Skip to main contentSkip Navigation or Skip to Content
Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

BIOL 1001: Understanding Biology

Note: This course is only available for registration to students residing in Canada

Students are introduced to biological principles applicable to many contemporary problems of human well-being and long-term survival. The aim of the course is to provide students who will not major in science with a scientific perspective. Students who plan to take advanced courses in biology should register in BIOL 1113 and BIOL 1213, rather than BIOL 1001.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the process of scientific inquiry as it applies to biology.
  • Recognize the richness and breadth of the study of biology.
  • Identify and describe the components and basic metabolic processes of cells.
  • Discuss the ways in which biological information, stored in the cell, is maintained, utilized, and inherited.
  • Recognize the diversity of organisms from single-celled bacteria to multicellular plants and animals and use the hierarchical system of classification to name organisms.
  • Identify the evolutionary relationship among different groups of organisms and relate macro- and micro evolutionary processes to the history of life.
  • Describe the structure of plants and identify the main physiological processes, particularly growth and reproduction.
  • Describe the major physiological systems of animals with emphasis on the integration of functions and the relationship of function to environmental conditions.
  • Identify the abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems, including population dynamics and community structures.
  • Describe the energy and nutrient movement through ecosystems, using topical examples.

Course topics

  • Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Biology
  • Module 2: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Module 3: Diversity and Evolution
  • Module 4: Plant and Animal Physiology
  • Module 5: Ecology

Required text and materials

Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at:

  1. Taylor, M. R., Simon, E. J., Dickey, J. L., and Hogan, K. (2020). Campbell biology: Concepts & connections (10th ed.) with Modified Mastering Biology (access card). Pearson Education.
    Type: E-textbook: ISBN: 9780136538820
    https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp

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 50% or higher on the course overall and 50% or higher on the final mandatory examination.

Assignment 1: Introduction to the Science of Biology; Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics 12.5%
Assignment 2: Diversity and Evolution 12.5%
Assignment 3: Plant and Animal Physiology 12.5%
Assignment 4: Ecology 12.5%
Final Examination (mandatory) 50%
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.

Search To Top