SCIN130 - Introduction to Biology with Lab

Course Details

Course Code: SCIN130 Course ID: 3817 Credit Hours: 4 Level: Undergraduate

This course introduces students to the biological systems within their associated environments. The course furnishes an understanding of biological principles and the properties of life. Topics covered in this course include the structure and function of plants and animals, cell biology principles, genetics, reproduction, development and growth, biological diversity, principles of evolution, and interactions among organisms and with their environment. Online laboratory experiences are incorporated, which are designed to correspond to, complement, and reinforce the concepts presented in the assigned reading material. The lab involves study through interactive simulations, videos, and animations, which will be provided to the student in the form of exercises provided throughout the semester. This is a four-credit course that includes both a lecture and a lab component.

Course Schedule

Registration Dates Course Dates Start Month Session Weeks
01/30/2023 - 06/30/2023 07/03/2023 - 08/27/2023 July Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/2023 - 08/04/2023 08/07/2023 - 10/01/2023 August Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/2023 - 09/01/2023 09/04/2023 - 10/29/2023 September Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/2023 - 09/29/2023 10/02/2023 - 11/26/2023 October Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/2023 - 11/03/2023 11/06/2023 - 12/31/2023 November Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session

Current Syllabi

The successful student will fulfill the following learning objectives:

CO-1 Describe the approaches used and the basic tenets of the science of biology.

CO-2 Identify the principles of evolution.

CO-3 Describe the structure and division of living cells.

CO-4 Explain DNA biology and how it influences cancer and other diseases.

CO-5 Compare and contrast the characteristics of viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

CO-6 Describe the concepts of ecology, population, community and ecosystems.

CO-7 Describe the human impact on the earth.

CO-8 Compare and contrast the basic functions, major components and the cell types found within human organ systems.

The grading will be based on the following:

  • Eight Forum Assignments
  • Eight Laboratory Assessments (graded in weekly quiz)
  • Eight Online Quizzes (lowest grade dropped)
  • Three Part Course Project

Detailed directions on each of these assessments are provided in the classroom.

NameGrade %
Discussions 20.00%
Week 1 Introduction Discussion 4.00%
Week 2 Discussion 4.00%
Week 4 Discussion 4.00%
Week 6 Discussion 4.00%
Week 8 Discussion 4.00%
Quizzes 48.00%
Quiz 1 6.00%
Quiz 2 6.00%
Quiz 3 6.00%
Quiz 4 6.00%
Quiz 5 6.00%
Quiz 6 6.00%
Quiz 7 6.00%
Quiz 8 6.00%
Mini-presentation 4.00%
Mini-presentation 4.00%
Course Project: Prep 14.00%
Assignment #1: Annotated Bibliography 7.00%
Assignment #2: The Outline 7.00%
Course Project 14.00%
Assignment #3: The Presentation 14.00%

Previous Syllabi

Not current for future courses.