Course Overview

Introduction to Biology II

BIO 103 at Southern Connecticut State University is a comprehensive course designed for biology majors and minors, focusing on organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. The course covers the diversity of life, organ systems, evolution, and ecology, integrating both lecture and laboratory components for a total of 4 credits.

• Lecture: 3 hours per week

• Lab: 3 hours per week

• Required Materials: Campbell Biology 12th Edition (e-textbook), Mastering Biology software, Investigating Biology 9th Edition lab manual

Course Objectives

Learning Goals

The course aims to develop students' understanding of biological principles and their application to real-world issues. Key objectives include:

• Using the scientific method to collect, analyze, and interpret data

• Executing basic laboratory skills and techniques

• Communicating scientific knowledge about the functions of living things

• Applying life science knowledge to evaluate societal issues

• Identifying and describing life cycles across taxa

• Describing tissue types and organ systems

• Understanding shared and unique characteristics across phylogenies

• Explaining types of evolution

• Explaining the connection between biodiversity and ecosystem structure/function

Course Structure and Assessment

Lecture and Laboratory Components

The course is divided equally between lecture and laboratory work, each contributing 50% to the final grade. Lectures include discussions, presentations, and supplemental materials, while labs focus on hands-on activities and safety protocols.

• Lecture (50%):

  • Lecture Exam #1: 5%

  • Lecture Exam #2: 10%

  • Lecture Exam #3: 10%

  • Lecture Exam #4: 10%

  • Online Homework: 15%

• Lab (50%):

  • Lab Exams (4 @ 5% each): 20%

  • Pre-lab Quizzes: 10%

  • Post-lab Review Questions: 20%

Grading Scale

Letter Grades and GPA

The grading scale is as follows:

Weekly Topics and Schedule

Lecture and Lab Topics

The course covers a wide range of topics relevant to General Biology, including:

• History of Earth (Ch. 25)

• Evolution (Ch. 22, 23)

• Phylogeny (Ch. 26)

• Protista (Ch. 28)

• Plant Diversity I & II (Ch. 29, 30)

• Fungi (Ch. 31)

• Animal Diversity (Ch. 32)

• Invertebrates (Ch. 33)

• Vertebrates (Ch. 34)

• Ecology (Ch. 53, 54)

• Conservation Biology (Ch. 56)

Laboratory activities reinforce lecture topics and include scientific investigation, population genetics, plant and animal diversity, and conservation.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Evolution and Phylogeny

Evolution is the process by which populations of organisms change over time through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. Phylogeny refers to the evolutionary history and relationships among species, often depicted as a phylogenetic tree.

• Natural Selection: The differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype.

• Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium: A principle stating that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences.

• Phylogenetic Tree: A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species.

Equation:

where p and q are allele frequencies in a population.

Biodiversity and Conservation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in all its forms and levels, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Conservation biology aims to protect and manage biodiversity, addressing threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.

• Species Diversity: The number and relative abundance of species in a community.

• Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

• Conservation Strategies: Protected areas, restoration ecology, and sustainable resource management.

Plant and Animal Diversity

The course explores the diversity of plants and animals, including their classification, anatomy, and life cycles.

• Nonvascular Plants: Plants without specialized transport tissues (e.g., mosses).

• Seed Plants: Plants that reproduce via seeds (e.g., angiosperms and gymnosperms).

• Invertebrates: Animals without a backbone (e.g., mollusks, annelids).

• Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone (e.g., fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals).

Laboratory Skills and Safety

Scientific Investigation and Lab Safety

Students are expected to develop proficiency in laboratory techniques, including observation, data collection, and analysis. Lab safety protocols must be followed at all times.

• Pre-lab Preparation: Read assigned lab manual chapters before attending lab.

• Lab Safety: Follow all safety instructions and procedures provided by the instructor.

• Lab Activities: May be completed independently or in groups.

Academic Policies and Resources

University Policies

The syllabus outlines important university policies regarding academic integrity, inclusivity, accommodations, mental health, and student conduct. Students are expected to adhere to all guidelines and utilize available campus resources for academic and personal support.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Attendance: Regular attendance is expected; mandatory on exam days.

• Inclusivity: Diversity and equity are valued; all students should be treated with respect.

• Accommodations: Available for students with documented disabilities.

• Support Services: Tutoring, counseling, health services, and more are available.

Study Tips and Success Strategies

Maximizing Performance

To succeed in BIO 103, students should:

• Attend all lectures and labs

• Complete assigned readings before class

• Participate in tutoring and review sessions

• Stay organized and keep track of homework and exam dates

• Engage with campus resources for academic and personal support

Example: Attending Peer Academic Leader (PAL) sessions has been shown to improve grades by a full letter.

Course Schedule Summary

Major Topics by Week

Additional info: The syllabus aligns closely with the General Biology topics listed, covering evolution, diversity, phylogeny, plant and animal biology, ecology, and conservation. Students are encouraged to use this guide as a reference for course structure, expectations, and key concepts.