Course Overview

General Information

This document outlines the syllabus for BIOL 1001: General Biology, a general education course at the college level. The course is designed to introduce students to foundational concepts in biology, including the diversity of life, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The syllabus provides details on course structure, grading, expectations, and policies.

Course Structure

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Latoya Paul

• Email: lpaul@lsu.edu

• Office Hours: By appointment only

• Office Location: Zoom video conferencing

• Class Time: MWF 7:30-8:20 am

• Class Location: 1010 Howe Russell Kniffen West Geoscience Complex

• Course Pre-requisite: None

• Required Textbook: See below

Course Description

• BIOL 1001 is a General Education course. Students successfully completing this course should be able to meet the following General Education Outcomes: Demonstrating knowledge of broad structures that govern the discipline, including the underlying principles that define the field and its boundaries; Demonstrating an understanding of the discipline’s connection to scientific and deductive reasoning.

Course Purpose

• BIOL 1001 aims to motivate students to develop scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Students will make simple connections among biological concepts and learn to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. The course is intended for non-majors and those seeking to fulfill general education requirements.

Learning Goals & Student Expectations

Learning Goals

• Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand and describe scientific issues and how they affect humans and the environment.

  • Explain the organization of biological systems at multiple levels, from molecules to the biosphere.

  • Describe the scientific basis for biological impacts of human activity on the environment.

Student Expectations

• Attend all scheduled class meetings.

• Communicate with peers in a respectful, constructive, and professional manner.

• Monitor electronic correspondence from the instructor daily.

Course Schedule

Weekly Topics and Assignments

• Week 1: Introduction, Chapter 1: The Science of Biology

• Week 2: Chapter 2: Atoms, Chapter 3: Biological Molecules

• Week 3: Chapter 4: The Cell, Chapter 5: The Cell Membrane

• Week 4: Chapter 6: How Cells Harvest Energy

• Week 5: Chapter 7: Photosynthesis, Chapter 8: Cellular Respiration and Glycolysis

• Week 6: Chapter 9: Cell Division

• Week 7: Chapter 10: Meiosis

• Week 8: Chapter 11: Patterns of Inheritance

• Week 9: Chapter 12: DNA, Chapter 13: Biotechnology

• Week 10: Chapter 14: The Molecular Basis of Heredity

• Week 11: Chapter 15: Principles of Evolution

• Week 12: Chapter 16: The History of Life, Chapter 17: The Theory of Evolution

• Week 13: Chapter 18: The Origin of Species

• Week 14: Chapter 20: Community Interactions, Chapter 21: Earth's Diverse Ecosystems

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering Chapters 21-23

Additional info: The schedule includes holidays, exam dates, and assignment deadlines. Participation assignments are due weekly.

Grading and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

Letter Grade Scale

Assignment Details

• Exams: Four exams, each worth 100 points, will be given. Exams are multiple-choice and held in person. The final exam is cumulative and will only cover new material.

• Mastering Biology Homework: Ten assignments worth 50 points each, completed weekly. No extensions except under extreme and approved circumstances.

• Participation: Weekly assignments begin the second week of class and are due Sundays at 11:59 pm. Participation points are based on timely and proper submission.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is recorded. Missing class is not recommended. Participation points require active involvement in class and assignments.

• Turn assignments in on time. Online assignments will be due at specified deadlines.

Academic Integrity

• Collaboration: Unauthorized communication or interaction between two or more individuals on any academic work is prohibited.

• Copying: Copying from another student’s academic work is strictly prohibited.

• Plagiarism: Lack of appropriate citation or the use of someone else’s words, structure, ideas, or data without proper attribution is not allowed.

• Unauthorized Materials: Use of any material, technique, application, artificial intelligence (AI), or device on academic work without permission is prohibited.

Late Assignments and Extensions

• Assignments submitted past the deadline are considered late and will be subject to a 10% late penalty. No extensions except under extreme and approved circumstances.

• No extra credit assignments are offered in this course.

Valid Reasons for Absence

• Serious or infectious illness

• Bereavement

• Special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips)

• Court-imposed legal obligations

• Military obligations

• Religious observances

• Professional school and graduate school interviews

• Intercollegiate athletic events

Student Support and Resources

Learning Assistance

• If you need help, seek assistance early. The Learning Assistance Center offers support for study habits, test-taking, and other academic skills.

Students with Disabilities

• Students are encouraged to meet with the registrar’s office and submit a request for accommodations through the Office of Access Portal.

University Policies

• LSU’s general policy states that for each credit hour, students should plan to spend at least two hours working on assignments outside of class.

• Refer to the LSU Student Code of Conduct for information on student rights and responsibilities.

Permissible Use of Generative AI

• Use of generative AI programs is permitted for purposes of enhancing your understanding of course material, but all work must be your own. Proper attribution is required.

Study Tips and Habits

• Review notes regularly and read over the material before each class.

• Use figures and diagrams to help develop mental images of concepts.

• Focus on understanding concepts, not just terminology.

• Use resources in Mastering Biology for additional help.

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course policies, grading, and expectations, but does not include specific General Chemistry content. The course is focused on General Biology.