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BIOL 011: Introductory Biology I (3): An evolutionary approach to biology, for non-majors in biology-related fields. Stresses biodiversity, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology. Students must take a combination of BIOL 011 GN and 012 GN to receive General Education credit in biology.
Overview
What will we cover in this course? In this course, we will cover fundamental principles in the biological sciences. Biology 11 will provide you with a foundation to pursue further work in other areas of the life sciences.
What won't be covered? Because this is a breadth course, we will not go into depth in any one area. For example, when we cover the human body, we will cover only two representative organ systems, not all of the organ systems.
Why is it worthwhile to study this subject? You are a biological being, as are the foods that you eat. We use products from other organisms to make many of the clothes that we wear, build our homes, provide medicines,and give beauty to our lives. Therefore, developing an appreciation and understanding of the biological world is important to living in this world and becoming a responsible steward of its resources. I have been interested in biology since I was a child. It was fascinating to me that there were so many other organisms that lived such different lives than we do. Who hasn't watched a bird and wondered what it would be like to be able to fly? To see the world from a different perspective?
Is there any other body of content that it will draw on? Because biological organisms must obey chemical and physicals laws, we will study those fields in relation to their bearing on biology. Previous study in those areas is not required, but if you find that you are having trouble with the basic concepts in chemistry or physics, please let me know.
So how are we going to do this? This is an on-line, cohort-based course, where you will all go through the course at the same time (as you would in a face-to-face class). This will facilitate our discussion of the material and ensure that everyone works at approximately the same pace.
How is this course broken down? This course is broken down into eleven lessons. Each of these lessons will concentrate on a specific topic in biology.
What general kinds of course materials will be used? The course will center around the textbook, The Living World, and its ancillaries, including a course web page that complements the textbook. There will be some use of other web-based resources, primarily through targeted links.
Where and how do I begin the course? All students will begin the course at the same time, accessing Lesson One on-line.
What will I do next? And after that? The course is divided into 11 lessons of study. You will have approximately one week to work through each lesson. Within each lesson you will find on-line "lecture" material, as well as reading assignments and activities. The lessons all are located within our password-protected course Web site, under Lessons.
Like taking a course on campus, it will be important to keep up with the course work, as you will be required to participate in class discussions and activities that have specific time frames associated with them. For a more detailed look at what each lesson will entail, as well as due dates for our assignments and activities, please review the Course Schedule section of this Syllabus.
How will the instructor and students communicate with each other? Class discussions will be held using the message boards. Individual students and the instructor can be contacted directly by email within the course management system ANGEL.
What is expected of you as a student in this course? Because this is an on-line learning environment, there is substantial flexibility in how you spend your time working on this course. You should plan to spend at least nine to twelve hours each week studying and preparing for this class. You are expected to participate regularly in class discussion, and make thoughtful contributions. Therefore, you should plan to log on to the class at least three times each week. Because it takes time to learn the new terminology and concepts presented in this course, short, regular study sessions (for example, two hours, five days a week will be more beneficial than one or two marathon sessions each week). Because we will be discussing the topics presented in this course, everyone will need to stay on schedule with the material and assignments. If any changes are made to the schedule, they will be announced to all of the students enrolled on the course announcements page.
How will you interact with me and the other students in this class? We will be communicating with each other on message forums. When using electronic communication, we do not have the ability to watch a person's face and gestures to determine their emotions and clarify their meaning. This means that you have to be very clear in what you write. There is etiquette for on-line communication, just as there is for social interactions - it is call Netiquette. If you are not familiar with the rules of netiquette, please read this site before you begin to participate in on-line discussions.World Campus' "Netiquette" guidelines
Objectives
By the time you complete this course, you should have learned about the following:
- Understand the role of natural selection, which shapes organisms in response to their environment through differential reproduction.
- Understand the mechanisms of inheritance, and how DNA encodes the genetic information for all living organisms.
- Understand the chemical basis of life, the origin of life on Earth, the structure and function of the two basic types of cells, and how cells transduce energy.
- Understand the fundamentals of plant biology, including plant structure, response, and reproduction.
- Understand the basic organization of animal, with a focus on the digestive and reproductive systems.
- Understand how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how human activities have modified the environment for other organisms.
Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Specifications
Web access is required in order to complete this course. We recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:
| Operating System | Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher *Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2 GHz or higher |
| Memory | 1 GB of RAM |
| Hard Drive Space | 20 GB free disk space |
| Browser | We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or
Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion,
and for advice on downloading a supported version,
please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching, older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses. |
| Plug-ins | Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe] |
| Additional Software | Microsoft Office (2007 or later) |
| Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required |
| Printer | Access to graphics-capable printer |
| DVD-ROM | Required |
| Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers | Required |
| Monitor | Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the World Campus Help Desk.
Grading Scheme
Grading Items |
Points | ||
| Discussions | Self-Introduction | 1 @ 5 points each | 5 |
| Lesson Discussion Forums | 11 @ 15 points each | 165 |
|
| Current Topic Articles | 6 @ 25 points each | 150 |
|
| Short Essays | 2 @ 40 points each | 80 |
|
| Exams | Exams 1-3 (online) | 3 @ 100 points each | 300 |
| Exam 4 (Final Proctored Exam) | 1 @ 200 points | 200 |
|
| Total | 900 |
||
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Course Schedule
Lesson 01: Evolution and Ecology
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 01: Chapters 1 & 2
- Tasks:
- Read textbook Chapters 1 and 2
- Review the on-line material for Lesson 1
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 1 discussion forum)
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #1 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved by the instructor)
- Submit a Current Topics Article (#1) and Discussion
- Please make sure that you start to work on Securing a Suitable Exam Proctor and filling out a Proctor Information Form for your final exam
Lesson 02: The Chemistry of Life
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 02: Chapter 3, and Chapter 15 sections 15.1-15.2
- Tasks:
- Read textbook Chapter 3, and Chapter 15 sections 15.1-15.2
- Review the on-line material for Lesson 2
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 2 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #1 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved by the instructor)
- Please make sure that you have or are working on Securing a Suitable Exam Proctor and filling out a Proctor Information Form for your final exam
Lesson 03: Cells
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 03: Chapter 4
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 3
- Read textbook Chapter 4
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 3 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #1 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- Submit Essay if finished
- Submit a Current Topics Article (#2) and Discussion
Exam 1
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- This exam will cover Lessons 1- 3.
Lesson 04: Energy and Life
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 04: Chapters 5 & 6
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 4
- Read textbook Chapters 5 and 6
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 4 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #1 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- Submit Essay if finished
Lesson 05: How Cells Divide
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 05: Chapter 7
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 5
- Read textbook Chapter 7
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 5 discussion forum
- Submit a Current Topics Article (3#) and Discussion
- Final submission week for Biology In Our Lives Essay #1
Exam 2
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- This exam will cover Lessons 4-5.
Lesson 06: Foundations of Genetics
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 06: Chapter 8
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 6
- Read textbook Chapter 8
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 6 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #2 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- The genetics problem homework will be posted to the Main Message Board. Please send me your answers via email.
Lesson 07: How Genes Work
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 07: Chapter 9
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 7
- Read textbook Chapter 9
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 7 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #2 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- Submit a Current Topics Article (#4) and Discussion
Lesson 08: Evolution and Natural Selection
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 08: Chapters 13 & 14
- Tasks:
- Read textbook Chapters 13 and 14
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 8 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #2 (remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- Please submit the Exam Request Form three weeks before the final exam.
Exam 3
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- This exam will cover Lessons 6-8.
Lesson 09: Plant Biology
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 09: Chapters 18, 19 & 20
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 9
- Read textbook Chapters 18, 19, and 20
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 9 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #2 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- Submit Essay if finished
- Submit a Current Topics Article (#5) and Discussion
Lesson 10: The Animal Body
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 10: Chapters 24.1-24.2, 26, & 30
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 10
- Read textbook Chapters 24.1-24.2, 26 & 30
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 10 discussion forum
- Work on your Biology In Our Lives Essay #2 (Remember that topics need to be pre-approved)
- Submit Essay if finished
Lesson 11: Ecosystems
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- Readings:
- Lesson 11: Chapters 31 & 32
- Tasks:
- Read on-line lecture for Lesson 11
- Read textbook Chapters 31 and 32
- Submit questions and offer answers to the Lesson 11 discussion forum
- Submit a Current Topics Article (#6)and Discussion
- Final submission for Biology In Our Lives Essay
Final Exam
ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES
- This exam will cover lessons 9-11 (75%) and all other lessons (25%).
Course Requirements and Grading
The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:
A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
University Policies
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.
- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Values.
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.