BIOL 171 Introduction to Biology I
Course Instructor: Dr. Justin Walguarnery Classroom: Spalding 155
Office: Edmondson 412 Time: TR 12:00 – 1:15
Contact:
[email protected]Office Hours: After class or by appointment
There has never been a better time to study biology! The discipline is full of revolutionary new
developments that are built upon fundamental findings from the past several centuries. This
course is an introduction to biology for life science majors based on a modern molecular
understanding. Topics covered include cell structure, chemistry, growth, and reproduction,
genetics, biotechnology, and evolution. This course is the foundation not just for an
understanding of subsequent biology courses, but for an understanding of how the living world
works on a fundamental level and how it will be changed by technology over the next decade.
Learning Objectives of this course are to:
• know the basic terminology and key fundamentals in cell structure and chemistry,
growth, reproduction, genetics and evolution, phylogeny and systematics, and
biodiversity of viruses and bacteria
• explain biological processes from molecules to ecosystems in an evolutionary
context using examples from Hawaii
• as a component of scientific literacy, gain competence in interpreting scientific
figures and drawing conclusions from information acquired from visual
representations of data
• enhance awareness of how biology is becoming the central science of our society
• prepare for non-introductory biology courses and biology content in other fields
Phones, laptops, headphones and other electronic devices are prohibited in this class.
Numerous scientific studies (*see citations at the end of this syllabus) have shown the presence
of these devices in the classroom to reduce attention, mental capacity, and academic success.
This class will be a sanctuary from this in which we will act with aloha and work together to help
everyone succeed.
Textbook: The required textbook used for this course is Biology 2e, a free, open-source, digital
document produced by the OpenStax project at Rice University. It can be viewed online, as an
app, as an Apple iBook, or as a downloadable and printable PDF. Check out these options at:
https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e
Lesson Slides: PDF files of the slides used in lecture will be posted each week prior to each
class. These serve as your study guides and a framework for note-taking. Find them at the
Laulima site for BIOL 171 along with course announcements and homework assignments.
https://laulima.hawaii.edu/lum/fp/login.php
Exams (80% of grade): At the end of each unit you will have an in-class exam. This will consist
of multiple choice and open-ended short answer questions through which you’ll demonstrate
your understanding of terminology, processes, and concepts. See schedule below.
Homework (20% of grade): Starting Week 2, homework assignments will be posted to Laulima
for each lesson and will completed online in one week. These will be graded for accuracy.
Grading Scale: A+ = 95.0% and above, A = 90.0 – 94.9, A- = 85.0 – 89.9, B+ = 80.0 – 84.9,
B = 75.0 – 79.9, B- = 70.0 – 74.9, C = 60.0 – 69.9, D = 50 – 59.9, F = <50%
Act with aloha and abide by the UH Student Code of Conduct at all times.
Read this at: http://www.studentaffairs.manoa.hawaii.edu/policies/conduct_code/
Date Topic Required Reading
Jan 9 Introduction, Themes in the Study of Life Chapter 1
Jan 11 Chemistry of Life and the Water Molecule Chapter 2.1 - 2.2
Jan 16 Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life Chapter 2.3
Jan 18 Diversity of Macromolecules I Chapter 3
Jan 23 Diversity of Macromolecules II Chapter 3
Jan 25 Tour of the Cell Chapter 4
Jan 30 Cell Membrane Structure and Function Chapter 5
Feb 1 Metabolism Chapter 6
Feb 6 Cellular Respiration I Chapter 7
Feb 8 Cellular Respiration II Chapter 7
Feb 13 Exam 1
Feb 15 Photosynthesis Chapter 8
Feb 20 Cell Cycle and Mitosis Chapter 10
Feb 22 Sexual Life Cycles and Meiosis Chapter 11
Feb 27 Mendel and the Gene Idea Chapter 12
Feb 29 Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance Chapter 13
Mar 5 Molecular Basis of Inheritance Chapter 14
Mar 7 From Gene to Protein/Regulation Chapter 15,16
Mar 12 Unit 2 Review and Synthesis
Mar 14 Exam 2
Mar 19 Holiday – Spring Recess
Mar 21 Holiday – Spring Recess
Mar 26 Holiday – Kuhio Day
Mar 28 Viruses Chapter 21
Apr 2 Biotechnology Chapter 17.1 – 17.3
Apr 4 Genomes and Their Evolution Chapter 17.4 – 17.5
Apr 9 Descent with Modification Chapter 18.1
Apr 11 Evolution of Populations Chapter 19
Apr 16 Origin of Species Chapter 18.2 – 18.3
Apr 18 History of Life on Earth
Apr 23 Phylogeny and the Tree of Life I Chapter 20
Apr 25 Phylogeny and the Tree of Life II Chapter 20
Apr 30 Bacteria and Archaea Chapter 22
May 9 Exam 3
* Research on the Negative Effects of Digital Devices on Learning
Carter, S. P., Greenberg, K., & Walker, M. (2016). The impact of computer usage on
academic performance. Evidence from a randomized trial at the United States Military
Academy. Economics of Education Review, 56, 118-132.
Glass, A. L., & Kang, M. (2019). Dividing attention in the classroom reduces exam
performance. Educational Psychology, 39, 395-408.
Ravizza, S. M., Hambrick, D. Z., & Fenn, K. M. (2014). Nonacademic Internet use in the
classroom is negatively related to classroom learning regardless of intellectual ability.
Computers & Education, 78, 109–114.
Ravizza, S. M., Uitvlugt, M. G., & Fenn, K. M. (2017). Logged in and zoned out: How laptop
internet use relates to classroom learning. Psychological Science, 28, 171-180.
Sana, F., Weston, T., & Cepeda, N. (2013). Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning
for both users and nearby peers. Computers & Education, 62, 24–31.
Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain drain: The mere presence of
one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity. Journal of Consumer
Research, 2, 140-154.
