Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Department of Biology
Bio 1001 - General Biology 1
Systems, ecological and evolutionary biology
Topics Covered
Systems, ecological and evolutionary biology. Integration of plant and animal form and
function with biological concepts and theories of evolution, genetics, development,
homeostasis and ecology-biodiversity.
Textbook and Lab Manual
Textbook: Brooker et al. Biology, Third Edition. McGraw Hill, Publishers
Laboratory manual: General Biology 1 Laboratory Manual, custom edition; McGrawHill, publishers
Department Goals and Objectives to be covered in this course:
CORE BIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
Cell Biology:
-Compare and contrast prokaryotic cell architecture
-Compare and contrast basic cellular and acellular groups including
-prokaryotes
-eukaryotes
-viruses, viroids and prions
-Summarize the types of interaction between organisms including
-commensalism
-mutualism
-parasitism
-Summarize animal primary defenses to infection.
Genetics
-Demonstrate an understanding of Mendelian genetics.
-Demonstrate an understanding of the physical basis of Mendelian principles.
-Demonstrate an understanding of pedigree analysis.
-Distinguish between autosomal and sex-linked inheritance.
-Define DNA recombination.
-Describe mechanisms of DNA recombination.
Evolution
-Describe the key components of natural selection.
-Explain how natural selection has contributed to evolution and diversity of life
forms.
-Descrube the consilience between molecular, genetic and organismalbased theories of evolution.
-Describe evidence from microevolution that supports the theory of evolution.
-Describe evience from macroevolution that supports the theory of
evolution.
Organisms and Ecology
-List defining characteristics of animals and plants
-Describe diversity, body plans and evolutionary relationships among vertebrates
and invertebrates.
-Demonstrate and understanding of population genetics and demography.
-Define the major types of intra- and interpecific interactions.

-Deomonstrate an understanding of community structure and dynamics.

PRACTICAL COMPETENCIES
-Independently investigate biological phenomena using the scientific
method and proven research tools and methods.
-Develop familiarity with laboratory and research procedures by
-formulating hypothesis.
-reading scientific literature.
-designing and carrying out experiments.
-preparing results in tabular and graphical form.
-Communicate scientific results in class.
PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDES AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
-Adhere to the highest professional standards of the scientific
community

Course lecture outline

Weeks 1&2 (Lecture periods 1-3)
Goal: To enumerate and describe the diversity of, and inter-relationships among life
forms. To describe the internal organization of lifes fundamental unit of structure and
function, the cell
Topics to be covered:
-Biological hierarchy and their properties
-The scientific method
Chapter 1 (Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life)
Learning Objectives
1. Define and differentiate the scientific basis upon which life forms
are categorized.
2. Integrate the concept of cellular units with the diversity of life
forms.
3. Identify intercellular and extracellular components of cells and
describe their function.
Weeks 2&3 Genetics (lecture periods 3-5)
Goal: To describe, explain, and analyze the physical basis and principles
underlying the transmission of genes and traits from one generation
to the next.
Topics to be covered:
-Somatic cell division and the production of gametes.
Chapter 15 (mitosis and meiosis)
-Genotypes and phenotypes
Chapter 16 (Mendel and the gene idea)
Chapter 17 (complex patterns of inheritance)
Learning Objectives:

1. Define the concepts of genes and alleles.

2. Delineate, on the chromosome and gene level, the process of meiosis.

3. Demonstrate that gamete formation gives rise to haploid cells.
4. Describe and apply the Mendelian principles of segregation of alleles
and independent assortment.
5. Demonstrate and apply the principles of inheritance of sexchromosome linked genes.
6. Define and apply the synthesis of Darwinian evolution and Mendelian
genetics.

Weeks 3 & 4: Ecology (Lecture periods 5-7)

Goal: To understand how organisms are organized into populations, communities and
ecosystems and how these levels evolve and interact.
Topics to be covered:
-Population biology
Chapter 56 and 57 (Population Ecology)
-Community interactions and their influences on species diversity
Chapter 58 (Community Ecology)
Learning Objectives
1. Define biotic and abiotic systems.
2. Delineate the interactions between biotic and abiotic systems.
3. Define the concept of populations and communities.
4. Describe how different populations interact in ecosystems.
5. Synthesize the principle of population and genetics into the field
of population genetics.
6. Define interactions that influence species that comprise a community.
7. Describe features that influence community structures including
diversity, trophic structure, species diversity, biogeographic features and
pathogens.
Weeks 4 & 5: Evolution (Lecture periods 8-10)
Goal: To enumerate and describe the diversity of, and inter-relationships among life
forms. Introduction to biological diversity within the framework
of evolution.
Topics to be covered:
-Darwinian revolution
Chapter 23 (Descent with Modification)
-Genetic variation makes evolution possible
-Natural selection leads to adaptive radiation
Chapter 24 (The Evolution of Populations)
-Speciation
Chapter 25 (The Origin of Species)
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the impact Darwinian Theory has had on understanding
the species concept and the inter-relationships between diverse life
forms.
2. Analyze and apply Darwinian Theory to modern biological
experimentation.
3. Identify factors that contributes to speciation.

Weeks 6-8: Taxonomy and Microorganisms (Lecture periods 11-15)

Goal: List key distinctions between acellular infectious agents and cellular unicellular life
forms.
Topics to be covered:
-Viruses
Chapter 18 (Viruses)
-Determining phylogeny
Chapter 26 (Phylogeny and the Tree of Life)
-Prokaryotes
Chapter 27 (Bacteria and Archaea)
-Unicellular Eukaryotes
Chapter 28 (Protists)
Learning Objectives
1. Compare and contrast viruses, bacteria, and protists
2. Describe how phylogenies show evolutionary relationships
Weeks 8 & 9: Fungi and Plant Evolution (Lecture periods 16-18)
Goals: (1) To list the key characteristics of fungi and their role in ecosystems and (2) to
trace the evolutionary history of plant diversity listing key features that lead to plant
evolution and adaptive radiation.
Topics to be covered:
-Molds, yeasts and mushrooms
Chapter 31 (Fungi)
-The origin and diversification of plants
Chapter 29 (How Plants Colonized Land)
-Plant adaptations to life on land an overview
Chapter 30 (The Evolution of Seed Plants)
Learning Objectives
1. List key characteristics of molds, yeasts and mushrooms.
2. Compare and contrast nonvascular plants, seedless vascular plants and
seed-bearing vascular plants.
3. Define the term alternation of generations and give examples.
Week 10: Animal Diversity (Lectures 19 & 20)
Goal: To define what constitutes an animal and list key shared characteristics of
animals in general and distinct characteristics of invertebrates and vertebrates
specifically.
Topics to be covered:
-Characterizing animals by body plans
Chapter 32 (An Overview of Animal Diversity)
-Key characteristics of invertebrates
Chapter 33 (Invertebrates)
-Key Characteristics of Vertebrates
Chapter 34 (The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates)
Learning Objectives
1. Define key characteristics of animals
2. Give examples of animal body plans and diversity in function
3. Define characteristics of invertebrates, vertebrates and list the derived

characters of mammals.

Week 11: Metabolism and Homeostasis (Lectures 21& 22)

Goal: To define homeostasis within the context of biology and describe the important
function enzymes have in maintaining cellular metabolism.
Topics to be covered:
-Animal form and function
Chapter 40 (Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function)
Weeks 12 & 13: Systems Biology I
Goal: To understand that homeostasis requires the digestion and absorption of nutrients
and their distribution throughout the body, as well as the production of waste products
that must be removed from the body. To describe and delineate how diverse organisms
perform these functions.
Topics to be covered:
-Systems to distribute nutrients and gases throughout the body.
Chapter 33 (Invertebrates)
Chapter 34 (The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates)
Chapter 36 (Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants)
Chapter 41 (Animal Nutrition)
Chapter 47, 48 (Circulation and Gas exchange)
-Water balance and waste removal in animals.
Chapter 49 (Osmoregulation and Excretion)
Learning Objectives
2. Define the concepts of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms and be
able to discuss the validity of such classifications.
3. Delineate and differentiate how and why diverse heterotrophic
organisms digest and absorb nutrients.
4. Delineate what specialized anatomical structures are necessary for the
distribution of nutrients, gases and waste in organisms with complex body
plans.
5. Describe how the function of different digestive tissues and organs are
regulated to produce controlled digestion.
6. Define and apply the concepts of hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic
fluids.
7. Delineate the mechanisms by which homeostatic levels of salt and
water are maintained in cells and organisms.
8. Describe how specific organs and organ systems of animals with
complex body plans are used to maintain homeostatic levels of salts and
water.
9. Differentiate between nutrients and waste products.
10. Describe the relationship of nutrients and waste between diverse
organisms.
11. Describe how specific tissues and organ systems are used to remove
metabolic waste produces from the body.

Weeks 13 & 14 Systems Biology II

Goal: To understand that organisms respond to their internal and external environments
through nervous and chemical response systems.
Topics to be covered:
-Animal respones to signaling molecules
Chapter 50 (Hormones and the Endocrine System)
-Animal responses to neuronal signaling
Chapter 41 (Neurons, Synapses and Signalling)
-Animal responses to sensory input
Chapter 42 (Sensory and Motor Mechanisms)
Learning Objectives
1. Define the concept of hormones and compare and contrast
different categories of hormones.
2. Delineate how hormones coordinate the response of an
organism to internal and external stimuli.
3. Delineate the anatomy of neurons and differentiate how axons
differ from dendrites in form and function.
4. Delineate how information is transmitted along the neuron and
how information is transmitted between adjacent neurons.
5. Define the difference between neurons and nerves.
6. Compare and contrast the functional anatomy of nervous
systems from diverse organisms.
7. Define and delineate a reflex arc.
8. Enumerate the differences between conscious nervous activity
and a reflex arc.
Week 14 (Lecture period 28) Ontogeny-phylogeny and development.
Goal: To describe the processes involved, and regulation of, vertebrate and invertebrate
development.
Topics to be covered:
-Species must reproduce to survive.
Chapters 51 (Animal reproduction)
-Complex multicellular organisms from single cells.
Chapter 52 (Animal development)
Learning Objectives
1. Describe, compare, contrast and integrate the process of gamete
formation in diverse organisms.
2. Describe compare, contrast and integrate zygote formation in
diverse organisms.
3. Compare and contrast the process of germ layer formation in
acoelomates and coelomates and describe the evolution of
deuterostomes and protostomes.
4. Delineate the processes of organogenesis in basal and derived
organisms and to analyze the commonality of the above process
in
diverse organisms.
5. Analyze and explain the above processes in light of stem cell
formation and applications of stem cell research.

Outcomes assessment
Course grading
The final course grade will be based upon students performance in lecture exams and
lab.
Lecture: 50%
-Lecture exams (4):
40%
-Online homework assignments:
10%
-Lecture exams
-Three midterm exams and a final exam will be given on the dates listed on your
syllabus. The exams will assess your ability to retain and recall the material covered in
lecture as well as your ability to integrate and extrapolate the material covered by solving
problems.
-Online homework assignments will be assigned throughout the semester. No late
assignments will be accepted.
Lab: 50%
-Quizzes (4):
-Cumulative Practical:
-Report (2):
-Participation:
-Homework
-Final Presentation

3.5% each
15%
6% (3% each)
5%
4%
6%

-Laboratory exams
In addition to regular laboratory quizzes a cumulative lab practical given in week 14 and
a group research presentation will constitute you lab final lab grade. Your laboratory
instructor will provide you with more information.
Students arriving late will lose 1 point from the their final laboratory grade.
Arriving 15 or more minutes after the start of lab will be considered an absence (see
below for attendance policies).
Make-up exams and quizzes: There are no make-up exams. If you miss one
lecture exam you will take a cumulative final which will count for 20% of your
lecture grade. Failure to take 2 exams and/or quizzes constitutes an F for the
course.
Attendance Policy
LectureAttendanceLecturesprovideessentialinformationnotcoveredinthetext.Itis
thereforeimportantthatyouattendalllectures.Ifyoumissalectureyouareresponsibleforthe
materialcovered.Youarealsoresponsibleforallannouncementsmadeinlecture.Ifyoumissa
classorcomelate,besureyouobtainmissedmaterialfromaclassmate.
LaboratoryAttendanceAttendanceateverylaboratorysessionofyourassignedsectionis
required.Becauseeverylabisfull,makinguplabsisverydifficultandmostlikelyimpossible.
Ifyoumustmissalab,youmustprovidedocumentationtoyourlabinstructorthatthe
absencewasunavoidable.Itisyourresponsibilitytoarrangetomakeupthemissedlaboratory
withanotherinstructorif(a)thereisroominthelaboratoryand(b)thelaboratoryinstructor

agreestoallowyoutoattendthelab.Failuretoprovidedocumentationand/orfailuretomakeup
thelabwillresultinonefourteenth(1/14)ofyourlabgradebeingdeducted.Thus,ifyourfinal
labaverageis85andyoumissedonelabyourgradewillbededucted3.6pointstogiveyoua
finallabaverageof81.4.Failuretoattendmorethan2ofyourassignedlabsautomatically
resultsinanFforthecourse.
THEREISNOSWITCHINGOFLABS!
Ifyoucannotofficiallyregisterforalabsection,youmaynotattendit.
PLEASE NOTE:

There are no negotiations for grades.

Your grade is the sum of the components listed

above. There are no extra credit, make-up or pity points. It is expected that you give
100% effort in all your endeavors including this course. Therefore there are no extra
points for working hard.
HowtosucceedinBiology:
Attendalllectures,labsandreviewsessions.
ReadthetextandlaboratoryhandoutsBEFOREclass.
Reviewyourclassnotesassoonaspossibleafterlectureandimmediatelybefore
lecture.
Completeallassignmentsandturntheminontime.Lateassignmentsarenot
accepted.
Participateinastudygrouponaweeklybasis.
Knowthevocabulary!Thestudyofbiologyislikelearninganew
language.Youneedtoknowthevocabularyinordertounderstandtheconcepts.
Getagoodnightssleepbeforeanexam.
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is
punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion.
Examples of
academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, internet plagiarism,
obtaining unfair
advantage, and falsification of records. A full definition of each form of
academic
dishonesty, as well as procedures for imposition of sanctions for violations of
the CUNY
Policy on Academic Integrity, may be accessed at:
www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/pub/documents/academicintegritypolicy.pdf
pub/documents/academicintegritypolicy.pdf