BIOL 2107K Principles of Biology I

Course Overview

This course is the first in a two-semester sequence addressing fundamental biological principles. It is designed for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or related fields. The course covers topics such as the chemistry of life, the cell, metabolism, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, and protein synthesis. Laboratory exercises supplement the lecture material.

• Prerequisite: Passing or exempting READ 0099.

• Credit Hours: 4 (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab per week)

Course Learning Outcomes

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

• Identify steps of the Scientific Method and apply them in class and lab.

• Identify four major macromolecules and their constituents.

• Summarize the steps of photosynthesis.

• Summarize the steps of cellular respiration.

• Be able to write a variety of genetics problems.

Course Content and Structure

Main Topics

• Scientific Method: The process by which scientists investigate natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

• Chemistry of Life: Study of atoms, molecules, and macromolecules essential for life, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

• Cell Structure and Function: Examination of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles, and cellular processes.

• Metabolism: Overview of biochemical pathways, including catabolism and anabolism, and the role of enzymes.

• Photosynthesis: The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

• Cellular Respiration: The process by which cells extract energy from glucose and other molecules.

• Cell Division: Mitosis and meiosis, including the stages and significance of each process.

• Genetics: Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, Punnett squares, and genetic problem-solving.

• Protein Synthesis: Transcription and translation processes in gene expression.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 7th Edition, Pearson Publishers.

• Mastering Biology (online homework platform, bundled with textbook or purchased separately).

• Lab Manual: Lab Manual, BIOL 2107K, 13th edition, McGraw Hill Publishers.

• Lab Safety Equipment: Goggles (required), lab coat (optional; both available at low cost in the bookstore).

Assessment and Grading

Grading Scale

• A: 90-100%

• B: 80-89%

• C: 70-79%

• D: 60-69%

• F: <60%

Lecture Point Breakdown

Lab Point Breakdown

Total Possible Points: Lecture + Lab = 850 Points

Grade Calculation Formula

Assessment Details

• Exams: Four unit exams and one comprehensive final exam. Exams will be multiple-choice and may include short discussion. The lowest exam score (excluding the final) will be dropped. No make-up exams except for documented emergencies.

• Quizzes: Quizzes are worth 10 points each and include the reading quizzes in Mastering Biology. The top 10 assignment grades will be used in grade calculations.

• Lab Practicals: Two lab-based exams to assess understanding of lab activities.

• Homework Assignments: Assignments are worth 10 points each and will be done in Mastering Biology. Late assignments may receive a zero.

Policies and Student Support

Attendance Policy

Students are responsible for attending class or regularly accessing the online course and for the material presented in all classes.

Make-Up Work Policy

• No make-ups for missed exams or assignments without documentation of a college-approved excuse (e.g., doctor’s note or medical emergency).

• Missed assessments must be made up within one week if documentation is provided.

• Missed lab practicals cannot be made up.

Disability and Access Statements

• Students requiring accommodations must register with the Office of Disability Services on their campus.

• Contact information for each campus is provided in the syllabus.

Counseling and Academic Support

• Telecounseling and crisis support are available for students experiencing mental health challenges.

• Student Success Centers offer tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic support at no charge.

• Library resources and research assistance are available on all campuses.

Additional Information

• Students are expected to monitor their grades throughout the semester.

• Academic honesty is required; plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated.

• Contact your instructor through the official SGSC email or platform for all course-related questions.

Example Application

• Scientific Method Example: A student observes that a plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. They form a hypothesis, design an experiment to test it, collect data, and draw a conclusion based on the results.

• Genetics Problem Example: Using a Punnett square to predict the probability of offspring inheriting a particular trait from two heterozygous parents.