Course Overview

Introduction

BIOL 130: Introduction to Organismal and Environmental Biology is a foundational course for science concentrators, focusing on plant and animal diversity, structure, physiology, development, ecology, and evolution. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological principles and their application to organisms and environments.

Course Structure

Lecture and Lab Schedule

• Lectures: Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM

• Lab Sections: Multiple times on Tuesday, led by different instructors

• Corequisite: Biol 130L Laboratory (2 credits)

Course Materials

• Textbook: Mastering Biology with Pearson eText, 8th Edition, Scott Freeman

• Lab Manual: A Photographic Atlas for the Biology Laboratory, Van de Graaf and Crawley, 8th Edition

• Learning Platform: CANVAS for announcements, assignments, and resources

Learning Outcomes and Goals

Natural Sciences Area of Inquiry

• Understand basic concepts in physical and natural sciences

• Explain the relationship of evidence, assumptions, method, and theory in scientific analysis

Course Objectives

• Familiarity with vocabulary, concepts, historical context, and laboratory/research procedures

• Ability to acquire, present, and develop scientific ideas

• Critical and independent thinking, including statistical/quantitative analyses

• Professional ethics and understanding of academic integrity

Assessment and Grading

Grading Components

• Lecture in-class work and assignments: 10%

• Lecture exams: 60%

• Lab quizzes and prelab assignments: 30%

Assignments

• Group in-class assignments (critical thinking, data interpretation)

• Must be present in class to receive points

• Makeups allowed only for extreme circumstances

Exams

• Four exams throughout the semester (not cumulative)

• Combination of true/false, multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions

• Interpretation of data, recall of definitions, synthesis of concepts

Lab Grades

• Lab participation, quizzes, prelab assignments

• Missing three or more labs results in a failing grade

• Makeup labs possible if space is available

Letter Grade Distribution

Academic Integrity and Professional Behavior

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, collusion, misconduct, fabrication, and plagiarism are serious offenses

• Violations may result in penalties up to expulsion

• AI tools may be used for brainstorming, but main content must be original and verified

Professional Behavior

• Mutual respect and civility expected in all interactions

• Concerns should be discussed with the instructor or reported through university channels

Accessibility and University Resources

Disabilities and Accessibility Services

• Reasonable accommodations available for documented disabilities

• Contact Disability and Accessibility Services for support

Additional Resources

• Food Pantry

• Campus Safety and Emergency Management

• Counseling and Psychological Services

Tentative Schedule

Lecture Topics and Readings

• Week 1: Introduction to Biology, Science and Probability, Evolution (Ch. 1)

• Week 2: Genes, Mutations, Evolution; Natural Selection, Genetic Drift, Gene Flow (Ch. 16.4, 23.6, 22.2, 22.3, 22.5, 23.4, 23.5)

• Week 4: Probability, Inheritance, Evolution in Diploid Organisms; Speciation (Ch. 13.2, 13.4, 14.2-14.5, 23.1, 24)

• Week 5: Phylogeny Basics

• Week 6-8: Ecology, Population Ecology, Community Ecology, Species Interactions, Ecosystems, Trophic Levels, Carbon Cycle (Ch. 49.1, 51.1-4, 52.1-3, 53.1-3, 54.1)

• Week 9-12: Multicellular Organisms, Plant Diversity, Plant Reproduction, Plant Form and Function, Transport, CO2, Water and Nutrient Uptake, Plant Growth and Development (Ch. 28, 34.1, 34.3-4, 35.1-2, 38.1-3, 38.4)

• Week 13-15: Fungi, Animal Diversity, Deuterostomes, Protostomes (Ch. 29.1-3, 30.1-4, 31, 32.1-5)

• Final Exam: December 16

Success Strategies

• Keep up with Canvas announcements and resources

• Take thorough notes during lectures

• Attend and participate in class and group activities

• Prepare for labs and quizzes

• Attend Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions

• Study regularly and review material before exams

• Explain topics out loud to reinforce understanding

Example: The course schedule includes topics such as evolution, genetics, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology, which are central to General Biology. Students will engage in both lecture and laboratory activities to develop practical and theoretical understanding.