Course Description
Prerequisite for most other biology courses. Lecture covers the fundamental principles of biology including the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics, and biotechnology. Corequisite: BIO 111L or permission of instructor; Notes: May not be taken more than twice; BIO majors: BIO 100.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- explain how the deliberate process of scientific inquiry (i.e., the scientific method) informs us about the world around us,
- interpret data presented in graphs and tables and draw conclusions based on the data presented,
- list the major groups of biologically important macromolecules, describe their structure, and explain their functions in a cell,
- describe the basic structure and function of cells and the structures within many cells called organelles,
- describe the structure of biological membranes and explain how they control the movement of substances into and out of cells,
- describe the flow of energy through living systems and explain how cells harvest, store, and use energy,
- explain what a gene is and how a cell uses the information stored in the DNA of its genes to maintain itself and carry out its specific functions,
- describe the processes by which cells reproduce, and
- explain how genetic information is passed from one generation to the next.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Tests (4 tests) | 66% |
| Quizzes (8 quizzes) | 17% |
| Homework | 14% |
| In-class activities (iClicker participation) | 3% |
Final course grades are determined as follows: A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F=<60%. Grades in this class are not curved.
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90-100% | A |
| 80-89% | B |
| 70-79% | C |
| 60-69% | D |
| <60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance does not count toward your course grade. However, in-class activities do count, and persons who are not present during class for in-class activities will not earn those points.
An unexcused absence on the day of a quiz will result in a grade of 0 (zero) for the quiz.
Valid excuses for missing a test or a quiz are limited to participation in university-sponsored events, serious personal illness, a family emergency, observation of a religious obligation, or fulfillment of a military duty.
Appropriate verification of a valid absence will be required to be excused from a quiz or to take a makeup test.
There are no make-up quizzes.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- e-text Book: How Life Work (2023; 4th edition) by Morris et al. Your ebook is included with First Day Complete.
- Achieve: Access is included with First Day Complete.
- iClicker Classroom Response Remote: Your iClicker is included with First Day Complete. Get your iClicker at the UNCG Bookstore in the Elliot University Center.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.