Module 1 Lecture Bio150

Course Overview

  • Course: Bio150: Organismal and Ecological Biology

  • Term: Spring 2025

  • Schedule: TR 12:55 - 2:10 PM

  • Instructor: Benjamin P. Keck, PhD

Instructor Information

  • Office Location: 203 Strong Hall

  • Office Hours: Monday 1:30 – 2:30 PM

    • Encouraged to make appointments

    • Open to stop by during office hours

  • Email: bkeck@utk.edu

    • Include "Bio 150" in the subject line

    • Expected response time: within 24 hours (not at last minute)

Supplemental Instruction

  • SI Leader: Emma

  • Interactive Sessions: Wednesday 3-4 PM in Strong 103

    • Encouraged to join the Canvas page for updates

    • Focus on worksheets and reviews

BioLit Instructors

  • Vishal Kennedy (Sections 10/11/12): vkenned2@vols.utk.edu by appointment

  • Sam Skerlec (Sections 13/14/15): sskerlec@vols.utk.edu by appointment

  • Eric Shershen (Sections 16/17/18): eshershe@vols.utk.edu by appointment

Course Format and Requirements

  • Canvas Platform: All announcements, assignments, and materials will be available here

  • Textbook Requirement: "Biological Science, 8th edition" by Freeman et al.

    • This text is also used in other BIOL courses

Course Expectations

  1. Complete all preparation work

  2. Remain attentive during lectures

  3. Actively participate in class activities

  4. Take responsibility for individual learning and course material

  • Address any absences or late submissions within one week

  • Use office hours effectively and engage by asking questions about course material

Course Learning Objectives

  • Evolution: Understand how populations of organisms change through selective and non-selective processes over time.

  • Structure and Function: Recognize that all living systems are composed of structural components.

  • Information Flow and Storage: Know how information and signals guide functioning within organisms.

  • Energy Transformation: Identify how organisms acquire, use, and release matter and energy.

  • Systems Interconnectivity: Appreciate that living systems are interconnected and interact at multiple levels

Grading Breakdown

  • Assignments: 260 points

  • Lecture Exam 1: 160 points

  • Lecture Exam 2: 160 points

  • Lecture Final Exam: 220 points

  • BioLit: 200 points

  • Total Points Possible: 1000

Letter Grade Scale

  • A: 93-100

  • A-: 90-92

  • B+: 87-89

  • B: 83-86

  • B-: 80-82

  • C+: 77-79

  • C: 73-76

  • C-: 70-72

  • D+: 67-69

  • D: 63-66

  • D-: 60-62

  • F: 59 and below

Additional Details

  • Examinations:

    • There will be three exams, with two occurring during lecture times.

    • The final exam will occur on May 13, Tuesday at 6:15 PM in a room TBD.

    • Adaptations will be made for students also enrolled in BIOL 160.

    • Study guides and old exam practice will be available.

Important Concepts: Ichthyology and Biodiversity

  • Ichthyology: Study of fish

  • Freshwater Fish Diversity: 360 species identified; notable regions and states include Southeastern US and Tennessee

Key Questions Addressed

  • Why are there so many species? Explore mechanisms of diversification and the role of environmental interactions in evolution

  • Ecological Interactions: Understanding species richness and roles within ecosystems through evolutionary change

Science and Critical Thinking

  • Understanding Correlation vs. Causation: Examples illustrating fallacious reasoning, such as the correlation between pool drownings and nuclear energy production.

Research Skills Development

  • Literature Review: Engaging with primary literature and peer-reviewed sources to verify facts and claims in biological sciences.

    • Research Resources: Utilize university libraries and databases for article searches

Conclusion

  • Next Steps: Continued examination of Genetic Fundamentals in Biology Next! Gene inheritance, mutations, and evolutionary outcomes.