BIO 101 General Biology II
Course Information
Delta State University
Department of Biological Sciences
Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. John Tiftickjian
Section: BIO 101, section 1 CRN 18297 or section 2 CRN 18299
Class meetings: Lecture: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:00–8:50, Gibson-Gunn 103
Lab: Wed, 2:00-4:50 (sec 1) or
Thu, 1:40-4:20 (sec 2), Caylor 234
Credit: 4
Prerequisites: BIO 100 or one semester of college biology for science majors (with
grade of C or above for biology and environmental science majors).
BIO 110 (biology for non-majors) is not sufficient preparation.
Textbook: Brooker, Widmaier, Graham, and Stiling, 2015, Principles of Biology,
ISBN 9780073532271
Lab manual: Handouts will be furnished for each lab meeting.
Internet access: You will need Internet access for email and to download assignments,
lecture outlines, study guides, etc. The course website can be accessed
from any computer connected to the Internet. Network access is
available several places on campus, including the computer lab in the
library. Library lab hours are posted here: http://www.deltastate.edu/
about-dsu/administration/special-projects/office-of-informationtechnology/computer-labs/.
Course website: http://www.doctortee.com/bio101
Who is this course for? (Please read carefully.)
BIO 101 is designed (and required) for biology majors and minors and for students who are required
to take a two-semester majors-level general biology course, such as those in pre-health professions
programs. If you are not a science or preprofessional major and are taking this course only to satisfy
general education requirements, this may be the wrong course for you. If you are not sure you are in the
right course, please talk to me and to your advisor to make sure before you continue in this course. Do
not come to me later in the semester complaining that you were in the wrong course.
General course description
BIO 101 is the continuation of BIO 100. The Principles of Biology sequence (BIO 100 and 101) is
designed to give you a introductory understanding of the major areas of the life sciences. The main
objective of these two courses is to provide the foundation for all succeeding biology courses at DSU
(except those for non-science majors). This makes them two of the most important courses you will take
as a biology major (or minor). Another important objective is to give those who are considering a career
in the sciences or heath professions a general look at the various branches of biology so that they might
better choose areas of concentration for further study.
BIO 101 covers the mechanisms of evolution; the classification of prokaryotes, protists, fungi,
plants, and animals; plant and animal form and function; and ecology. In other words, it is primarily an
introductory survey of the kingdoms of organisms from the simplest unicellular species to the most
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complex multicellular ones. By the end of the semester, we should have a good idea of the vast diversity
of organisms, how they evolved, and how they are related.
Course objectives
After completing this course, students should be able to:
• analyze biological phenomena by considering the reasons behind the structures and processes that
define an organism.
• think beyond just knowing names of molecules, cells, organs, and the functions they perform by
developing an understanding of why structures and processes make sense for survival.
• begin to appreciate that there are millions of species, from the simplest bacteria to the largest plants
and animals, and realizing that this species diversity is part of what defines life.
• understand that there are diverse adaptations for survival. All species must solve problems to
survive: obtain energy, water, and nutrients; grow; and reproduce. These problems are different in
different environments, and organisms have evolved to solve these problems in different ways.
• understand that all organisms are the products of natural selection. Every biological phenomenon
must be considered in light of the process of evolution.
• appreciate that biological systems are complex and that science recognizes a hierarchy of
organization: atoms, molecules, cells, organisms, populations, ecosystems, biosphere.
• describe how basic chemical and physical principles apply to cell structure, metabolism,
reproduction, heredity, and evolution.
• achieve competency in the use of the tools of biology, especially the light microscope, which is used
extensively in the laboratory component of the course.
Expected preparation
This course builds on the general biological concepts you learned in BIO 100. I will expect you to
remember those basic principles, especially cell biology, genetics, and metabolism. Because we use the
same textbook as BIO 100, you can review concepts that you may need to brush up on at times.
The textbook
Don't panic at the size of the textbook! It is used for both BIO 100 and
BIO 101, so you have already covered about half of it. We cover much of the
other half in this course. We will follow the text fairly closely, and there will
be regular reading assignments for each lecture period. It is a very large
amount of information, so keep up-to-date with your reading assignments.
Most of you will already have the book from last semester. If not, the
book is available in the campus bookstore for purchase. There are other
sources you might want to check for the best price. Several online book
sellers carry the book, both new and used. If you consider buying online,
remember to consider shipping costs and how soon the book will get to you.
If it takes longer than a couple of days, you may get behind on your reading
assignments. The textbook is also offered as an eBook from www.vitalsource.com and other sources,
which can save a little money.
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Check carefully when you purchase your book to be sure you are getting the right one. At the top of
this syllabus you will find the correct ISBN for the book you need. Check the ISBN carefully.
We do not use a published laboratory manual. The faculty who teach BIO 101 at Delta State have
compiled a set of laboratory exercises specifically for this course. These will be supplied as handouts for
each lab period.
Lecture format
Lecture format for this course is pretty traditional for an introductory science course. We will discuss
concepts that you read about in the textbook. Although most of this will be me talking, be prepared to
answer questions that I may ask of the class and do some class discussion where the topic is suited to
that approach. I will expect that you have read the textbook assignment before each lecture.
I will present an outline of the lecture on the projection screen that we will work from. This is not a
slide show format like you might be familiar with in other classes, but just a guide to work from for
more in-depth discussion. All lecture outlines will be available on the course web site, so you don’t need
to copy everything down that you see on the screen. You can go online later to print that information if
you want to. I try to include illustrations, diagrams, micrographs, etc. wherever possible to make the
lecture a more visual experience.
Laboratory format
Labs meet once per week. When there are two lab sections for each lecture section, about 1/2 the
class is registered in one lab section, and about 1/2 in the other. Make sure you know what time your lab
section meets. We will talk more about how labs will work at the first lab meeting.
Unlike some chemistry and physics courses, the lab is not a separate course. You won't get separate
lecture and lab grades. Grades for lab assignments and lecture assignments will be combined to give
you a single letter grade.
Course web site
The URL for the course web site is given above. This site is not yet complete, but it is constantly
being updated. Here you will find class news, assignments, lecture outlines, and other information that
will be useful. Note that this is not an “online” course, but should be considered “Web-enhanced.” You
are not often required to make use of the this web site, but it is strongly recommended. You will find
materials here that may not be in the textbook or covered completely in lecture, but all the online content
is designed to enhance the course and help to improve your grade. You should check the site frequently
as it is constantly changing. The most important page is the outline page that shows an updated schedule
of lecture and lab topics, reading assignments, and other assignments. Although not yet complete, you
will also find lecture outlines, study guides, and links to related information on the Internet.
Assignments and testing
Daily quizzes. [approximately 50 points] Mini-quizzes will be given at the beginning of most lecture
periods. A typical quiz will take about 5 minutes. Material for quizzes will come mostly from the day’s
reading assignment and recent lecture or lab discussions.
Laboratory. [approximately 50 points] Some of the lab exercises will have associated lab reports that
will be turned in for a grade.
Lecture exams. [300 points] There will be three major exams during the semester. Each exam will
cover material presented in lecture, textbook readings, and lab work. Questions will be both objective
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(mostly multiple choice) and short essay questions. I will give you more specific information about
exams as we get close to the first one. Planned exam dates are shown on the course outline but are
subject to change. You will find some example exam questions on the web site.
Lab Exams. [200 points]. There will be two lab exams, one about midterm and one at the end of the
term. Lab exams will be the “practical” type. I will ask you to identify and answer questions about
specimens and microscope slides.
Other assignments. [0-50 points] There will be some additional assignments depending on how
things develop during the semester. Sometimes I have ideas for new things to try which will count
toward your grade.
Final exam. [150 points] The final exam is comprehensive. That is, it will cover information taken
from the whole semester. However, questions on older material will be more general than on earlier
exams. Those questions should not be difficult as long as you have reviewed the major concepts covered
throughout the semester. Approximately 2/3 of the final will come from material covered after the 3rd
exam. The format of the final is similar to that of the lecture exams, but will of course be a bit longer.
Grading
Assignment
Points
Percent grade
Letter grade
Daily quizzes
~50
90 -100
A
Lecture exams
300
80-89
B
Laboratory work
~50
70-79
C
Lab exams
200
60-69
D
0-50
below 60
F
Other assignments
Final exam
150
Total points
750-800
The table shows how assignments, quizzes, exams, etc. will count toward your overall grade.
Because your grade is based on total points and not on a complicated weighting system, it is easy to
determine your grade at any time. The point total is only approximate and may change somewhat.
Checking your grades
Throughout the semester, you will be able to check your grade online on a secure web page. You
must log in with a unique password so no one but you will be able to see your grades. You will receive
your password shortly after the course begins. Note that this web page is independent of the Blackboard
system used by Delta State. The login ID and password you might be using for another course through
Blackboard will not work for Dr. T's courses.
Other course policies
See the course policies handout for additional information on attendance, grading, dropping the
course, etc.
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BIO 101 Course Schedule
Date
Topics
Readings
Assignments
Evolution and systematics
Welcome
Welcome message
Mon 1/11/2016
Introduction
Course policies
Review syllabus
Wed 1/13/2016
Origin and history of life
LAB: No lab
Ch 18:361-368
Sign up for reminders
Fri 1/15/2016
Origin and history of life
Ch 18:368-381
Origins study quide
Mon 1/18/2016
MARTIN LUTHER KING holiday
Wed 1/20/2016
Introduction to evolution
LAB: Statistics and data presentation
Ch 19:382-389
Fri 1/22/2016
Introduction to evolution
Ch 19:389-394
Mon 1/25/2016
Population genetics
Ch 19:394-409
Wed 1/27/2016
Origin of species
LAB: Population genetics
Ch 20:410-417
Fri 1/29/2016
Taxonomy and systematics
Ch 21:426-433
Mon 2/1/2016
Taxonomy and systematics
Ch 21:433-441
Evolution study quide
Taxonomy study quide
Prokaryotes, protists, fungi
Wed 2/3/2016
Bacteria and Archaea
LAB: Research project (Fast plants)
Ch 22:442-450
Fri 2/5/2016
Bacteria and Archaea
Root word quiz
Ch 22:450-458
Word list online
Mon 2/8/2016
Protists, introduction
Ch 22:459-469
Wed 2/10/2016
FIRST EXAM
LAB: Bacteria
Through bacteria
Fri 2/12/2016
Protists, life cycles
Ch 22:459-469
Mon 2/15/2016
Protists, algae
Ch 22:459-469
Wed 2/17/2016
Protists, algae
LAB: Algae, protoza
Ch 22:459-469
Fri 2/19/2016
Protists, protozoa
Ch 22:459-469
Mon 2/22/2016
Fungi, introduction
Ch 24:493-508
Wed 2/24/2016
Fungi, classification
LAB: Fungi
Ch 24:493-508
Fungi study guide
Fri 2/26/2016
Fungi, classification
Ch 24:493-508
Fungi study guide
Mon 2/29/2016
Origin of land plants: bryophytes
Ch 23:470-474
Bryophytes study guide
Wed 3/2/2016
Origin of land plants: bryophytes
LAB: Bryophytes
Ch 23:470-474
Bryophytes study guide
Fri 3/4/2016
SECOND EXAM
Through fungi
Sample exam questions
Mon 3/7/2016
SPRING BREAK: 3/7-3/11
Prokaryotes study guide
study for quiz
Sample exam questions
Protists study guide
Plant classification
Schedule for BIO 101
January 9, 2016
Date
Topics
Readings
Mon 3/14/2016
Gymnosperms
Wed 3/16/2016
Seedless vascular plants
Ch 23:474-480
LAB: LAB PRACTICAL EXAM (Wed section)
Thu 3/17/2016
LAB: LAB PRACTICAL EXAM (Thu section)
Fri 3/18/2016
Angiosperms
Assignments
Ch 23:480-484
Seedless plants study guide
Ch 23:484-492, Ch 30:629-640 Seed plants study guide
Animal classification
Mon 3/21/2016
Introduction to animals
Ch 25:509-517
Wed 3/23/2016
Invertebrates
LAB: Seedless vascular plants
Ch 25:517-521
Fri 3/25/2016
EASTER HOLIDAY
Mon 3/28/2016
Invertebrates
Ch 25:521-537
Invertebrates study guide
Wed 3/30/2016
Invertebrates
LAB: Seed plants
Ch 25:539-542
Invertebrates study guide
Fri 4/1/2016
Vertebrates
Ch 26:543-563
Vertebrates study guide
Mon 4/4/2016
Vertebrates
Ch 26:543-563
Vertebrates study guide
Plant form and function
Wed 4/6/2016
Structure of flowering plants
LAB: Plant structure
Ch 27:568-578
Plant structure study guide
Fri 4/8/2016
THIRD EXAM
Through vertebrates
Sample exam questions
Mon 4/11/2016
Structure of flowering plants
Ch 27:578-588
Wed 4/13/2016
Plant development
LAB: Invertebrate dissections
Ch 28:589-595
Fri 4/15/2016
Transport in plants
Ch 29:621-628
Plant physiology study guide
Animal form and function
Mon 4/18/2016
Introduction to animal structure
Ch 31
Wed 4/20/2016
Introduction to animal structure
LAB: Vertebrate dissections
Ch 31
Animal structure study guide
Fri 4/22/2016
Digestion and absorption
Ch 35
Digestion study guide
Mon 4/25/2016
Respiratory system
Ch 37
Respiration study guide
Wed 4/27/2016
Excretory system
LAB PRACTICAL EXAM (Wed section)
Ch 38
Excretion study guide
Thu 4/28/2016
LAB PRACTICAL EXAM (Thu section)
Fri 4/29/2016
Review
Wed 5/4/2016
FINAL LECTURE EXAM - 8:00 AM
Schedule for BIO 101
Sample exam questions
January 9, 2016