Introduction to General Biology: Course Overview and Foundations

Course Introduction and Logistics

Course Overview

This section introduces students to the structure and expectations of the General Biology (BIOL 141) course. It covers essential information about course materials, schedules, and resources to help students succeed.

• Instructor: Chris Sedlacek ([e-mail])

• Office Hours: Monday 11:00am, Wednesday 2:00pm, or by appointment (SC 1280)

• Course Platform: Blackboard (for syllabus, lab manual, lectures, assignments, quizzes, and announcements)

• Required Materials: Lab manual (print for lab), three-ring notebook, calculator, pen/pencil, close-toed shoes for lab

• Sections:

  • Section 001: Tues 9-11:50am

  • Section 002: Wed 9-11:50am

  • Section 003: Thurs 9-11:50am (Dr. Maurice)

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 12th Edition (older editions acceptable)

Course Grading

The grading system is designed to assess student understanding through multiple formats.

• Exams: 4 exams, 100 points each (scantron)

• Lab: 150 points

• Assignments: 150 points

• Quizzes: Included in assignments

• Participation: Included in assignments

• Total Points: 900 (810 points for an A)

Student Resources

• Printing: Locations: Room 3104 (main stairs), Room 1237 (biology labs). Student Resource Room requires sign-up and paper provision.

• Support Centers: Advising and Resource Center, Biology Student Resource Room

• Office Hours: Students are encouraged to visit for questions, clarifications, and academic support.

Foundations of Biology

What is Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from molecular biology to ecology, and seeks to understand the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things.

• Definition: Biology is the study of living things and their vital processes.

• Shared Properties of Life:

  • Regulation: Ability to maintain stable internal conditions (homeostasis)

  • Organization: Living things are organized from molecules up to the biosphere

  • Growth and Development: Organisms grow and develop according to genetic instructions

  • Energy Processing: Use of energy to power activities (e.g., metabolism, photosynthesis)

  • Response to Environment: Ability to sense and respond to stimuli

  • Reproduction: Production of new organisms

  • Evolutionary Adaptation: Populations evolve over generations

• Levels of Biological Organization:

  • Biosphere – All life on Earth and the places where life exists

  • Ecosystems – All living things in a particular area, along with nonliving components

  • Communities – Array of organisms inhabiting a particular ecosystem

  • Populations – All individuals of a species living within an area

  • Organisms – Individual living things

  • Organs and Organ Systems – Body parts that perform specific functions

  • Tissues – Groups of cells working together

  • Cells – Fundamental unit of life

  • Organelles – Functional components within cells

  • Molecules – Chemical structures consisting of two or more atoms

Why Study Biology?

Studying biology helps us understand the natural world, informs medical and environmental decisions, and fosters scientific literacy. It is foundational for careers in health, research, education, and many other fields.

• Applications: Medicine, biotechnology, conservation, agriculture, and more

• Scientific Literacy: Enables informed decision-making about health and environment

• Personal Interest: Curiosity about life and living systems

Course Themes and Outline

Main Themes in General Biology

The course will cover several major themes that are central to the study of biology.

• The Chemistry of Life and Macromolecules: Understanding the molecular basis of life, including water, carbon compounds, and biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids)

• Metabolism and Photosynthesis: How organisms obtain and use energy, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis

• Genetics: Principles of heredity, DNA structure and function, gene expression

• Evolutionary Biology: Mechanisms of evolution, natural selection, speciation, and the diversity of life

Scientific Method in Biology

Biology relies on the scientific method to investigate questions and test hypotheses about living systems.

• Steps of the Scientific Method:

  1. Observation

  2. Question

  3. Hypothesis

  4. Experiment

  5. Data Collection

  6. Analysis

  7. Conclusion

• Example: Testing the effect of light on plant growth by comparing plants grown in sunlight versus darkness

Additional Info

• Class Participation: Teaming up with classmates and attending office hours are encouraged for academic success.

• Course Demographics: Students come from diverse majors and years, as shown in pie charts (Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Exercise Science, Undecided).

• Preparation for Lab: Bring lab manual, notebook, calculator, and follow safety protocols.