Syllabus and Study Guide: College Biology – Structure and Function of Organisms (BIO 250)

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, objectives, and requirements for BIO 250: College Biology – Structure and Function of Organisms. The course provides an in-depth introduction to the structure, development, and physiological processes of plants and animals, emphasizing the relationship between structure and function at multiple levels of biological organization.

Course Description

• Focus: Structure, development, and physiological processes in plants and animals.

• Emphasis: Relationship between structure and function at cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels.

• Topics: Includes animal and plant form and function, physiological regulation, organ systems, and adaptation to the environment.

Course Objectives

• Describe and compare animal and plant organization at cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels.

• Explain physiological processes such as digestion, gas exchange, internal transport, excretion, and regulation.

• Analyze the role of homeostasis and hormonal regulation in animals and plants.

• Interpret the relationship between structure and function in adaptation to habitat and environment.

• Apply critical thinking and scientific reasoning to biological phenomena.

Major Topics and Lecture Schedule

Date	Lecture Topic	Chapter/Pages
Sept 3	Course Introduction/Animal Form and Function Overview	Ch. 40, 41 (part)
Sept 5	Animal Nutrition	Ch. 41
Sept 10	Animal Nervous System	Ch. 48, 49
Sept 12	Animal Sensory Systems	Ch. 50
Sept 17	Animal Endocrine System	Ch. 45
Sept 19	Animal Musculoskeletal System	Ch. 46
Sept 24	Animal Reproduction	Ch. 47
Sept 26	Animal Development	Ch. 47
Oct 1	Plant Form & Function Overview	Ch. 35, 36
Oct 3	Plant Nutrition, Transport, and External Signaling	Ch. 36, 39
Oct 8	Plant Hormones & Regulation	Ch. 39
Oct 10	Plant Reproduction	Ch. 38
Oct 15	Gas Exchange Systems	Ch. 42
Oct 17	Internal Transport Systems	Ch. 42
Oct 22	Osmoregulation and Excretion	Ch. 44
Oct 24	Immune System	Ch. 43
Oct 29	Comparative Animal Adaptations	Ch. 40, 44
Oct 31	Comparative Plant Adaptations	Ch. 36, 39
Nov 5	Comparative Reproductive Patterns	Ch. 47, 38
Nov 7	Comparative Developmental Patterns	Ch. 47, 38
Nov 12	Plant Development	Ch. 38
Nov 14	Plant Growth Regulation	Ch. 39
Nov 19	Comprehensive Final Exam (Review)	All chapters

Laboratory Schedule (Selected Topics)

• Introduction to Data Presentation and Analysis

• Animal Nervous and Sensory Systems

• Hormone Systems in Plants and Animals

• Animal Multicellular Systems

• Plant and Animal Nutrition

• Gas Exchange Systems

• Transport and Excretion in Animals

• Immune Systems in Animals

• Animal Reproduction and Development

Assessment and Grading

• Lecture Grade (40%): Based on exams, quizzes, and participation.

• Laboratory Grade (35%): Based on lab participation, reports, and practical exams.

• Final Exam (25%): Cumulative, covering all course material.

Student Requirements and Expectations

• Attend all lectures and laboratory sessions.

• Complete all assignments and exams as scheduled.

• Participate in discussions and group work.

• Follow academic integrity and college policies.

Academic Integrity and Policies

• All submitted work must be original and completed independently unless otherwise specified.

• Plagiarism and use of unauthorized AI tools are prohibited.

• Attendance is required; excessive absences may affect grades.

• Students are responsible for keeping up with assignments and deadlines.

Support Services

• Disability Services: Accommodations available for eligible students.

• Mental Health & Wellness: Counseling and support resources provided.

Additional Info

• Textbook: Campbell Biology (12th edition, with Mastering Biology access).

• Lab handouts and assignments are posted online (Brightspace).

• Contact information for instructor and support services is provided in the syllabus.