Ivy Tech Intro to Biology - BIOL 101

Enrollment Message

See Required Text and Materials

Course Description

Introduces the basic concepts of life. Includes discussion of cellular and organismal biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and interaction among all living organisms. Addresses applications of biology in a global community.

Required Text and Materials

Author: Lumen/Waymaker

Publisher: OER

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• apply the scientific method to problems encountered in everyday life.
• provide examples of the historic development of current scientific thought.
• demonstrate basic skills of metric measuring, data collection, data interpretation, and microscope use.
• interpret simulations of biological systems and relate them to concrete applications.
• describe basic concepts in the field of chemistry and biochemistry.
• describe plant structures and functions including reproductive biology, development, and regulation of systems.
• identify the internal and external structures of both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and define the functions of each.
• recognize energy pathways such as photosynthesis, respiration, and overall cellular metabolism.
• describe the basic processes of mitosis and meiosis and relate them to the life cycle of organisms.
• summarize the mechanisms of inheritance and the processes by which protein and DNA are synthesized.
• describe the major principles of genetics and biotechnology.
• understand the mechanisms of natural selection and their impact on evolution.
• identify major ecological concepts such as communities, energy flow and nutrient cycling, and renewable and non-renewable resources.
• describe the general properties and characteristics of the biological kingdoms.
• survey the structure and functions of physiological systems of the animal kingdom.
• apply the scientific method and the knowledge gained from the course to global societal concerns.

Topical Areas of Study

• Scientific method 
• Basic inorganic and organic chemistry principles
• Animal biology
• Cell cycle and the mechanisms of molecular genetics
• Plant biology
• Natural selection and evolution
• Biotechnology
• Cell structure and function
• Genetics
• General process of energy transformation - enzyme function, photosynthesis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration
• Ecology
• Phylogeny
• World issues and their effects on the field of biology

Grading/Evaluation

All grades will be maintained in IvyLearn’s online grade book. Students are responsible for tracking their progress by referring to the online grade book. Students can generally expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the assignment due date. If exceptions occur, the instructor may notify students of changes to this expectation.

** Please note, the high school grading scale may be different from the Ivy Tech grading scale. The Ivy Tech grade for the course will be assigned based on the percentages above. A different high school grade might be assigned on a student's high school transcript if the grading scale percentages are different.

Types of Assignments

Study/Prep

Pre-tests, self-checks and quiz results generate personalized study plans that coach students on where to focus and how to improve learning. There will be 25 of these throughout the course.

Quizzes

There will be 25 quizzes throughout the course that cover the reading material for that week. Quizzes can include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay, file response, and other types of questions. Each student will have one attempt and some quizzes will require grading from your instructor (such as in the case of essay, short answer, file response, and other types of questions that require instructor grading). Students should allow themselves ample time to

complete each quiz as they will get only one attempt.

Assignments

There will be 5 assignments given through this course that must be completed. Assignments have a variety of modality. It may seem lab like, it could even be an internet search or worksheets.

Exams

There will be 8 exams throughout the course that cover all the content studied. Exams will can include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay, file responses, and other types of questions. There will be one attempt. Some grading may be required by your instructor (such as in the case of essay, short answer, file response, etc.) Students should have gone through all pertinent material before starting exam since there is only one attempt.

Pivot Interactives Labs

There will be 15 required labs. These will take place through Pivot Interactives. Students will watch other students perform labs through videos, then students will be asked questions and be allowed to change variables themselves. Parts of these are automatically graded, the rest will be graded by the instructor.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the Indiana Online student handbook along with Ivy Tech's Class Policies & Grades to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Contact Disabilities Support Services (DSS)

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Ivy Tech Educational Technology Support.