BIOL 0501 - General Biology

Course Description

This course is equivalent to Biology 11. The general aims of this course are to give a basic understanding of biological processes and to introduce a number of fundamental biological terms. To begin, students review the scientific method, microscope use, and basic cell biology. They then consider the evolution of biological diversity. As they explore the diversity of life, students progress from microbes to plants and animals, learning from observation in labs and neighbourhood field trips as well as from the excellent textbook and online resources. Finally they apply their biology skills to ecology.

Learning outcomes

The intended outcome of this course is for you as a conscientious student, to be as well prepared for further education and decision making as typical students who have completed other secondary school and adult basic education courses at the Biology 11 level, as articulated in the following sources:

• Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. (2020). Adult basic education: A guide to upgrading in British Columbia’s public post-secondary institutions.
  Retrieved from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/post-secondary-education/adult-education/abe_articulation_handbook_2021-2022.pdf
• Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education. (2016). Draft curriculum: Life sciences grade 11.
  Retrieved from: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/science/11/life-sciences

Course topics

• Module 1: Biology and the Process of Science
• Module 2: Microscopes and Cells
• Module 3: Evolution and Speciation
• Module 4: Classification and Microbes
• Module 5: Biodiversity of Plants and Fungi
• Module 6: Biodiversity of Animals
• Module 7: Ecology

Required text and materials

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

• Simon, E. J., Dickey, J. L., & Reece, J. B. (2019). Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology chapters plus Modified Mastering (7th ed.). Pearson. 
  Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9780134819426.

Note: The above item can be purchased directly through this link. Students will require a Pearson account to finalize the purchase.

• WestLab Slide Kit: A set of 10 prepared slides and 5 clean slides.

Note: The above item can be purchased through Wolfie's Campus Store.

• Pocket Microscope: A simple hand-held microscope with 20x-40x magnification ratio.

Note: The above item can be purchased through various retailers.

Assessments

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 exam. 

Prerequisites

Science 10 or its equivalent.

Recommended requisite(s)

English reading skills at a Grade 11 level are important for success in this course.

Exclusions

BIOL 0500