BSB 152 General Biology Syllabus Spring 2025

Course Information

• Lecture: BSB 152-001

• Office: Parkinson 224

• Instructor: Mr. Michael Dodson

• Email: Canvas (preferred) or tmdodson@muw.edu

• Office Hours:

  • M: 9-10am

  • TR: 8-9:30am

  • By appointment

• Text: None

• Communication:

  • All course communication via in-person or Canvas

  • Contact for emergencies: tmdodson@muw.edu

  • Technical issues: Contact Canvas support first

Course Objectives

1. Understand major concepts in Biology (Natural Selection, Classification, Physiology, Ecology).

2. Apply the scientific method to biological problems.

3. Engage in critical and scientific thinking, focusing on retention through steady study rather than cramming.

Course Content Overview

• Introductory Biology for majors and non-majors covering:

  • Macro-Evolution and Phylogeny

  • Animal and Plant Physiology

  • Ecology

• Content delivery aims for depth and detail, subject to change communicated through Canvas.

Technology Requirements

• Must access online components via a computer with updated browsers (Firefox/Chrome).

• Chromebooks are not recommended due to compatibility issues.

• Required tools: Webcam and microphone for certain assignments.

• Record videos (mp4) and take pictures (jpeg) for Canvas assignments.

Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics

Week of:

• Jan 6: Review Biology 1

  • Homework Question Assignments due

  • Unit 1: Introduction; Darwinian Evolution and Natural Selection; watch "What Darwin Never Knew" video

• Jan 13:

  • MLK Day (Jan 17)

  • Unit 1: Speciation through Reproductive Isolation

  • Quiz 1: Syllabus quiz, Signed Syllabus Contract

• Jan 20:

  • Unit 1: Abiotic Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules; Cells and Macromolecules

  • Quiz 2 on Unit 1

• Jan 27:

  • Unit 1: Life’s Evolutionary History

  • Exam 1

• Feb 3:

  • Unit 2: Plants

• Feb 10:

  • Unit 2: Fungi; Animals (Cool Fungi)

• Feb 17:

  • Unit 2: ATP, Photosynthesis, Respiration (Tracking the First Animals)

• Feb 24:

  • Unit 2: Digestion, Circulation, Human Nutrition

  • Quiz 3 on Unit 2

• Mar 3:

  • Unit 3: Endocrine System, Pancreatic Hormones, Homeostasis

  • Exam 2

• Mar 10:

  • Spring Break

• Mar 17:

  • Unit 3: Thyroid Hormones, Metabolic Homeostasis; Populations (Making Connections)

• Mar 24:

  • Unit 3: Units of Evolutionary Change, Limits on Population Growth

  • Quiz 4 on Unit 3

• Mar 31:

  • Unit 4: Communities as Groups of Species

  • Exam 3 (Connections)

• Apr 7:

  • Unit 4: Coevolutionary Predator-Prey Relationships; Interspecific vs. Intraspecific Competition

• Apr 14:

  • Unit 4: Community Structure; Keystone & Exotic Species; Ecosystems; Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

  • Quiz 5 on Unit 4; Big Picture Assignment

• Apr 21 - May 2:

  • Catchup/Prepare for Final Exam

• May 5-9:

  • Comprehensive Final Exam

Course Requirements

Attendance Policy

• Follow the Missed Class Policy found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

• Attendance is mandatory; students must work with instructors for missed work.

• Excessive absences may hinder academic performance.

• Late Arrival / Early Departure: Not credited for attendance if late; leaving early without permission counts as absence.

Lecture Resources

• Video lectures provided alongside PowerPoint presentations for notes.

• Supplemental videos included for additional material comprehension.

• Quizzes and exams based solely on instructor's video lectures.

Assessment Overview

Grading Structure

• Exams: 300 pts (3 lecture exams, a 4th may occur)

• Final Exam: 150 pts (comprehensive)

• Class Quizzes: 100 pts

• Assignments: 50 pts

• Discussions: 100 pts

• Total: 700 pts

Exam Details

• 3 Lecture Exams with a potential 4th

• All students must take the final exam.

• Exams may only be rescheduled with adequate notice and valid excuse.

• Formats: essays, multiple-choice, short answer, matching, drawing/labeling diagrams.

Quizzes

• Scheduled throughout the semester based on course topics (10-20 questions).

• No make-ups allowed for quizzes, must be taken individually and may be timed.

Homework and Assignments

• Write 2 critical thinking questions per test material - Bonus points available on quizzes.

• Create a representation of connections between course topics for the Big Picture project, due at semester's end.

• Active Learning Participation within class interactions is graded; online active learning assignments allow make-ups if permitted.

Policies and Support

Disabilities

• Accommodations available through the Student Success Center; must follow outlined processes prior to the semester.

Title IX Compliance

• Commitment to a harassment-free learning environment; contact Title IX Coordinator for issues.

Academic Integrity

• Strict policies against academic dishonesty including penalties up to expulsion; consult with the instructor for clarity on citations and group work involvement.

Study Skills

• Recommended studying: 2 hours per class hour; balance study with extracurricular activities.

Important Information

Course Delivery Transition

• Be prepared for possible changes to online learning methods; maintain computer and internet access.

LockDown Browser for Exams

• Required for exams; download from provided links.

Signature Contract

• Complete digital signature contract indicating understanding of course policies and commitment to academic integrity.