Course Overview

Course Description

BIOL 1102 Biology II is a college-level course designed to provide students with a broad introduction to general biology, focusing on the evolutionary history and relationships of living organisms. The course covers microbes, plants, and animals, emphasizing their evolutionary origins, diversity, structure, function, and ecological importance.

Course Structure and Assessment

Lecture and Lab Format

• Lectures: Interactive 50-minute sessions covering major concepts in organismal biology.

• Lab: Practical component contributing 25% to the overall grade.

Grading Breakdown

Extra Credit: Three assignments (20 pts each) and a timeline assignment (40 pts), totaling 100 points.

Grade Scale

Course Objectives

• Understand the evolutionary history and relationships among living organisms.

• Master concepts related to the diversity, structure, and function of microbes, plants, and animals.

• Appreciate the importance of biological organisms and systems in the context of global change.

Required Materials

• Primary Textbook: Campbell Biology in Focus (4th ed.)

• Climate Change Biology Textbook: Introduction to Climate Science (Schmittner 2021)

Major Units and Topics

Unit 3: Evolution

• Descent with Modification: The process by which organisms change over generations, leading to evolutionary diversity.

• Phylogeny: The evolutionary history and relationships among species.

• Evolution of Populations: How genetic variation and natural selection drive changes in populations.

• Origin of Species: Mechanisms of speciation and the emergence of new species.

• Origins of Life on Earth: Theories and evidence regarding the emergence of life (not in textbook).

• Patterns of Evolution: Types and trends in evolutionary change.

Unit 4: Evolutionary History of Life

• Prokaryotes: Structure, diversity, and ecological roles of bacteria and archaea.

• Eukaryotes: Evolution and characteristics of eukaryotic cells and organisms.

• Colonization of Land by Plants: Adaptations and evolutionary milestones in plant terrestrialization.

Unit 5: Plant Form and Function

• Vascular Plant Structure and Growth: Anatomy and development of vascular plants.

• Plant Resource Acquisition and Transport: Mechanisms of nutrient and water uptake and distribution.

• Plant Reproduction: Life cycles and reproductive strategies in plants.

• Plant Ecophysiology: Physiological adaptations to environmental conditions.

Unit 6: Animal Form and Function

• Rise of Animal Diversity: Evolutionary origins and diversification of animal life.

• Animal Form and Function: Comparative anatomy and physiology.

• Animal Nutrition: Digestive systems and nutritional strategies.

• Circulation and Gas Exchange: Transport systems and respiratory mechanisms.

• The Immune System: Defense mechanisms against pathogens.

• Nervous and Sensory Systems: Structure and function of nervous systems and sensory organs.

• Motor Mechanisms and Behavior: Movement and behavioral adaptations.

Unit 7: Ecology

• Weather and Climate: Environmental factors influencing life (not in textbook).

• Life on Land, Biomes, Population Ecology: Distribution and dynamics of organisms (not in textbook).

• Ecosystems and Energy: Flow of energy and matter through ecosystems.

• Conservation Biology and Global Change: Strategies for preserving biodiversity and understanding human impacts.

Academic Policies

Attendance

• Attendance is mandatory and tracked via in-class polling and questions.

• Absences exceeding 30% of class meetings without excuse may result in a grade of "X".

Make-Up Exams

• No make-up exams except for confirmed medical illness or emergencies.

• Make-up exams may be reformatted at instructor's discretion.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and may result in course failure and disciplinary action.

• Refer to ISU Academic Integrity and Dishonesty Policy for details.

Student Support and Success

• Students are encouraged to maintain personal health and wellbeing.

• Free, confidential counseling services are available through ISU's Center for New Directions and Counseling and Testing Services.

• Accommodations for disabilities are available; contact Disability Services early in the semester.

Additional Info

• Some topics (e.g., Origins of Life, Weather and Climate, Life on Land, Population Ecology) are not covered in the primary textbook and may require supplemental readings.

• Course is held on the traditional lands of the Shoshone-Bannock and Paiute Peoples; respect for Indigenous communities is emphasized.