BIOL 101 General Biology I Study Notes

BIOL 101 General Biology I - Spring 2026

Course Introduction

  • Instructor: Dr. Oliver Rizk (he/him/his)

    • Email: orizk@glendale.edu

    • Office Location: BV 220

    • Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:35 AM - 12 PM

Course Logistics

  • Lecture Information:

    • Ticket No. 1011 (Lecture)

    • Schedule: TuTh 9:10-10:30 AM

    • Location: Cimmarusti Science Center (CS) 177

  • Lab Information:

    • Ticket No. 1012 (Lab)

    • Schedule: Tu 1:55 - 5:05 PM or Th 1:55 - 5:05 PM

    • Location: Buena Vista (BV) 201

  • Additional Instructor: Dr. David Fronk

    • Email: dfronk@glendale.edu

    • Office Location: BV 218

    • Office Hours: Tuesday 10 AM - 12 PM, Wednesday 9:30-10:30 AM and 12:15-1:15 PM, Friday 9:30-10:30 AM

Course Description

  • BIOL 101 is the first half of a one-year course designed for biological science majors.

  • Content Covered:

    • Scientific method

    • Biochemistry

    • Metabolism

    • Cell respiration

    • Photosynthesis

    • Molecular biology

    • Cell structure and function

    • Mitosis and meiosis

    • Mendelian genetics

    • Molecular genetics

    • Gene regulation

  • Course Units: 4 units (Lecture: 3 hrs/week; Lab: 3 hrs/week)

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe & compare the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

  2. Compare and explain differences between mitosis and meiosis, and identify cells in different stages of cell division.

  3. Define a gene, explain transcription and translation, and compare these processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

  4. Explain energy acquisition by photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

  5. Explain basic principles of Mendelian genetics and solve genetics problems involving autosomal and X-linked genes.

Recommended Pathways for Biology Majors

  • For Transfer to CSU: Follow the AS-T degree path.

  • For Transfer to UC: Follow the local AS degree path & complete IGETC for STEM requirements.

  • Core Courses Required:

    • CHEM 101: General Chemistry (5 units)

    • Prerequisites: MATH 90 or 90+ and CHEM 110 or high school chemistry

    • MATH 136: Statistics (4 units)

    • Prerequisite: MATH 90, 90+ or others

    • BIOL 101: General Biology (4 units)

    • Prerequisite: CHEM 101

    • Further courses include MATH 110, BIOL 102, CHEM 102, and physics.

Required Texts

  • Textbook: "Life. The Science of Biology" by Sadava, Hillis, Heller & Hacker, 12th Edition, W. H. Freeman, 2019.

    • ISBN-10: 9781319441029 (required)

  • Laboratory Materials:

    • Lab coat required during lab periods.

    • Laboratory Fee: $17, due by the 2nd week of classes.

Attendance Policy

  • In-person attendance is mandatory for lectures and labs.

  • Attendance will be recorded via roll call, quizzes, or assignment submissions.

  • Email the instructor if absent and meet with a classmate for missed concepts.

  • Students may be dropped for failure to attend the first class or exceeding absence limits (12 hours).

  • COVID-19 Policy: Stay home if symptomatic. A positive test requires a 5-day quarantine and symptom-free status for 24 hours before returning.

Assessment Methods

Quizzes

  • Weekly quizzes on Canvas (available Friday, due Tuesday at 8 AM).

  • Typically 8 multiple choice questions worth 0.25 points each.

Exams

  • Two lab exams, three lecture exams, and a final exam are scheduled.

  • Exam Policies:

    • Must be completed independently without electronic devices.

    • Notify the instructor of any emergencies for make-up exams, which require documentation.

    • Format may vary (essay, multiple-choice, oral).

Final Grades

  • Total points derived from:

    • Lecture (~75%): Lecture quizzes (14), Midterms (3), Final exam.

    • Lab (~25%): Lab quizzes and assignments (9), Lab exams (2).

  • Total Points Calculation: 428 from Lecture and 166 from Lab = 594 total points.

  • Grading Scale: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (below 60%).

Schedule of Lecture and Lab Meetings

  • Week 1:

    • Tu Feb 17: Introduction; Studying Life (Reading Ch. 1)

    • Th Feb 19: The Chemistry of Life

  • Week 2:

    • Tu Feb 24: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids

    • Th Feb 26: Nucleic Acids & Origin of Life

  • Week 3-15: Continue with topics covering cell structures, metabolism, gene expression, and evolution along with associated reading, labs, and exams. (Complete schedule details are provided, including specific dates for lectures and exams into June).

Study Tips for Success

  • Preparation: Read the textbook and lab manual before class. Engage actively during lectures and labs.

  • Ask Questions: Utilize office hours for clarification and feedback.

  • Daily Study: Avoid cramming; study daily to prevent overwhelm.

  • Form Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for group study sessions.

  • Lab Understanding: Know the experimental setups and analysis for each lab.

  • Review Regularly: Keep up with lecture notes and practice answering study guide questions without external aids.