Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

General Biology II (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 1620-02

Course: BIOL 1620-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: BIOL
CRN: 30906

Course Description

This course introduces science majors to the study of biology and the diversity of life. It provides fundamental knowledge of morphological complexity, physiology, development, environmental adaptation, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth. Three (3) hours of lecture per week. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a biological science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other biology course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): BIOL 1625

Required Texts

Campbell Biology 12th edition 

Learning Outcomes

The goal of this course is to help students fully investigate and understand: 
  1. Basic biological principles and the scientific method.
  2. The theory and process of evolution, including:
    • The mechanisms of evolution
    • Adaptations to different environments
    • Genetic diversity and speciation
  3. The diversity, form, and function of plants and animals.
  4. Problem-solving methods in science and how to be critical thinkers.
  5. The relevance of biology in a broader context.  

Course Requirements

Your grade will be based on your performance on exams, quizzes, and assignments. Grades will be posted on Canvas. If you have questions about your grade on an assignment, you have one week after it is posted to contact me to discuss the grade. After one week, there will be no discussion or changing of the grade.

There will be activities and/or assignments during lecture, so it is important to come to class. Some in-class assignments will be graded based on participation alone and some will be graded based on the correct answers.

A breakdown of the course points can be seen below:
Assignment type | Points possible | Percent of grade
In-class assignments (5 x 20 pts ea.) | 100 points  | 11%
Homework & Study guides (10 x 25 pts ea.) | 250 points | 28%
Quizzes (5 x 20 pts ea.) | 100 points | 11%
Exams (3 x 100 pts ea.) | 300 points | 33%
Final Exam | 150 points | 17%
Total | 900 points | 100%

The following grade scale will be used to assign course grades: 
 | A: >= 94% | B: 84-86.9% | C: 74-76.9% | D: 64-66.9%
 | A-: 90-93.9% | B-: 80-83.9% | C-: 70-73.9% | D-: 60-63.9%
 | B+: 87-89.9% | C+: 77-79.9% | D+: 67-69.9% | F: <60%

A note about grading timelines: As a lecturer, I have a full schedule of classes that each have their own assignments. Grading assignments and giving quality feedback takes time. I will do the best I can to get assignments graded as soon as possible, but please be patient with me. I always aim to have assignments graded within 1-2 weeks of the assignment due date. 

Course Outline

Information contained in the syllabus may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Students will be notified of any changes. Any changes made will not affect the learning outcomes of the course. 

Unit 1: Nature of Science/ Evolution and Speciation  
In this unit we will start by discussing the scientific method and the overarching theme of biology, which we will relate to all topics this semester. We will discuss the theory and process of evolution, the mechanisms of evolution, microevolution, speciation, macroevolution, taxonomy, biological classification, and an introduction to systematics.

Chapters covered in Unit 1 (based on Campbell Biology, 12th edition)
Chapter 1- Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry*
Chapter 22- Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life
Chapter 23- The Evolution of Populations
Chapter 24- The Origin of Species
Chapter 25- The History of Life on Earth*
Chapter 26- Phylogeny and the Tree of Life


Unit 2: Plant diversity, form, and function
In this unit, we will learn about all the different phyla of plants and the distinguishing features for each phyla. We will discuss plant reproduction (the alternation of generations), plant structures, and the function of those structures. If time permits, we will discuss plant resource acquisition, soil and plant nutrition, and angiosperm reproduction in depth. 

Chapters covered in Unit 2 (based on Campbell Biology, 12th edition)
Chapter 29- Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land
Chapter 30- Plant Diversity II: The Evolution of Seed Plants
Chapter 35- Vascular Plant Structure, Growth, and Development
Chapter 36- Resource Acquisition and Transport in Vascular Plants
Chapter 37- Soil and Plant Nutrition
Chapter 38- Angiosperm Reproduction and Biotechnology*


Unit 3: Animal diversity, form and function
In this unit, we will learn about animal classification criteria, animal development, and animal morphology. We will discuss the major phyla of animals and the distinguishing factors for each phylum. We will go over specific morphological features and their function within each phylum.

Chapters covered in Unit 3 (based on Campbell Biology, 12th edition)
Chapter 32- An Overview of Animal Diversity
Chapter 33- An Introduction to Invertebrates
Chapter 34- The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates

*indicates that only part of the chapter will be covered, as time permits.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

All assignments and exams are due on the date/time set forth by the instructor. Assignments turned in late are subject to a 10% reduction in points for every day past the due date. Grading late assignments will depend on my schedule, so you may not get feedback on the assignment with the rest of the class. 

The only exceptions for late assignments or missed exams are listed below: 
  • University sponsored travel
  • Extreme illness or family emergencies 
  • ADA Accommodations
If you need to turn in an assignment late due to any of the above reasons (excluding extreme illness and emergencies), please contact me at least 3 days prior to the due date, but preferably earlier. If an email is not sent 3 days before the assignment due date, then late assignments will be subject to the 10% reduction every 24 hours that it is late.

Make-up work for in-class activities or exams will only be allowed for the exceptions listed above as long as enough notice has been given to me (3 days before the absence), or at my discretion in the case of emergencies.

Please note, the following do not count as emergencies or excuses for late work/make-up work: vacations, early departure for breaks, job scheduling conflicts, sleeping through your alarm 

Attendance Policy

Attendance is important and will ensure that you get the most out of the class. There will be five graded in-class activities and/or assignments throughout the course of the semester. The exact date for these assignments has not been set and depends on the pace of the lectures. If you are absent and miss an in-class activity, you cannot make it up unless you have a valid, excusable absence (university sponsored travel, extreme illness or emergencies, ADA accommodations). 

If you are traveling for a university-sponsored event, please send me an email at least 3 days before class to alert me of your absence. If you are ill, please email me as soon as symptoms have set in to let me know you will be absent. If you have an emergency, please email me as soon as you possibly can. I will work with you to develop a plan to complete coursework. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence statement

This is an extension of the Academic Misconduct section of the syllabus. Please note, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not allowed for this course. If AI is used for any assignment, you will get a zero on that assignment. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.