BIO 101
General Biology
Course Syllabus
Course Description
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in biology. Key areas covered include cellular biology, biotechnology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will gain an understanding of life processes, biological structures, and the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain basic biology concepts and terminology
- Outline the structure of the living world
- Explain the relationship among DNA, mRNA, amino acids, and proteins
- Distinguish between the two types of cellular division
- Classify the components of animal and plant cells
- Analyze energy flows and membrane transport within the cell
- Determine the mechanisms of evolution
- Analyze different patterns of inheritance
- Distinguish between different types of biodiversity
- Describe the evolution of the animal kingdom
- Identify the structure and function of various body systems
Clock/Credit Hours
- 45 Clock Hours
- 3 Credit Hours
Instructor Information
INSERT HERE
Outside Work & Expectations
Students should anticipate up to 90 hours of additional coursework outside of the classroom. This may include:
- Reading assignments
- Journaling
- Case study analysis
- Homework and study time
- Research article evaluations
- Practice exercises
Study Tip: Plan to study 2–4 hours each night to meet course demands. You are expected to:
- Come prepared and participate actively
- Complete all assignments on time
- Respect peers’ beliefs and perspectives
- Read materials before class discussions
- Complete all in-class quizzes
Course Prerequisites
None
Textbook & Resources
Textbook:
BIOLOGY 2E
Library Access:
ETA provides 24/7 access to digital research resources via the Library and Information Resources Network.
Evaluation & Grading
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Discussion Forums | 30% |
| Quizzes | 30% |
| Assignments | 30% |
| Participation/Punctuality | 10% |
Grading Scale:
| Grade | Percentage | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90%–100% | 4 |
| B | 80%–89% | 3 |
| C | 75%–79% | 2 |
| F | 74% and below | 0 |
| P | Pass | – |
| F | Fail | – |
| W | Withdrawal | – |
| I | Incomplete | – |
Course Policies
- Late Work: Accepted at the instructor’s discretion. No work is accepted after the course ends.
- Missed Exams: Must be completed within the scheduled window.
- AI Usage: The use of artificial intelligence tools for writing is not permitted unless explicitly allowed. Violation may fail the assignment or course.
- Attendance: Based on work submission. Missing a week in a 4-week course equals 25% of the class time, which results in automatic failure, regardless of other grades.
- Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action and possible ejection from the course.
Course Participation
This is an asynchronous online course, meaning there are no set login times. However, active and timely completion of all:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Discussion forums
- Lesson materials
…is required to maintain participation and earn credit.
Delivery Mode
- Fully online / distance learning
- All interaction is completed via the internet with the instructor