Course Overview

Introduction to BIO 150: Organismal & Ecological Biology

BIO 150 is a foundational course in General Biology, focusing on organismal and ecological principles. The course is designed for students majoring in biology and related fields, providing essential knowledge for advanced study in the life sciences.

• Instructor: Dr. Randy Small, Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

• Course Sections: 010-016, 018-019

• Location: University of Tennessee, Strong Hall

• Course Emphasis: Organismal biology, ecology, evolution, and scientific inquiry

Supplementary Instruction (E-SI)

What is E-SI?

Supplementary Instruction (SI) is a student-centered review program designed to help students synthesize and practice material covered in lectures. SI sessions provide opportunities to work on questions similar to those found on exams, enhancing understanding and academic performance.

• Student-Centered Review: Focuses on collaborative learning and peer discussion.

• Practice and Synthesis: Reinforces lecture content through active engagement.

• Improved Outcomes: Data shows that students who attend SI sessions tend to achieve higher grades.

Example: In Fall 2024, the average grade for students attending SI was 3.0, compared to 2.5 for those who did not attend.

Course Structure and Policies

Session Times and Activities

Regular SI sessions and review classes are scheduled to support student learning and exam preparation.

• SI Sessions: Wednesdays 5-6 PM in Strong Hall 126

• Review Sessions: Held before exams

• First Session: Announced at the start of the semester

• Additional Topics: Study tips, burnout prevention, and important course policies

Collaborative Learning

The course emphasizes group work and peer discussion, as research shows that quality peer interaction enhances learning outcomes.

• Group Work: Frequent discussion questions and collaborative exercises

• Peer Interaction: Encouraged to share backgrounds and interesting facts to foster a supportive learning environment

• Classroom Technology: Use of clickers (Point Solutions) for interactive participation

The Nature of Science

Scientific Method and Hypothesis Testing

Understanding the scientific method is a core objective of BIO 150. Students will learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret data.

• Observation: Science begins with careful observation and questioning.

• Hypothesis: A testable statement that explains a phenomenon or set of observations.

• Prediction: Logical outcomes expected if the hypothesis is correct.

• Experiment/Study: Designed to test predictions and gather data.

• Data Analysis: Interpreting results to support or refute the hypothesis.

Key Terms:

• Null Hypothesis (H0): States that there is no effect or difference.

• Alternative Hypothesis (HA): States that there is an effect or difference.

Example: To test if SI attendance affects grades:

• HA: Students who attend SI achieve higher scores than those who do not.

• H0: There is no difference in scores between students who attend SI and those who do not.

Application: Giraffe Neck Length Hypotheses

The scientific method can be applied to real biological questions, such as why giraffes have long necks.

• Competition Hypothesis: Long necks evolved to allow giraffes to reach food unavailable to others.

• Prediction: Giraffes should feed high in trees if this hypothesis is correct.

• Null Hypothesis: Neck length has nothing to do with food acquisition; giraffes feed at various heights.

Data Interpretation: If data show giraffes feed mostly at shoulder height, this may not support the competition hypothesis.

Scientific Process Summary

• Formulate a question based on observation.

• Develop a testable hypothesis and make predictions.

• Design and conduct experiments or observational studies.

• Analyze data to support or refute the hypothesis.

• Revise hypotheses and repeat as necessary.

Conclusion

BIO 150 introduces students to the foundational concepts of organismal and ecological biology, emphasizing the scientific method, collaborative learning, and the application of biological principles to real-world questions. Active participation in SI sessions and group discussions is encouraged to maximize learning and academic success.