BIO 101: Introduction to Biology

Term: Fall 2026

Credits: 4.0 (3 hours lecture + 3 hours laboratory weekly)

Lecture Times & Location: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30–10:45 a.m., Meridian Science Center 120

Laboratory Location: Meridian Science Center 124 (Section 01: Tue 2:00–4:50 p.m. | Section 02: Wed 2:00–4:50 p.m. | Section 03: Thu 2:00–4:50 p.m.)

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Martin Osei (Professor of Biology)
• Email: mosei@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 218
• Office Hours:
• Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Meridian 218)
• Thursday: 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom / Alkimi Portal)
• Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology, with a weekly three-hour laboratory. BIO 101 provides a comprehensive foundation in the molecular, cellular, and organismal principles governing living systems. Students explore macromolecular chemistry, cellular architecture and bioenergetics, mendelian and molecular genetics, gene expression, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and ecological interactions. In the laboratory, students develop scientific inquiry skills through experimental design, spectrophotometry, microscopy, gel electrophoresis, quantitative data analysis, and formal scientific reporting.

Prerequisites

High school biology and chemistry or equivalent; college-level placement in quantitative reasoning. Satisfies 4 credits of the Alkimi Core Natural Sciences with Laboratory requirement and serves as a foundational prerequisite for Biology, Neuroscience, and Pre-Health tracks.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms: Describe the chemical properties of biological macromolecules, membrane dynamics, cellular metabolic pathways (respiration and photosynthesis), and signal transduction.
2. Apply Genetic Principles: Solve complex Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance problems, model chromosome dynamics during mitosis and meiosis, and describe the central dogma from transcription to translation.
3. Analyze Evolutionary and Ecological Processes: Calculate allele frequency shifts using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model and predict community and ecosystem responses to environmental perturbations.
4. Conduct Laboratory Investigations: Formulate testable scientific hypotheses, utilize standard laboratory instrumentation (compound microscopes, micropipettes, spectrophotometers, centrifuges), and collect quantitative biological data safely.
5. Communicate Scientific Findings: Draft formal scientific lab reports containing properly formatted figures, statistical interpretations, and peer-reviewed citations.

Required Course Materials & Costs

1. Textbook: Clark, Mary Ann, Matthew Douglas, and Jung Choi. Biology 2e. OpenStax, 2018. Free open-access digital textbook available at openstax.org. Optional print copy available at the bookstore for approx. $45.
2. Laboratory Manual: BIO 101 General Biology Laboratory Manual (Fall 2026 Edition). Alkimi University Copy Center; approx. $18.
3. Lab Safety Gear: Indirectly vented chemical splash safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1 certified); approx. $8.
4. Total estimated cost: $26 (digital text) to $71 (print text).

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), BIO 101 operates under AI Level 2.

• Permitted Uses: You are encouraged to use the BIO 101 Alkimi Learning Assistant and university-approved AI tools as personal Socratic tutors: explaining confusing biochemical pathways, quizzing yourself on cellular terminology, generating practice genetics problem sets, and checking the grammatical clarity of your own drafted lab reports.
• Prohibited Uses: You may NOT use AI to draft laboratory report sections (such as the Introduction, Hypothesis, Results interpretation, or Discussion), fabricate experimental data, perform required mathematical calculations for you, or complete online quizzes. Submitting AI-generated text or falsified data as your own empirical work violates university academic integrity standards.
• Disclosure Requirement: Every formal lab report and written assignment must include an "AI Attribution and Usage Statement" detailing any AI tools consulted and how the assistance was applied.

Grading Components and Weights

• Lecture Midterm Exam 1: 15% (Thursday, October 8)
• Lecture Midterm Exam 2: 15% (Thursday, November 5)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 20% (Tuesday, December 15, 8:00–10:00 a.m.)
• Laboratory Practical & Quizzes: 15%
• Laboratory Reports & Notebooks (including Lab Assignment 1): 20%
• Weekly Pre-Lecture Homework & In-Class Polls: 15%

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%

15-Week Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance & Laboratory Regulations

• First-Week Attendance: Missing the first two class or lab meetings without prior written notification will result in administrative withdrawal (Student Handbook §6.1).
• Mandatory Laboratory Attendance: Laboratory work is essential to scientific education. Missing more than two laboratory sessions—even if excused—precludes achieving the course learning objectives and will result in a failing grade (F) for BIO 101.
• Lab Safety: ANSI-approved splash goggles and closed-toe shoes are required at all times in Meridian 124. Students lacking proper protective gear will be dismissed from lab without make-up privileges.
• Religious Observances: Notify Dr. Osei in writing by Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
• University-Sponsored Events: Provide an official sponsor letter at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Pre-lab assignments and lecture homework are not accepted late, as answer keys are released immediately after the deadline. Formal laboratory reports are penalized 10% per calendar day late, up to three days; assignments submitted after 72 hours receive a score of zero.

Final Exam Rescheduling Policy

Under university policy (Student Handbook §6.4), students with three or more final examinations on the same calendar day may petition to reschedule the middle exam by submitting a written request to the instructor no later than Wednesday, December 9, 2026.

Academic Integrity

The university Academic Integrity Policy (Student Handbook §5.1) strictly prohibits cheating, data falsification, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration. In laboratory work, while lab pairs collaborate on data collection, all data analysis, graphs, and written interpretations must be executed individually. Violations are reported to the Office of Academic Integrity (Lovell Hall 315, integrity@university.alkimi.ai, (555) 555-0163).

Accessibility Services & Accommodations

Students with disabilities requiring accommodations must register with the Office of Accessibility Services:

• Location: Harlan Hall 204 | Phone: (555) 555-0155 | Email: access@university.alkimi.ai

Please deliver your accommodation letter within the first two weeks of class to ensure timely laboratory accommodations.

Campus Student Support Resources

• Academic Advising Center: Lovell Hall 101 | (555) 555-0158 | advising@university.alkimi.ai
• Writing Center: Whitcombe Library 2nd Floor | Scientific writing and report consultation available.
• Hollis Health & Counseling Center: Hollis Center | (555) 555-0190 | 24/7 Crisis Line: (555) 555-0199
• Science Tutoring Center: Meridian Science Center 105 | Drop-in peer tutoring Monday–Thursday 4:00–8:00 p.m.