BIOL 0501: General Biology
Note: Students who complete BIOL 0501 will meet the ABE Advanced Level (Grade 11) learning outcomes and competencies for transfer credit as stated in the most recent BC Provincial Government’s publication Adult Basic Education: A Guide to Upgrading in British Columbia's Public Post-Secondary Institutions - An Articulation Handbook, including a completion of a minimum of seven labs.
This course is equivalent to Biology 11. The general aims of this course are to give a basic understanding of biological processes and to introduce a number of fundamental biological terms. To begin, students review the scientific method, microscope use, and basic cell biology. They then consider the evolution of biological diversity. As they explore the diversity of life, students progress from microbes to plants and animals, learning from observation in labs and neighbourhood field trips as well as from the excellent textbook and online resources. Finally they apply their biology skills to ecology.
Learning outcomes
The intended outcome of this course is for you as a conscientious student, to be as well prepared for further education and decision making as typical students who have completed other secondary school and adult basic education courses at the Biology 11 level, as articulated in the following sources
- Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. (2020). Adult basic education: A guide to upgrading in British Columbia’s public post-secondary institutions.
Retrieved from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/post-secondary-education/adult-education/abe_articulation_handbook_2021-2022.pdf - Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education. (2016). Draft curriculum: Life sciences grade 11.
Retrieved from: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/science/11/life-sciences
Course topics
- Module 1: Biology and the Process of Science
- Module 2: Microscopes and Cells
- Module 3: Evolution and Speciation
- Module 4: Classification and Microbes
- Module 5: Biodiversity of Plants and Fungi
- Module 6: Biodiversity of Animals
- Module 7: Ecology
Required text and materials
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- Simon, E. J., Dickey, J. L., & Reece, J. B. (2019). Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology chapters plus Modified Mastering (7th ed.). Pearson.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN-13: 9780134819426
The following resources are either provided in electronic format within the learning management system or included in your course package.
- Denning, D. (1998). Grizzly Bear Biology: Concepts and Activities Student Guide. British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.
https://hctfeducation.ca/file/grizzly-bear-biology-student-guide.pdf - Thompson Rivers University. (2019). TRU microscope guide.
Retrieved from https://microscopeguide.trubox.ca/ - WestLab Slide Kit: A set of 10 prepared slides and 5 clean slides.
- PocketScope: A simple hand-held microscope.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the mandatory final exam.
| Assignment 1: Biology and the Process of Science | 6% |
| Assignment 2: Microscopes and Cells | 10% |
| Assignment 3: Evolution and Speciation | 9% |
| Assignment 4: Classification and Microbes | 9% |
| Assignment 5: Biodiversity of Plants and Fungi | 8% |
| Assignment 6: Biodiversity of Animals | 10% |
| Assignment 7: Ecology | 8% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
