Overview

BIOL 204 is a preparatory course in general biology and the first of two introductory biology courses that will prepare students for most second-year biology courses. This course is designed for home study, supplemented with home labs. Topics covered include chemical basis of life, cell structure, biological membranes, cellular structure, cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, cell reproduction, principles of heredity, molecular genetics, genetics of development, natural selection, population genetics, speciation, and evolution.

Outline

Part 1: The Organization of Life

Part 2: Energy Transfer Through Living Systems

Part 3: The Continuity of Life: Genetics

Part 4: The Continuity of Life: Evolution

Evaluation

To receive credit for BIOL 204, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent); a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination; and obtain an average of at least 50 percent on the assignments. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Solomon, E. P., Berg, L. R., & Martin, D. W. (2005). Biology (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thompson Learning.

Daniel, R. S., Daniel, S. C., & Taylor, R. L. (2005). Study Guide to Accompany Biology (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thompson Learning.

Other materials

The course materials also include a student manual, a home lab manual, an assignment booklet, and a home lab kit.

Special Instructional Features

The home lab kit supplies many of the materials used for the home labs. The student will, however, have to supplement the home lab kit with some common kitchen items or supplies. Students may also borrow materials from Athabasca University Library.