Course Overview

Introduction to BLG143: Biology I

This course provides a foundational overview of general biology, focusing on the structure and function of macromolecules and cells. It covers essential topics such as physiology, enzymes, membrane function, metabolism, photosynthesis, and cell division. The course also introduces students to genetics, patterns of inheritance, and early development, with laboratory sessions designed to complement lectures.

• Instructor: Dr. Tarushika Vasanthan

• Lab Coordinator: Karen Puddepatt

• Prerequisites: None

• Textbook: Freeman et al., Biological Science, Fourth Canadian Edition

Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the scientific method and its application in biology.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental cell biology, genetics, metabolism, and development.

3. Use Punnett squares to solve genetics problems.

4. Apply basic principles relating to evolution and problem sets in biology.

5. Communicate scientific and societal issues in biology.

Course Organization

Lecture and Laboratory Format

The course consists of lectures and laboratory sessions. Lectures cover theoretical concepts, while labs provide hands-on experience and reinforce learning.

• Lecture Sections: Multiple sections with specific meeting times.

• Laboratory Sessions: Weekly labs, each lasting three hours. Attendance and participation are essential.

Decoding Section Numbers

Course codes indicate the section and type (lecture or lab). For example, BLG143-042 refers to section 42, and BLG143-191 refers to lab section 19.

Assessment and Grading

Assessment Weighting

Grades are based on both lecture and laboratory components. The breakdown is as follows:

Laboratory component breakdown:

Lecture Evaluation

• Weekly Online Quizzes: 10 quizzes, each worth 2%.

• Case Study: Two case studies.

• Midterm Exam: Multiple choice and short answer questions.(10/12/2025. chapters 1-12)

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, multiple choice and short answer.

Laboratory Evaluation

• Prelab Assignments: Completed before each lab.

• Lab Quizzes: Based on lab manual and completed assignments.

• Report Sheets: Submitted for each lab.

• Laboratory Writing Assignment: Written report on a lab experiment.

• Demonstration of Lab Skills: Assessed by TA or instructor.

• GLP (Good Laboratory Practice): Evaluation of lab technique and safety.

Course Policies

Late or Missing Work

• Late quizzes or assignments receive a penalty of 20% per day.

• Missed midterms or labs require documentation for rescheduling.

• Extension requests must be submitted within 24 hours of the missed deadline.

Regrade Policy

• Requests must be made within 10 business days of grade release.

• Requests require a completed form and explanation.

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

• Use of contract cheating, answer-generating websites, or AI is strictly prohibited.

• Turnitin is used for plagiarism detection.

• Collaboration is allowed for problem-solving, but all submitted work must be your own.

Accessibility and Accommodation Support

• Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) is available for students with disabilities.

• Religious, Indigenous, and Spiritual Observance accommodations are available.

Important Dates

• September 13: Final date to add a course, change sections, or drop a course for a full refund.

• November 1: Final date to drop a course and receive a 50% refund.

• November 14: Final date to drop a course in good academic standing.

• December 1-14: Final exam period.

Key Concepts Introduced in the Course

Macromolecules and Cell Structure

Students will learn about the four major types of biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The structure and function of cells, including organelles and membranes, will be explored.

• Carbohydrates: Energy storage and structural components.

• Lipids: Membrane structure and energy storage.

• Proteins: Enzymes, structural support, and signaling.

• Nucleic Acids: Genetic information storage and transmission.

Genetics and Inheritance

The course covers basic principles of genetics, including Mendelian inheritance, Punnett squares, and patterns of inheritance.

• Punnett Square: A diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross.

• Mendelian Inheritance: Principles describing how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Example: If a heterozygous tall plant (Tt) is crossed with a homozygous short plant (tt), the Punnett square predicts a 1:1 ratio of tall to short offspring.

Metabolism and Enzymes

Students will study metabolic pathways and the role of enzymes in catalyzing biological reactions.

• Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the cell.

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism.

Formula:

Where E is enzyme, S is substrate, ES is enzyme-substrate complex, and P is product.

Cell Division

The process by which cells reproduce, including mitosis and meiosis.

• Mitosis: Produces two identical daughter cells.

• Meiosis: Produces four genetically unique gametes.

Formula:

(Mitosis)

(Meiosis)

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

• Photosynthesis Equation:

Development and Early Embryology

Introduction to the principles of development and early embryology, including cell differentiation and pattern formation.

• Cell Differentiation: Process by which cells become specialized.

• Pattern Formation: Organization of cells into tissues and organs.

Additional info:

• Some details about laboratory safety, GLP, and academic integrity were expanded for clarity.

• Key biological concepts were inferred from the syllabus and calendar description.