Course Details
Course Code: BIOL133 Course ID: 4627 Credit Hours: 4 Level: Undergraduate
This course provides a foundational basis for the study of basic biology. It is the first in a two-part biology series that is designed for students who intend to complete a degree that requires a majors-level biology course. Topics in in this course include an introduction to the molecular basis of life, biology of the cell, genetic and molecular biology, evolution and diversity of life on Earth. The laboratory portion of this course will include hands-on as well as virtual laboratories that complement the topics and concepts covered in the lecture component. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens and access to very hot or boiling water. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video.
Course Schedule
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Start Month | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/30/2023 - 06/30/2023 | 07/03/2023 - 10/22/2023 | July | Summer 2023 Session A | 16 Week session |
| 02/27/2023 - 08/04/2023 | 08/07/2023 - 11/26/2023 | August | Summer 2023 Session K | 16 Week session |
| 03/27/2023 - 09/01/2023 | 09/04/2023 - 12/24/2023 | September | Summer 2023 Session C | 16 Week session |
| 04/24/2023 - 09/29/2023 | 10/02/2023 - 01/21/2024 | October | Fall 2023 Session A | 16 Week session |
| 05/29/2023 - 11/03/2023 | 11/06/2023 - 02/25/2024 | November | Fall 2023 Session K | 16 Week session |
Current Syllabi
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
- CO-1: Identify the levels of organization of life, its diversity and the processes by which life has achieved its present form.
- CO-2: Explain the importance of the biochemical building blocks and water.
- CO-3: State energy pathways such as photosynthesis, respiration, and overall cellular metabolism.
- CO-4: Explain scientific literacy by discussing real life applications of biology in the form of case studies.
- CO-5: Identify the basic cell and its processes of mitosis and meiosis.
- CO-6: Summarize the mechanisms of inheritance and the process by which protein and DNA are synthesized.
- CO-7: Recall the various examples of life on earth including prokaryotes, viruses and protists.
- CO-8: Demonstrate the role of the student-scientist to the public regarding the relevant and topical scientific issues.
Reading Assignments: There are weekly readings as described in the course outline, below. These readings are based out of the text, or will be provided to students within the resource tab in the electronic classroom.
Forum Assignments: There will be forum discussions most weeks of the course. Forum topics will be posted within the forum section of the class.
Evaluation/Grading of your Forum Assignment
Postings will be evaluated on their quality and the degree to which the postings promote discussion.
Participation in all Forums is required. Points are allocated as follows based on the original posting andreplies (Total of 100 points).
NOTE: Initial and reply posts submitted after the scheduled due dates may be assessed a penalty according
to the late policy in the syllabus.
Initial Post (40 possible points)
- The post is on topic, clearly related to the thread, and addresses all components of the assignment withsignificant depth, analysis, and clarity.
- The post is approximately 250-350 words long and written in your own words.
Reply Posts (30 possible points)
- Reply to at least two of your classmates’ original posts with responses that are on topic, clearly related to the thread, and further the discussion of the original comment. For example, ask an interesting and related question, or share relevant information on the topic.
- The post is approximately 100-200 words long and written in your own words.
- Please reply early enough in the week to allow time for your classmates and instructor to respond.
Creates Conversation and Community (15 possible points)
- Respond to follow-up questions and comments posted to your initial post by your classmates and instructor during the week.
- All posts are written in a constructive and respectful tone.
Terminology, Sources, and Attribution (15 possible points)
- All posts accurately apply scientific concepts and use scientific terminology correctly (including spelling).
- Posts include background information based on credible sources of scientific information, where applicable, to support discussion. *
- All sources used are attributed to the original author with a citation or URL so that your classmates and instructor can locate and view the source. *
- If a post is based on an opinion, the post offers a well phrased and thought out position.
*Please review Academic Honesty Policies.
Exams: There will be four exams throughout this course, during Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Exams will be open book, open note. The exams will mostly include application questions in multiple formats, including multiple choice as well as short answer.
Laboratories: There will be eight lab assignments due throughout the course. The laboratories will mostly consist of hands-on lab experiments that will be sent to the student within a kit. There will also be internet based exercises that will apply the concepts learned in the course.
Please see the Student Handbook to reference the University’s grading scale.