Introduction to Biology is an introductory course in the biological sciences. Topics included are biological macromolecules, cell biology and metabolism, DNA structure and genetics, plant biology, evolution, an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems, ecology, and behavior.

This Course Includes:

Proctored Exams

48 hours grading turn-around

Live technical and student support

Free transcription to your destination school

150+ partner college and universities with direct articulation

Online Course

Introduction to Biology +$79.00

eTextbook

BIO101 eTextbook (a $258.33 value) +$0.00

Proctoring (included)

Tutoring (included)

Introduction to Biology

$0.00

Your Courses

{{label}}:{{options}}

{{qty}} x {{name}}

Plus Membership [?]

Introduction to Biology

Course Content from McGraw-Hill

Course Number: BIO101 Download Course Syllabus

This Course Includes:

Proctored Exams
48 hours grading turn-around
Live technical and student support
Free transcription to your destination school
150+ partner college and universities with direct articulation

Self Paced
Science
Content by McGraw-Hill

Online Course

Introduction to Biology +$79.00

eTextbook

BIO101 eTextbook (a $258.33 value) +$0.00

Proctoring (included)

Tutoring (included)

Credits 3

Plus Membership [?]

Add to Cart

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe the chemical composition of cells and analyze the metabolic processes that happen at the cellular level.
Explain the structure and function of various cell types and their intracellular organelles.
Distinguish between mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis.
Compare and contrast the various patterns of inheritance.
Elucidate the various applications of genomics and biotechnology.
Analyze the physical structure and reproductive strategies of plants.
Trace and evolution of invertebrates and create a cladogram showing different classes of invertebrates.
Summarize the evolution of vertebrates as well as the evolution of modern humans.
Give an overview of the circulatory, digestive, excretory, sensory, and respiratory systems and describe their major functions.
Classify living organisms and assess their effect of the biosphere.

Topic	Lesson Topic	Subtopics	Objectives
1	Introduction to Biology	Characteristics of Living Things The Biosphere Classification of Living Things	Compare and contrast living and non-living things. Describe the biosphere and assess the effect of the human population on it. Classify living things into categories based on different criteria.
2	Cellular Chemistry	Chemical Composition of Cells Metabolism Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration	Describe the chemical composition of cells and recognize the interactions between the constituent elements. Analyze the chemical reactions and energy transformations in a cell. Summarize the process of photosynthesis. Associate chemical reactions with different sub-processes in cellular respiration.
3	Cell Biology	Cell Structure Cellular Division	Identify the different types of cells and their characteristics. Analyze the structure of cell components with respect to their functions. Contrast the stages of the cell cycle. Distinguish between mitosis and cytokinesis.
4	Genetics: Gene Expression, Genomics, and Biotechnology	DNA Structure Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Patterns of Inheritance Genes: Activity and Mutations Applications of Biotechnology Genomics	Describe the structure of DNA and its modes of replication. Summarize the process and phases of meiosis. Describe the theory of Mendelian patterns of inheritance and examine it for lapses and shortcomings. Compare and contrast the Mendelian and chromosomal patterns of inheritance. Explain the process of gene mutations and its effects. State the various applications of biotechnology. Identify the applications of genomics and gene therapy.
5	Plant Biology	Physical Structure of Plants Nutrition Plant Responses to Stimuli Strategies for Plant Reproduction Types of Fruits and Seeds Dispersal Mechanisms Asexual Reproduction	Analyze the physical structure of a plant. Analyze the process of intake and transport of nutrients by plants. Associate movements and changes in plants to the corresponding stimuli. Analyze the reproductive strategies of angiosperms. Distinguish between types of seeds and fruits. Explain seed dispersal mechanisms in angiosperms. Elaborate on asexual reproduction in plants and its application in tissue culture and genetic engineering.
6	Evolution and Diversity: Prokaryotes, Protists, Fungi and Plants	Microbiology Plant Evolution Classes of Plants	Discuss microscopic organisms like viruses and bacteria. Describe the difference between gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Compare and contrast fungi and plants. Trace the evolution of plants to current forms. Classify plants into different categories.
7	Evolution and Diversity: Invertebrates	Classification of Invertebrates Common Invertebrates Evolution of Invertebrates	Identify the different criteria for the classification of animals. Discuss basic characteristics that define animals and identify invertebrates that display these characteristics. Discuss different classes of invertebrates and their functional systems. Develop a graphical representation of major evolutionary changes in invertebrates.
8	Evolution and DIversity: Vertebrates	Chordates Types of Vertebrates Evolution of Vertebrates Human Evolution	Identify the major characteristics of chordates. Associate different classes of vertebrates with their environments and lifestyles. Trace the evolution of vertebrates from the Paleozoic era. Summarize the evolution of primates into humans.
9	Introduction to Functional Systems: The Cardiovascular SYstem and the Immune System	Overview of Functional Systems Circulatory Systems in Invertebrates Circulatory Systems in Vertebrates Characteristics of Blood The Immune System	Tabulate the different functional systems in the body. Describe the circulatory systems in invertebrates. Describe the circulatory systems in vertebrates. Distinguish between the components of blood with respect to appearance and functions. Separate and sequence the steps the body takes to defend itself against pathogens.
10	Digestive and Excretory Systems	The Digestive Tract Enzymes as Digestive Agents The Excretory Organs The Urinary System	Describe the animal digestive tract and classify animals based on the digestive tract. Explain how enzymes react chemically to aid digestion. Analyze the functioning of the organs of excretions and the process of bodily fluid regulation. Describe the urinary system in humans and homeostasis.
11	Sensory and Nervous Systems	The Sensory Organs Nervous Tissue The Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems	Describe the chemical, visual, and hearing and balance sensory organs and their construction. Analyze the structure of nervous tissue and its function. Describe the components of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their functions.
12	Respiratory Systems	Organs and Surfaces Used for Respiration The Human Respiratory System Respiratory Diseases	Identify the respiratory organs and surfaces in animals which allow exchange of gases. Describe the human respiratory system. Associate disorders and infections in the respiratory tract with their cases and symptoms.
13	Behavior and Ecology	Behavioral, Population, and Community Ecology Ecosystems	Compare the genetic and environmental influences of animal behavior. Identify the patterns of population growth. Summarize how different cycles affect the energy flow of an ecosystem. Describe different types of ecosystems.
14	Review	Course Review	Complete a review of key content covered in this course.

There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Biology

The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost. More information on StraighterLine eTextbooks

Prefer the hard copy? Simply purchase from your favorite textbook retailer; you will still get the eTextbook for free.

Mader, Sylvia S. Inquiry into Life, 17th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2023, ISBN: 9781264155729

StraighterLine provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.

If you have chosen a Partner College to award credit for this course, your final grade will be based upon that college's grading scale. Only passing scores will be considered by Partner Colleges for an award of credit.

There are a total of 1000 points in the course:

Topic	Assessment	Points
3	Graded Exam 1	125
6	Graded Exam 2	125
6	Midterm Exam	200
9	Graded Exam 3	125
13	Graded Exam 4	125
14	Cumulative Final Exam	300
Total		1000

Final Proctored Exam

The final exam is developed to assess the knowledge you learned taking this course. All students are required to take an online proctored final exam in order complete the course and be eligible for transfer credit.

Learn more about Proctored Exams

No reviews have been submitted for Introduction to Biology

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe the chemical composition of cells and analyze the metabolic processes that happen at the cellular level.
Explain the structure and function of various cell types and their intracellular organelles.
Distinguish between mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis.
Compare and contrast the various patterns of inheritance.
Elucidate the various applications of genomics and biotechnology.
Analyze the physical structure and reproductive strategies of plants.
Trace and evolution of invertebrates and create a cladogram showing different classes of invertebrates.
Summarize the evolution of vertebrates as well as the evolution of modern humans.
Give an overview of the circulatory, digestive, excretory, sensory, and respiratory systems and describe their major functions.
Classify living organisms and assess their effect of the biosphere.

Topic	Lesson Topic	Subtopics	Objectives
1	Introduction to Biology	Characteristics of Living Things The Biosphere Classification of Living Things	Compare and contrast living and non-living things. Describe the biosphere and assess the effect of the human population on it. Classify living things into categories based on different criteria.
2	Cellular Chemistry	Chemical Composition of Cells Metabolism Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration	Describe the chemical composition of cells and recognize the interactions between the constituent elements. Analyze the chemical reactions and energy transformations in a cell. Summarize the process of photosynthesis. Associate chemical reactions with different sub-processes in cellular respiration.
3	Cell Biology	Cell Structure Cellular Division	Identify the different types of cells and their characteristics. Analyze the structure of cell components with respect to their functions. Contrast the stages of the cell cycle. Distinguish between mitosis and cytokinesis.
4	Genetics: Gene Expression, Genomics, and Biotechnology	DNA Structure Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Patterns of Inheritance Genes: Activity and Mutations Applications of Biotechnology Genomics	Describe the structure of DNA and its modes of replication. Summarize the process and phases of meiosis. Describe the theory of Mendelian patterns of inheritance and examine it for lapses and shortcomings. Compare and contrast the Mendelian and chromosomal patterns of inheritance. Explain the process of gene mutations and its effects. State the various applications of biotechnology. Identify the applications of genomics and gene therapy.
5	Plant Biology	Physical Structure of Plants Nutrition Plant Responses to Stimuli Strategies for Plant Reproduction Types of Fruits and Seeds Dispersal Mechanisms Asexual Reproduction	Analyze the physical structure of a plant. Analyze the process of intake and transport of nutrients by plants. Associate movements and changes in plants to the corresponding stimuli. Analyze the reproductive strategies of angiosperms. Distinguish between types of seeds and fruits. Explain seed dispersal mechanisms in angiosperms. Elaborate on asexual reproduction in plants and its application in tissue culture and genetic engineering.
6	Evolution and Diversity: Prokaryotes, Protists, Fungi and Plants	Microbiology Plant Evolution Classes of Plants	Discuss microscopic organisms like viruses and bacteria. Describe the difference between gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Compare and contrast fungi and plants. Trace the evolution of plants to current forms. Classify plants into different categories.
7	Evolution and Diversity: Invertebrates	Classification of Invertebrates Common Invertebrates Evolution of Invertebrates	Identify the different criteria for the classification of animals. Discuss basic characteristics that define animals and identify invertebrates that display these characteristics. Discuss different classes of invertebrates and their functional systems. Develop a graphical representation of major evolutionary changes in invertebrates.
8	Evolution and DIversity: Vertebrates	Chordates Types of Vertebrates Evolution of Vertebrates Human Evolution	Identify the major characteristics of chordates. Associate different classes of vertebrates with their environments and lifestyles. Trace the evolution of vertebrates from the Paleozoic era. Summarize the evolution of primates into humans.
9	Introduction to Functional Systems: The Cardiovascular SYstem and the Immune System	Overview of Functional Systems Circulatory Systems in Invertebrates Circulatory Systems in Vertebrates Characteristics of Blood The Immune System	Tabulate the different functional systems in the body. Describe the circulatory systems in invertebrates. Describe the circulatory systems in vertebrates. Distinguish between the components of blood with respect to appearance and functions. Separate and sequence the steps the body takes to defend itself against pathogens.
10	Digestive and Excretory Systems	The Digestive Tract Enzymes as Digestive Agents The Excretory Organs The Urinary System	Describe the animal digestive tract and classify animals based on the digestive tract. Explain how enzymes react chemically to aid digestion. Analyze the functioning of the organs of excretions and the process of bodily fluid regulation. Describe the urinary system in humans and homeostasis.
11	Sensory and Nervous Systems	The Sensory Organs Nervous Tissue The Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems	Describe the chemical, visual, and hearing and balance sensory organs and their construction. Analyze the structure of nervous tissue and its function. Describe the components of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their functions.
12	Respiratory Systems	Organs and Surfaces Used for Respiration The Human Respiratory System Respiratory Diseases	Identify the respiratory organs and surfaces in animals which allow exchange of gases. Describe the human respiratory system. Associate disorders and infections in the respiratory tract with their cases and symptoms.
13	Behavior and Ecology	Behavioral, Population, and Community Ecology Ecosystems	Compare the genetic and environmental influences of animal behavior. Identify the patterns of population growth. Summarize how different cycles affect the energy flow of an ecosystem. Describe different types of ecosystems.
14	Review	Course Review	Complete a review of key content covered in this course.