Course Overview

Course Description & Objectives

This course is the second part of a two-semester college biology sequence designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of biology. The course focuses on the life sciences, including the study of the origins of life, diversity, structure, and function of living organisms, genetics, and taxonomy. Students will develop scientific reasoning and analytical skills necessary for interpreting biological data and understanding the scientific method.

• Emphasis: Diversity and classification of organisms, genetics, and the scientific method.

• Skills Developed: Analytical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific communication.

• Preparation: Prepares students for advanced study in biological sciences and related fields.

Broad Course Objectives

The course aims to foster a deep understanding of the place of humans in the universe, the relationships among living things, and the integration of biological knowledge with other scientific disciplines. Students will learn to:

• Understand the place of life in the universe and relationships to other living things.

• Make appropriate decisions in areas involving biological, social, and scientific thought.

• Understand the scientific method and its application to the life sciences.

• Be able to use and critically analyze scientific and technological information.

• Understand the relationship between biology and other natural sciences.

• Reinforce their confidence in communication and public skills.

Transfer: This course is suitable for students planning to transfer to an upper division major in the biological sciences with minimal additional preparation.

Learning Outcomes

Scientific Reasoning and Skills

Students will develop the ability to use scientific reasoning, analyze and interpret data, and apply the scientific method to biological problems. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Make deductive and inductive inferences.

• Control for variables in experiments.

• Use the scientific method (gather, analyze, and synthesize data relevant to a problem).

• Apply scientific models to new situations.

• Form explanations based on fundamental theories.

• Interpret data in both tabular and graphical form.

• Apply specialized biological knowledge in a broader context.

Course Resources

Textbooks

• Primary Text: Campbell Biology, 12th edition, or equivalent.

• Lab Manual: Core Biology 2 Lab BSC2011L by Guerin et al., 2022 (7th Edition).

Students are expected to read assigned chapters before class and bring the textbook and lab manual to each session. The lab manual contains instructions and procedures for laboratory exercises and is essential for quizzes and lab work.

Course Organization & Assessment

Exams and Quizzes

• Lecture Exams: Four exams, each covering relevant material from lectures.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all course material.

• Laboratory Practical Exams: Three practical exams, each worth 6.66% of the grade.

• Laboratory Quizzes: Weekly quizzes based on recent lab material.

• In-Class Quizzes: Randomly given throughout the semester to assess understanding of lecture content.

Grading Scale

Note: Late submissions or notes taken in class may affect quiz scores.

Laboratory Safety and Dress Code

Laboratory Dress Code

• Students must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants in the laboratory.

• No food or drink is allowed in the lab, whether in open or closed containers.

• Improper attire (e.g., sandals, ripped clothing, shorts, skirts, or dresses) will result in dismissal from the lab session.

Proper lab attire is essential for safety and participation in laboratory activities.

College Policies

Academic Integrity

• Students must adhere to the college's Code of Student Conduct regarding academic honesty and integrity.

• Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity

• The college provides accommodations for students with disabilities through the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC).

• Students should contact the DRC early in the semester to arrange for accommodations.

• The college prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, disability, or other protected categories.

Student Support Services

• Counseling services are available for academic and personal support.

• Students are encouraged to utilize these resources for success in the course.

Summary Table: Course Components and Weighting

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course expectations, resources, and policies for General Biology II. Students are encouraged to review all sections carefully and reach out to the instructor or college support services with any questions.