	Classification & Population Ecology	Nov 21
Thanksgiving		NO ASSIGNMENTS THIS WEEK
13	16	Community & Ecosystem Ecology	Dec 5
14	17	Biomes & Climate (Final Exam)	Dec 12

Assessment and Grading

Grading Components

Exams: Three exams (Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 12)
Quizzes: Regular quizzes during most sessions
Homework: Assigned as individual assignments or short projects
Participation: In-class and online discussion forums

Important Dates

Last day to withdraw with 100% tuition refund: Sep 2, 2025
Last day to withdraw with 50% tuition refund: Sep 9, 2025
Last day to withdraw from courses with "W" grade: Nov 7, 2025

Course Policies

Attendance: Regular participation is required. Absences must be documented.
Late Submissions: Not accepted.
Outside-Class Preparation: Minimum six hours per week recommended for studying and assignments.
Academic Integrity: Strict adherence to college policies regarding honesty and conduct.
LockDown Browser & Respondus Webcam: Required for online exams. Follow installation and usage guidelines.

Textbook and Resources

Required Textbook: Biology: Science for Life, 6th Edition (Belk & Borden Maier, Pearson)
Course Materials: Access via Canvas and Pearson platform
Supplementary Reading: Science Times/New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/CollegeDS)

Summary Table: Course Objectives and Assessment Methods

Objective	Outcome	Forum	Homework	Quizzes	Midterm	Final
Apply methods of scientific inquiry effectively	a. Understand the scope and philosophy of scientific inquiry b. Use scientific methodology to address and solve problems c. Analyze a scientific study to determine if conclusions are appropriate	X	HW1	X	X	X
Demonstrate logic and reasoning skills	a. Demonstrate logic and reasoning skills	X		X	X	X
Apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills	a. Identify key resources or steps required to address a complex problem b. Utilize disciplinary or interdisciplinary skills to address complex problems	X	HW2	X	X	X
Acquire basic biological knowledge	a. Realize the impact science has on contemporary life b. Understand science as empirical inquiry c. Become fluent in scientific terms such as "fact," "hypothesis," "law," and "model" d. Explain the chemical composition, structure, and function of the cell e. Communicate the fundamentals of genetics and evolution	X	HW3	X	X	X
Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry	a. Recognize that scientific advances often depend on new technology b. Appreciate that advances often combine knowledge from different fields	X	HW9	X	X	X
Learn about the interdependence of organisms and their environment	a. Recognize the diversity of living organisms b. Appreciate large scale effects of populations on the environment	X	HW11	X	X	X

Key Terms and Concepts

Scientific Method: A systematic approach to inquiry involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.
Hypothesis: A testable statement that can be supported or refuted through experimentation.
Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence.
Law: A statement describing consistent natural phenomena, often expressed mathematically.
Cell: The basic unit of life, consisting of prokaryotic (bacteria, archaea) and eukaryotic (plants, animals, fungi, protists) types.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.
Photosynthesis: The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Cellular Respiration: The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy.
Genetics: The study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Evolution: The change in genetic composition of populations over time, driven by mechanisms such as natural selection.
Ecology: The study of interactions among organisms and their environment.

Example: Application of the Scientific Method

Observation: Plants grow faster in sunlight than in shade.
Hypothesis: Sunlight increases the rate of photosynthesis in plants.
Experiment: Grow identical plants under different light conditions and measure growth rates.
Analysis: Compare growth data to determine if sunlight is a significant factor.
Conclusion: If data supports the hypothesis, sunlight is confirmed as a factor in plant growth.

Additional Info

Students are expected to spend a minimum of six hours per week on outside-class preparation, including reading, studying, and completing assignments.
LockDown Browser and Respondus Webcam are required for online exams to ensure academic integrity.
Course policies strictly prohibit late submissions and emphasize the importance of academic honesty.