Christian Brothers University 
Biol 111 Principles of Biology I
Departmental Syllabus

Catalog Data BIOL 111. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I. 
The first half of a comprehensive study of contemporary biology, this semester covers biochemistry, cytology, photosynthesis, energy metabolism, cell division, development, genetics, evolution, systematics and taxonomy of viruses, monerans, protists, and plant diversity.   The course includes three lecture meetings and one discussion session per week. Corequisites: BIOL 111L and CHEM 101 or higher (CHEM 101 requires MATH 101 or higher).  Offered in both Fall and Spring semesters. 
  • Lecture: 3 credits. 
  • Lab: 1 credit. 
  • Lecture and Lab are co-requisites and must be taken concurrently. 
  • This course is a required course applicable to the biology major and is a prerequisite for other biology courses applicable to the major. 
Course
Objectives
  • To provide a basic understanding of the concepts of modern biology, emphasizing the flow of energy in living systems, transmission of information, correlation between structure and function at all levels of biological organization, evolution and diversity of life. That is: 
  • To learn how simple molecules form the basis of all living systems.
  • To understand such energy-making processes as cellular respiration and photosynthesis and how they impact the organism as a whole.
  • To develop a familiarity with the structure and function of the subcellular components within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • To understand the tenets of evolutionary theory & supporting evidence.
  • To relate the structure of DNA and RNA to their role in maintaining the normal activities in the cell.
  • OVERVIEW: 

    • BIO 111 is the first of a two course sequence required of biology majors at CBU. This course introduces the concepts of modern biology, emphasizing the flow of energy in living systems, transmission of information, evolution and diversity of life.  Major topics include: 1) cell morphology, physiology and biochemistry; 2) genetics and evolution; and 3) systematics, beginning with the bacteria, protists (simple eukaryotic organisms), and plants.
    Textbooks
  • Text: Biology, 6th edition, by N.A. Campbell and J.B. Reece  Student resource center (access code required)
  • Lab Manual: Biological Investigations, 5th ed., by W.D. Dolphin.
  • Photo Atlas for Biology, current ed., by Perry and Morton.
    		•
    Prerequisite
    Courses    		 Corequisites: BIOL 111L and CHEM 101 or higher (CHEM 101 requires MATH 101 or higher). 
    Prerequisites 
    by Topic
  • The student should have developed the necessary skill in reading and writing.
  • Basic knowledge of biology (high school biology). 
  • Basic knowledge of chemistry (high school chemistry).
    		•
    Professors Dr. Stan Eisen
    Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald
    Dr. Mary Ogilvie
    Bro. Edward Salgado
    Dr. Katie Sauser
    Dr. Sandra Thompson-Jaeger
    Approximate
    Schedule for the
    Lecture Course
    WEEK Text (Campbell) Lecture Topic
    1 Chapters 1-4 Introduction: themes in the study of life.  Chemical basis of life.
    2 Chapter 3 Water and the fitness of the environment.  Carbon: its importance, functional groups.
    3 Chapters 5-7 Macromolecules: structure and function.  Metabolism, enzymes and metabolic control.  Cell structure and function.
    EXAM I EXAM I
    4 Chapters 8-9 Cell membranes: structure and function. Cellular respiration: glycolysis, etc.
    5 Chapters 10-11 Photosynthesis: Light and dark reaction. 
    Cell communication: signal reception, etc.
    6 Chapter 12-14 Cell cycle: mitosis.  Meiosis.  Mendelian genetics.
    EXAM II EXAM II
    7 Chapters 15-16 Chromosomal basis of inheritance.    Molecular basis of inheritance: DNA.
    8 Chapters 17-18 Genes and proteins: transcription, etc.     Genetics of viruses and bacteria.
    9   BREAK FALL BREAK
    10 Chapters 19-20 Eukaryotic genomes: organization and control.  DNA technology: recombinant DNA technique.
    EXAM III EXAM III
    11 Chapter 22 Evolution: Darwinian concepts
    12 Chapters 23-24 Population genetics.  Speciation and macroevolution. 
    13 Chapters 25-26 Phylogeny and systematics.  Early Earth and origin of life.
    14 Chapter 27 Prokaryotes survery: viruses and bacteria.
    HOLIDAY   THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
    EXAM IV EXAM IV
    15 Chapters 28-29 Eukaryotes.  Plant diversity: bryophytes, ferns, etc.
    16 Chapter 30 Plant diversity: gymnosperms, angiosperms.
    EXAM WEEK   FINAL EXAM  (Comprehensive)
    Details will vary for each professor's syllabus.
    Attendance Attendance and make up exam policies are set by the individual professors.  Generally, students are required to attend all lectures and discussion sessions. Students must be present for all scheduled exams and quizzes.  Generally, make up exams will be given only in extraordinary circumstances. A makeup exam will not be the same as the one previously administered to the class.  Any student who misses 20% of the lectures should withdraw from the course or receive an "F" (see the CBU catalog). Generally, quizzes will be given in the discussion sessions on the material covered the previous week in lecture. No makeup quizzes will be available.  Exams will not be returned, however, they will be available for review.
    Details will vary for each professor's syllabus.
    Exams and Grades
  • Assessment possibilities (the specifics of exam format, the policy on drop quizzes, point values and number of quizzes and other assessments will be determined by each professor):
    1. Four exams usually worth 100 points each. These exams may include multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions.
    2. Quizzes (possibly 8-10 weekly quizzes). 
    3. Literature assignments. Possible assignments include using the internet and computer aquisition software, summarizing presentations by outside speakers, as well as an assigned scientific journal article.
    4. Comprehensive final exam. This exam will be scheduled during exam week.  It may be worth more than any one indivdual exam.
  • The grading scale is 100-90%=A, 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69-60= D, and <60=F.  No curve will be applied; each student is assessed on the basis of his or her individual performance.

    • Details will vary for each professor's syllabus.
  • DISCUSSION SESSION:

    • Students will participate in a discussion session once a week.  Discussion group activities may include taking a short quiz on the previous week's material.  Other activities for discussion group may include discussing the material covered in this course, scientific topics in your area of interest, and  applications of the course concepts. You may be called upon to lead a discussion group or work in small groups on assigned projects.
    Details will vary for each professor's syllabus.
    • For more information about this course, contact Bro. Edward Salgado, Chair, CBU Biology Dept.
    [Revised Sept. 2003 / AER]
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