BIOL 1213: Principles of Biology II
This course is designed for biology or science majors, and offers a survey of the kingdoms of life, emphasizing their ecology and evolutionary relationships. BIOL 1215 is the laboratory component.
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the mechanisms of evolution by natural selection.
- Explain our changing view of the evolutionary history of biological diversity.
- Discuss important processes and interactions leading to the structure of natural communities, especially natural selection, population growth, competition, nutrient cycling, and behavioural ecology.
- Be familiar with the major ecosystems on land and in water.
- Critically discuss the role of humans as a force of change in the biosphere.
- Classify living organisms.
- Understand and articulate the principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- Think critically about the principles of biology studied and communicate your thinking clearly and concisely in speaking and in writing.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Biology, Science, and Society
- Unit 2: Evolution
- Unit 3: Systematics, Phylogeny, and Biological Diversity
- Unit 4: Ecology
- Unit 5: Global Change
Required text and materials
The following Open Education Resources (OER) textbook, free of charge, is required for this course:
- Holmberg, T. J. (2023). Principles of Biology II, OL ed. LibreTexts Biology.
Retrieved from: https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Thompson_Rivers_University/Principles_of_Biology_II_OL_ed
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 examination.
Note: The final exam for this course is only available as a paper exam and must be taken in person at an approved Testing Centre. Please email exams@tru.ca with any questions.
| Assignment 1: Biology, Science, and Society | 15% |
| Assignment 2: Evolution | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Systematics, Phylogeny, and Biological Diversity | 15% |
| Assignment 4: Ecology | 10% |
| Assignment 5: Global Change | 10% |
| Quizzes | 5% |
| Final Examination (mandatory) | 30% |
| 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.
