How this course is organized

Core Concepts

This course is organized around 5 core concepts. The content in this course will be related back to these concepts throughout the course. Discussions, in-class questions, and free response exam questions will be focused on these concepts.

1. Structure and function
2. Evolution and adaptation
3. Systems and biology
4. flow of information
5. flow of energy and matter

Units

The semester is broken into Units. Course content starts small (molecules) and builds up to larger categories (ecosystems).

Unit 1:Weeks 1-6

Cell Biology: Basic chemistry, molecules, cell structures and cell respiration

- - Lecture Exam I: Chemistry through enzymes - this is a smaller exam to help you get used to my exam writing.
  - Lecture Exam II: Cell membranes, cell structures and cell respiration
  - Lab Exam: will cover Understanding Science, Enzymes, Water, Microscope labs

Unit 2: Weeks 7-11

Gene expression, cell division, genetics, and evolution

- - We will cover the same material in lab as lecture, therefore there will be a single exam for both the lecture and lab.
  - Lecture Exam III: will be taken during lab on the 12th week.

Unit 3: Weeks 11-14

Organisms, plants, animals, digestion, immune system

- - Lecture Exam IV: will cover the above material as well as the material from the Plant Lab.

Unit 4: Weeks 15-18

Ecology: Ecosystems, Communities, and Populations

- - Lecture Exam V: This exam will be given during finals week as part of your final exam

Final Exam: May 24th at 10AM

- - You will have a take home essay/short answer assignment. You will need to pick an example from each section of the course and explain how it demonstrates a core concept. More details to follow!

Modules

This course is organized in modules. Each week will have a module.

Within each module, you will typically find the following

- A Study Guide
  - learning objectives
  - Study Guide Questions - these will be used to write my exams.
  - links to the Powerpoint slides I will be using
- Content pages with
  - Reading or video assignments
  - Quizzes to determine your understanding of the material
  - These will be open book/open notes and can be taken up to 3 times.
- Lab pages with
  - Reading or video assignments
  - Quizzes to determine your understanding of the material
  - These will be open book/open notes and can be taken up to 3 times.
  - Lab write ups for some of the labs