Course Overview

Course Description

Biology for Science Majors I (BIOL 1406) introduces students to the fundamental principles of living organisms, including their physical and chemical properties, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. The course covers cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning, with laboratory activities reinforcing these concepts.

• Credit Hours: 4 (3 Lecture, 3 Lab)

• Prerequisites: College-level readiness in reading

• Course Format: Online lecture and lab (INET)

Student Learning Outcomes

Lecture Outcomes

• Describe the characteristics of life – Understand what defines living organisms.

• Explain scientific inquiry methods – Learn how scientists investigate questions.

• Identify requirements of life and properties of major molecules – Study essential molecules like water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

• Compare viruses, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic cells – Analyze differences in structure, reproduction, and characteristics.

• Describe cell membrane structure and molecular movement – Explore membrane composition and transport mechanisms.

• Identify substrates, products, and pathways in metabolism – Examine metabolic reactions such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

• Understand principles of inheritance – Solve classical genetics problems.

• Identify chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins – Study DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

• Describe unity and diversity of life and evidence for evolution – Learn about evolutionary processes and natural selection.

Lab Outcomes

• Apply scientific reasoning and use laboratory tools (e.g., microscopes)

• Use critical thinking and problem-solving in lab investigations

• Communicate scientific results effectively

• Reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on activities

Texas Core Objectives

• Critical Thinking Skills: Creative thinking, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis

• Communication Skills: Written, oral, and visual communication

• Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulation and analysis of data

• Teamwork: Collaboration and consideration of diverse perspectives

• Personal Responsibility: Ethical decision-making

• Social Responsibility: Civic engagement and intercultural competence

Required Course Materials

• Lecture eText: Pearson Modified Mastering Biology eText – Campbell Biology 12e

• Lab: Achieve Online LabIA Bio Sims Lab 2.0 (Hayden-McNeil 2nd Edition)

• Technology: Reliable computer with camera and internet access; Respondus Lockdown Browser compatibility required

• Skills: Reading, comprehension, digital communication, assignment submission, lab report writing

Graded Work and Evaluation

Summary of Graded Work

Final Grade Scale

Description of Graded Work

• Lecture Exams: 3-4 timed, proctored exams (multiple choice, short answer, essay)

• Lab Exams: 4-5 exams (multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay)

• Lab Activities: Background, procedures, simulations, and lab reports

• Lecture Homework: Assignments to reinforce understanding

• Lecture Quizzes: Combined chapter quizzes (multiple attempts, not proctored except syllabus quiz)

• Discussion Boards: Research, cite, and respond with thoughtful posts

• Extra Credit: Opportunities throughout semester, must be completed on time

Course Schedule

Unit Breakdown

Academic Integrity and Exam Policies

• Proctored Exams: Require Respondus Lockdown Browser, audio, webcam, and a second camera for workspace monitoring

• Not Allowed During Tests: Cell phones, notes, AI technology, textbooks, other browsers, electronics, music, or other people

• Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism or cheating results in a zero, possible course failure, and reporting to Student Code of Conduct

• Examples: Copying from online sources without citation (plagiarism); sharing exam information with classmates (collusion)

Student Expectations and Policies

• Attendance: Log into Brightspace regularly, attend labs, read announcements and emails

• Personal Responsibility: Complete assignments on time, study 12-15 hours/week, read textbook prior to class

• Late Work: Not accepted except for documented, extreme circumstances; strict deadlines enforced

• eCampus: Use for assignments, announcements, and course materials

• Technical Issues: Document and report immediately; habitual failures are student's responsibility

Important Dates

• Course Start: June 8

• Certification Date: June 11

• Last Day to Withdraw: June 25

• Final Exams: July 9

• Session Ends: July 9

• Grades Due: July 13

Lecture Topics (Based on Schedule)

• Ch.1: Evolution, Themes of Biology, Scientific Inquiry

• Ch.2: The Chemical Context of Life

• Ch.3: Water and Life

• Ch.4: Carbon and Molecular Diversity of Life

• Ch.5: Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

• Ch.6: A Tour of the Cell

• Ch.7: Membrane Structure and Function

• Ch.8: Introduction to Metabolism

• Ch.9: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

• Ch.10: Photosynthesis

• Ch.12: The Cell Cycle (Mitosis)

• Ch.13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

• Ch.14: Mendel and the Gene Idea

• Ch.16: Molecular Basis of Inheritance (DNA Structure & Replication)

• Ch.17: Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein

Lab Topics

• Safety & Scientific Method

• Bacteria

• Microscopy

• Biological Molecules

• Cell Structure & Function

• Diffusion & Osmosis

• Enzymes

• Cellular Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Mitosis & Meiosis

• Genetics of Corn

• DNA

Additional Info

• Course uses Campbell Biology as the primary textbook, aligning with standard General Biology topics.

• Lab activities reinforce lecture concepts and develop scientific reasoning and communication skills.

• Strict academic integrity policies are enforced to ensure fairness and ethical conduct.