Biology 101: Syllabus, Policies, Core Concepts, and Real-World Context

Course Information and Core Focus

• Realist approach to course structure and expectations; material will be posted on Brightspace and communication via email.

• Instructor will be your primary contact; if needed, you can email to set up meetings.

• Miss Eyre’s contact information is available for textbook-related questions.

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 11th edition in this course (current editions are in the 14th/15th edition); core focus is molecular and cellular theory, structure and function of cells.

• Core emphasis on the concept of structure and function: you will hear this repeatedly, and it will underpin the course.

• Topics span microscopic and molecular levels, including: metabolism, biochemistry, biosynthesis, macromolecules, and genetic-level information.

Textbook, Topics, and Learning Goals

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 11th edition used in this course; newer editions exist, but the course uses the 11th edition for this class.

• Learning goals include understanding structure and function from cellular to genetic levels.

• Coverage includes: molecular cellular theory, cell structure and function, metabolism, biochemistry, biosynthesis, macromolecules, and genetics.

Lab Component and Safety

• There will be a normal lab this week; labs can take up most of the lab period, and not all labs run the full three hours.

• For this week, plan to stay for the majority of the lab period as there is a lot to cover.

• If your lab is on Monday, you’ll meet later this afternoon; otherwise you’ll meet later in the week.

• Bring a computer or tablet if you have one; class computers are available if you forget.

• Safety: first week covers safety basics; you will sign a safety contract; after that, you will wear lab-appropriate clothing.

• No clothing concerns for the first week beyond safety instruction; safety gear and attire will be discussed in detail.

• Lab schedule: you will have lab this week; next week there is a break from lab.

Attendance, Class Participation, and Communication

• An attendance sheet will be circulated daily. If you’re not on the sheet, write your name on the last page to be added for the next session.

• You are expected to attend all lectures; you may miss up to two absences for any reason without penalty.

• Unexcused absences beyond two result in a deduction of one point per day from your final grade (e.g., from 90 to 89 after three absences, 88 after four, etc.).

• The instructor emphasizes communication: if something happens, let him know so he can accommodate you; timely communication is key.

• Punctuality is encouraged; attend on time for quizzes and other assessments.

Quizzes, Exams, and Makeups

• Quizzes are common and are handed out at 8:00 AM; students get 10 minutes to complete a quiz. If you arrive at 08:08, you have only 2 minutes left.

• Attendance is required for all quizzes, exams, and laboratory sessions; there are no makeup quizzes.

• For athletes or others with a scheduling conflict, the instructor will arrange makeups for quizzes/exams as needed.

• If you miss an exam, you will be given the same exam as everyone else if you take it before it is handed back; otherwise, you will receive a different exam.

• Makeup exams tend to be essay-based (often eight essay questions) rather than the standard format. You must contact the instructor ahead of time when possible and have a valid documented excuse (e.g., illness, death in the family, university-sponsored activity, religious observance).

• You will have up to one week to take the missed exam; if you take it before it is handed back, you keep the same exam; otherwise, you receive a different version.

Grading and Course Structure

• The course includes a mix of exams, homework, quizzes, and labs.

• Exam format: multiple-choice is common, with matching and completion/short answer questions; there is little true/false due to ambiguity in wording.

• Quizzes are short answer; exams are largely based on lecture content.

• The final exam is comprehensive and will be given during the scheduled final exam period with no exceptions.

• Exam composition: typically 40–50% of material will come from content covered after the third exam; the rest from previous material.

• Exam schedule (tentative but firm):

  • Exam 1: September 24

  • Exam 2: October 22

  • Exam 3: November 24

  • Final Exam: December 12, Friday, 08:00 in the same room

• Final exam rules: cannot be taken early; the final is scheduled to avoid conflicts with other courses’ finals.

• Participation: active class participation is encouraged; the instructor favors a conversational teaching style.

Grading Weights and Total Points

• Lecture portion totals: $590$ points.

• Lab portion totals: $300$ points (lab score is provided by Miss Eyre and integrated into the final grade).

• Final grade is calculated from the sum of lecture and lab scores, i.e.,
  $ext{Total Points} = ext{Lecture Points} + ext{Lab Points} = 590 + 300 = 890$ points.

• Quizzes: typically worth $5 ext{ to } 20$ points each and may be announced or unannounced.

• Homework: must be submitted on time to be graded; provides easy points.

• Exams: three exams at $80$ points each and a final exam at $150$ points.

• The overall distribution (lecture portion) is approximately $80+80+80+150+100+… ext{(quizzes and homework)} <br>ightarrow$ around the totals above, culminating in $590$ for lecture and $890$ overall when combined with lab.

• Gradebook and final grades: A Brightspace gradebook is used to show progress, but Brightspace is not used to compute final grades due to potential algorithm issues and misapplication of extra credit; final grade is calculated by the instructor.

• Plus/minus grading: plus/minus grades are used; A or A+ correspond to the top tier (4.0 scale); A- is not the same as A+ in terms of numeric value (the instructor notes the standard university 4.0 scale but uses plus/minus designations).

Reading, Note-Taking, and Textbook Use

• Reading assignments are listed in the syllabus; you are expected to read the Campbell Biology textbook as assigned.

• The lecture notes function as an outline of the book; much of what is in lectures will not be directly in the text, and you should not expect every text figure or caption to appear on exams unless covered in lecture.

• The book is your word bank; terms that are bold or italic in either the book or lecture notes are likely to be important and are essential for exams.

• A note-taking strategy is encouraged: if you miss a day, copy someone else’s notes to stay current.

Academic Support and Integrity

• Academic integrity policies are available via a link in the syllabus; cheating is not tolerated and can lead to a zero on the assignment, course failure, or university expulsion.

• The instructor records exams with cameras for fairness and deterrence; there are multiple cameras in the room.

• If cheating is suspected, the instructor will take action; the policy includes consequences and documentation.

• Tutors are available and are handpicked; tutors must have earned an A or higher in the class and must have good communication skills. Tutors with an A- are not used.

• If you need help, do not hesitate to seek tutoring or talk to the instructor early.

Classroom Etiquette and Technology

• Disruptive behavior is discouraged; no throwing objects or creating distractions during class.

• Do not use phones for non-educational purposes during class; making/receiving calls, texts, or emails is not allowed during class, though using a device for note-taking or viewing lecture slides is acceptable.

• If there is a family emergency, keep your phone on vibrate and step out if needed to take the call; reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Accessibility, Service Learning, and Special Considerations

• Mercy Service Day is observed; first-year students are expected to participate and will have a day off from class; exams and labs may be adjusted accordingly.

• If you are color-blind (especially red/green), inform the instructor so he can minimize problematic color usage in slides and materials.

Evolution, Biology, and Foundational Concepts

• Biology is the scientific study of life; you will explore life through a critical-thinking lens and connect biology to human impacts on nature.

• Evolution is a fundamental, but often misunderstood, concept. Darwin’s phrase “survival of the fittest” is a simplification; the instructor emphasizes that Darwin did not coin that phrase. A clearer definition is: $ext{Fitness} = ext{Survivability} + ext{Fecundity}.$

  • Survivability refers to how long an organism lives; fecundity is the number of offspring produced and the ability to pass genes to the next generation.

  • Variation exists among individuals; traits are heritable (originating from parents/grandparents/etc.).

  • Evolution is the change in gene frequencies over time.

• Example discussion: comparing two individuals where one has long life but zero offspring, and the other dies younger but leaves many descendants; fitness is not simply who lives the longest but who leaves more genetic legacy.

• The Galapagos Islands example underscores evolution in action; you will learn how species adapt to their environments over generations.

• Evolution also underpins understanding of genetics: development from a single zygote to a multicellular organism involves cell differentiation, tissue formation, and organ systems. Twins, variation, and heredity will be covered in genetics.

• You will also study how organisms interact with other living and nonliving components of ecosystems, and how human activity affects these interactions.

• Environmental and ecological awareness: examples include air and water pollution and the resulting health impacts; feedback loops connect pollution to respiratory and other health issues.

• Water resources: the Monongahela River supplies water to the local area; water becomes potable through treatment; pollution upstream has downstream effects; water is a non-renewable resource in the sense that treatment/conversion costs limit usage.

• Other ecological examples include invasive species (e.g., spotter lanternfly) and their impact on ecosystems.

• The course will cover how biology helps us understand and respond to real-world issues, including environmental degradation and public health concerns.

Real-World Relevance and Practical Implications

• Biology helps us understand human impacts on nature and how to mitigate those impacts, with a focus on feedback loops that affect health (e.g., air and water quality leading to respiratory issues).

• The course emphasizes critical thinking and the scientific method as tools for analyzing life processes and environmental interactions.

• You will learn to apply core biology concepts to real-world scenarios, from clinical settings to environmental stewardship.

Administrative Details and Next Steps

• Location and professor info: Dr. Amor (Office hours and contact policies discussed); lecture and lab spaces on campus; work-study opportunities are available via the lab manager and department office.

• Work-study: If you are eligible, consider applying for a lab assistant position; contact Dr. Amor’s office on the second floor for details; the lab manager (Mark Barstad) will provide information.

• Reading schedule: The syllabus lists chapters to read; plan to stay ahead by reading the assigned chapters in Campbell Biology alongside lecture notes.

• Final reminders: This is a high-information course with rapid content delivery; if you feel behind, seek help early; there are study strategies that can help you succeed.

Quick Reference Equations and Key Numbers

• Exam structure and points:

  • Exams 1, 2, 3: $80$ points each

  • Final exam: $150$ points

  • Quizzes: $5$ to $20$ points each (announced or unannounced)

  • Homework: point values vary; must be on time to be graded

• Course totals:

  • Lecture portion: $590$ points

  • Lab portion: $300$ points

  • Total possible: $890$ points

  • Final grade calculation: $ext{Total Points} = ext{Lecture Points} + ext{Lab Points} = 590 + 300 = 890$

• Attendance policy: up to $2$ unexcused absences allowed; beyond that, unexcused absence deductions apply at $1$ point per day from the final grade.

• Makeup policy: missed exams can be taken within a week; if you take prior to handback, you receive the same exam; otherwise, a different exam appears; makeup exams are often essays (eight questions).

• Final exam schedule:

  • Exam 1: Sept 24

  • Exam 2: Oct 22

  • Exam 3: Nov 24

  • Final: Dec 12, Friday, 08:00 in room

• Policy on final period: final exam schedule is fixed to prevent conflicts with other courses’ finals.

• Plus/minus grading: used; A/A+ equals top of the scale (4.0); A- is not equivalent to A+; other letter-grade distinctions apply per the institution’s scale.

Note-taking and Exam Preparation Tips (implicit from lecture)

• Take detailed notes during lectures; instructors emphasize content that may not be in the textbook; some exam material may be lecture-only.

• If you miss a day, obtain notes from a classmate and compare with your instructor’s notes to ensure you capture all key points.

• Bold and italic terms in the textbook and lecture notes are potential exam vocabulary; learn these terms early.

• Use the provided reading schedule to pace your study and align with lecture topics.

Common Scenarios and Scaffolding Concepts

• If you’re unsure about a concept, ask questions in class; the instructor encourages asking questions as a sign of engagement and learning.

• If you struggle, plan to meet with the instructor early; the course is designed to help you build a strong foundation in biology through structured lectures and labs.

• The course emphasizes integration of concepts across scales—from molecules to organisms to ecosystems.