Biology 201 - Biological Principles I: Course Syllabus and Structure

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Course Overview

Biology 201 - Biological Principles I at York College (CUNY) is an introductory course covering foundational concepts in biology, including evolution, genetics, plant and animal diversity, ecology, and the structure and function of organ systems. The course integrates lectures and laboratory exercises to provide a comprehensive understanding of biological systems and their experimental study.

Course Description

Lecture: 3 hours per week
Laboratory: 3 hours per week (Bio 201L)
Credits: 4
Topics: Biology of organisms, structure and function of plant and animal organ systems, phylogeny, ecology, and evolution
Experimental Study: Emphasis on laboratory investigation and scientific inquiry

Desired Learning Objectives

Describe the process of evolution and its importance in biology
Identify characteristics of diverse animal phyla
Demonstrate knowledge of basic plant physiology
Understand the evolutionary significance of animal behavior
Learn basic principles of ecology

Course Materials

Required Textbook: Reece et al. 2021. Campbell Biology, 12th Edition
Mastering Biology: Online assignments via Pearson's platform (registration required)
Laboratory Manual: Directions provided via Blackboard

Evaluation and Grading

Exams (3): 35%
Mastering Biology Exercises: 10%
Laboratory: 30% (includes quizzes, lab project, midterm, and final exam)
Final Exam: 25% (cumulative)
Grading Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
93.0% or above	A
90.0–92.9%	A-
87.0–89.9%	B+
83.0–86.9%	B
80.0–82.9%	B-
77.0–79.9%	C+
73.0–76.9%	C
70.0–72.9%	C-
67.0–69.9%	D+
60.0–66.9%	D
59.9% or lower	F

Lecture Schedule and Major Topics

The following topics are covered, with corresponding textbook chapters and assignment deadlines:

Date	Topic	Textbook Chapter(s)
6/1	Course Orientation, Theory of Evolution	22
6/3	Basic Genetics, Evolution of Populations	14.1, 23
6/8	Evolution of Populations, Origin of Species, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells	23, 24, 6 (Figures 6.5 & 6.8)
6/10	Exam I (Ch. 22, 14.1, 23, 24, Cell), History of Life	25
6/15	History of Life, Phylogeny, Plant Diversity I	25, 26, 29
6/17	Plant Diversity I & II, Introduction to Animal Diversity	29, 30, 32
6/22	Introduction to Animal Diversity, Invertebrates	32, 33
6/24	Exam II (Ch. 25, 26, 29, 30), Invertebrates	33
6/29	Vertebrates	34
7/1	Animal Behavior	51
7/6	Population Ecology	53
7/8	Exam III (Ch. 32, 33, 34)
7/13	Community Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology	54, 55
7/15	Ecosystem Ecology, Conservation Biology and Global Change	55, 56
Final Exam	Cumulative	All above

Major Biological Themes Covered

Evolution and Natural Selection (Ch. 22, 23, 24, 25)
Genetics and Inheritance (Ch. 14.1)
Cell Structure and Function (Ch. 6)
Phylogeny and Classification (Ch. 26)
Plant Diversity and Physiology (Ch. 29, 30)
Animal Diversity (Ch. 32, 33, 34)
Animal Behavior (Ch. 51)
Ecology (Ch. 53, 54, 55, 56)

Student Responsibilities and Policies

Arrive on time and minimize disruptions
Electronic devices must be turned off during lectures
Attendance is required; late arrivals may be marked absent
Academic integrity is strictly enforced (see college policy for details)
Missed exams: Only one makeup allowed with documentation; must contact instructor within 24 hours
INC (Incomplete) grades: Only for extenuating circumstances, with strict deadlines for completion
Accommodations available for students with disabilities (contact Student Development office)
Student support services available for tutoring, counseling, and academic resources

Additional Information

Assignments and deadlines are managed via Blackboard and Mastering Biology
Laboratory exercises are essential for understanding experimental biology
Preparation before lectures (reading textbook sections, reviewing illustrations) is strongly recommended

Additional info: This syllabus provides a framework for the course, referencing key chapters from a standard biology textbook (Campbell Biology). Students are expected to engage with both lecture and laboratory components, and to develop skills in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and academic integrity.