Course Overview

Introduction to General Biology I

General Biology I (BIO 111) is a foundational college-level course designed to introduce students to the principles and concepts of biology. The course covers molecular and cellular biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and ecology, providing a comprehensive understanding of living systems and their interactions.

• Course Modality: 100% online, no scheduled meeting times.

• Location: Online via Blackboard.

• Instructor: Susannah Rauton

• Course Supervisor: Dr. Holly Ramey, Department Chair, Life Sciences

Course Description, Prerequisites, and Competencies

Course Description

This course introduces the scientific principles and concepts of biology, including topics such as basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and related areas. Emphasis is placed on the molecular and cellular levels, with applications to human biology and the environment.

• Prerequisites: None

• Corequisites: None

Expected Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the scientific principles and concepts of biology.

• Describe basic biological chemistry and processes.

• Discuss cellular processes and functions.

• Explain basic genetic concepts and principles.

• Describe principles and concepts of evolution.

• Discuss basic ecological principles and concepts.

Required Resources

Physical Resources

• Lab for Biology 111 – S1911-8K:001 (Available at the Forsyth Tech Bookstore)

• Webcam and microphone for Respondus LockDown Browser

Digital Resources

• eTextbook: Urry et al., Campbell Biology, 12th ed., Pearson, 2020

• Respondus LockDown Browser

Learning Support Resources

• Academic Success Center (RS 1211) – Tutoring for Forsyth Tech students

• STEM Tutoring Lab in RS 1211

• Face-to-face sessions via the Navigate System

Important Dates

• Course Entry Assignment Due: 08/21/25

• Last Day to Withdraw: 09/22/25

Course Guidelines and Procedures

Universal Course Guidelines

Students are expected to adhere to the college’s core values and policies, including academic integrity, attendance, and respectful communication. The use of generative AI tools is permitted only if it aligns with college policies.

Grade Distribution and Evaluation

Grade Distribution Table

Grading and Evaluation Categories

• Lecture: 70% of total grade

• Lab: 30% of total grade

Category Details

• Lecture Tests: 50% (Based on textbook, discussions, and lecture materials)

• Lecture Assignments: 20% (Includes journal posts, quizzes, and vocabulary activities)

• Lab Quizzes: 15% (Based on Lab Assignments and in-lab activities)

• Lab Assignments: 15% (Includes individual lab and case study or lab report)

Assignment Submission and Policies

Assignment Submission

• All assignments must be submitted via Blackboard.

• Assignments emailed to the instructor or submitted late without prior permission may not be graded.

• Academic misconduct may result in a grade of “0” for the first assignment and possible removal from the course.

Late Work/Makeup Acceptance

• Students must inform the instructor if an assignment is missed.

• Late work will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Course Attendance, Participation, and Responsibilities

Attendance and Participation

Students are expected to attend all required online participation activities and submit the course entry assignment by the deadline. Failure to meet attendance requirements may result in withdrawal from the course.

• Attending a class in person (for scheduled classes)

• Participating in online discussions or assignments

• Attending or completing group or lab activities

Missing more than 30% of lab assignments/sessions may result in withdrawal from the course.

Course Responsibilities for Instructor and Student

• Instructor Responsibilities: Provide complete and well-organized materials, encourage communication, provide feedback, respond to messages, and maintain professionalism.

• Student Responsibilities: Complete assignments and tests on time, communicate regularly, engage in discussions, check course site for updates, and maintain honesty and respect.

Weekly Schedule and Topics

Course Schedule Overview

The following table outlines the weekly topics, readings, assignments, and quizzes for General Biology I. This schedule provides a structured approach to mastering the key concepts in biology.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigation, involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

• Steps: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Collection, Analysis, Conclusion

• Example: Testing the effect of light on plant growth

Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

• Cellular Respiration Equation:

• Photosynthesis Equation:

Genetics and Inheritance

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in organisms. Mendelian inheritance describes how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes.

• Key Terms: Gene, Allele, Genotype, Phenotype, Dominant, Recessive

• Example: Mendel’s pea plant experiments

Evolution and Natural Selection

Evolution is the change in the genetic composition of populations over time. Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

• Key Points: Variation, Heritability, Differential Survival and Reproduction

• Example: Darwin’s finches

Ecological Principles

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

• Levels of Organization: Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biosphere

• Example: Food webs and energy flow

Additional info:

• Some details about lab activities and assignment deadlines were inferred from the weekly schedule and standard biology curriculum.

• Definitions and equations were expanded for clarity and completeness.