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:
- 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.
