Course Overview

Introduction

This course schedule outlines the structure, topics, and assessment methods for BIOL 1033 General Biology I, based on Campbell Biology in Focus (4th ed., 2024). The course covers foundational concepts in biology, including evolution, cell structure, genetics, and population biology, aligning with standard General Biology college curriculum.

Weekly Topics and Chapter Coverage

Weeks 1-4: Foundations of Biology

• Chapter 1: Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry

  • Definition of evolution and its role as the central theme in biology.

  • Major themes: organization, information, energy and matter, interactions, evolution.

  • Scientific method: observation, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis.

• Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life

  • Atoms, elements, and compounds essential for life.

  • Bond types: covalent, ionic, hydrogen bonds.

  • Importance of water and its properties.

• Chapter 3: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

  • Carbon's versatility in forming diverse molecules.

  • Functional groups and their biological significance.

• Chapter 4: A Tour of the Cell

  • Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells.

  • Cell organelles and their functions.

Weeks 5-7: Cell Structure and Metabolism

• Chapter 5: Membrane Structure and Function

  • Structure of biological membranes (phospholipid bilayer).

  • Transport mechanisms: diffusion, osmosis, active transport.

• Chapter 6: An Introduction to Metabolism

  • Metabolic pathways: catabolism and anabolism.

  • Enzyme function and regulation.

  • Energy transfer: ATP as the energy currency.

• Chapter 7: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

  • Stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation.

  • Fermentation as an anaerobic alternative.

  • Equation for cellular respiration:

• Chapter 8: Photosynthesis

  • Light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

  • Chloroplast structure and function.

  • Equation for photosynthesis:

Weeks 8-11: Cell Division and Genetics

• Chapter 9: The Cell Cycle

  • Phases: interphase (G1, S, G2), mitosis, cytokinesis.

  • Regulation of the cell cycle.

• Chapter 10: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

  • Meiosis I and II: reduction division and genetic variation.

  • Comparison of mitosis and meiosis.

• Chapter 11: Mendel and the Gene Idea

  • Mendelian inheritance: laws of segregation and independent assortment.

  • Genotype vs. phenotype.

• Chapter 12: The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

  • Chromosomes and gene linkage.

  • Sex-linked traits and genetic disorders.

• Chapter 13: The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

  • DNA structure and replication.

  • Central dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.

• Chapter 14: Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein

  • Transcription and translation processes.

  • Regulation of gene expression.

Weeks 12-15: Evolution and Population Biology

• Chapter 19: Descent with Modification

  • Darwinian theory of evolution.

  • Evidence for evolution: fossils, comparative anatomy, molecular biology.

• Chapter 21: The Evolution of Populations

  • Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

  • Mechanisms of evolution: natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow.

  • Hardy-Weinberg equation:

• Chapter 22: The Origin of Species

  • Speciation mechanisms: allopatric, sympatric.

  • Reproductive isolation and its role in speciation.

• Chapter 23: Broad Patterns of Evolution

  • Macroevolutionary patterns: adaptive radiation, extinction events.

  • Phylogenetic trees and evolutionary relationships.

Assessment and Assignments

Evaluation Methods

• Exams: Four regular exams (one dropped), each worth 100 points.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering chapters 1-23, worth 150 points.

• Reflections: Short written assignments on chapter topics.

• Discussions: Online participation on key concepts.

• Mastering Quizzes: Chapter-based quizzes for self-assessment.

Point Distribution Table

Important Course Events

• Classes begin: Aug 24

• Labor Day holiday: Sep 7

• Fall Break: Oct 15-16

• Mid-semester exams: Oct 19-24

• Thanksgiving holidays: Nov 25-28

• Last day of class: Dec 5

• Final Exam Week: Dec 7-20

Summary Table: Chapter Topics

Additional info:

• Some chapter numbers in the schedule may differ from the standard Campbell Biology sequence; content aligns with General Biology topics.

• Students are expected to read textbook chapters, review lecture slides, and complete assignments by posted deadlines.

• Exams are proctored online via Honorlock.