AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT
Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Department of Biology
Course: Diversity of Life
Semester: Fall 2023-2024
Instructor: Dr. Hind Rizkallah
Office: Room 115 Biology bldg.
Office Hours: M W 8-9 am or by appointment
Email:
[email protected]COURSE DESCRIPTION:
BIOL 200 Diversity of Life 3.3; 4 cr.
A course that deals with the basic aspects of cell structure and function, heredity,
diversity, classification, evolution and interrelationships of living things, and briefly
covers organs and systems in animals and plants. Laboratory activity reflects the
contents of the course. Not open to biology majors. Sophomore standing is required.
Each semester.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Textbook: Essential of Biology-Mader 7th Edition McGraw Hill
MOODLE: The course is available on MOODLE
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Describe the scientific method and explain how it would be applied to a novel
problem
2. Recognize the components of biological molecules
3. Apply chemical concepts to living systems
4. Understand the importance of energy flow by analyzing the interrelated processes of
cellular respiration and photosynthesis
5. Identify the stages of mitosis and meiosis, as well as the cell cycle, and explain the
significance of each process
6. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis with particular attention to chromosome
movements and definitions of haploid and diploid
7. Describe the structure of DNA and RNA, their "subunits" and how they differ
8. Explain how the fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy and embryology
support evolution.
9. Interrelationship among organisms.
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COURSE POLICY:
In order to do well in this course, it is imperative that you keep up with reading the
chapters and attending lectures.
1. Class attendance
Class attendance is highly recommended. Attendance will be taken during the lecture.
Absence of a student does not excuse him/her from the responsibility for the work
done, or for any announcements made during his/her absence. Students who miss
classes excessively are subject to be asked to drop from the course (AUB Catalogue,
2010-2011, page 133).
2. Exams:
You are required to take all the exams on the scheduled day and time. Failure to sit
for an exam will result in a grade of ‘0’ (ZERO) for that exam. NO MAKE UP
EXAMS will be given. An alternative arrangement could be made; however, the
nature for such arrangement is at the discretion of the instructor. A written
explanation/reason must be provided within one week of the scheduled exam to allow
for such an arrangement
3. Academic Honesty and Integrity
“It is your responsibility to be familiar with the “Policy on Academic Integrity” and
the details of the University’s Student Code-of-Conduct in the Student Handbook at
the beginning of the semester. University regulations concerning plagiarism are taken
VERY seriously. Please familiarize yourself with the university code. Violations are
grounds for academic action and/or disciplinary sanction as provided in the University
Student Code of Conduct.”
4. Accessibility Statement
“AUB strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate
or experience academic barriers due to a disability (including mental health, chronic
or temporary medical conditions), please inform me immediately so that we can
privately discuss options. In order to help establish reasonable accommodations and
facilitate a smooth accommodations process, you are encouraged to contact the
Accessible Education Office:
[email protected]; +961-1-350000, x3246; West
Hall, 314.”
5. Non-Discrimination
“AUB is committed to facilitating a campus free of all forms of discrimination
including sex/gender-based harassment prohibited by Title IX. The University’s non-
discrimination policy applies to, and protects, all students, faculty, and staff. If you
think you have experienced discrimination or harassment, including sexual
misconduct, we encourage you to tell someone promptly. If you speak to a faculty or
staff member about an issue such as harassment, sexual violence, or discrimination,
the information will be kept as private as possible, however, faculty and designated
staff are required to bring it to the attention of the University’s Title IX Coordinator.
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Faculty can refer you to fully confidential resources, and you can find information and
contacts at www.aub.edu.lb/titleix https://www.aub.edu.lb/titleix . To report an
incident, contact the University's Title IX Coordinator Mitra Tauk at 01-350000 ext.
2514, or [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . An anonymous report may
be submitted online via Ethics Point at www.aub.ethicspoint.com
https://www.aub.ethicspoint.com/
COURSE CONTENTS
Chapter 1: The Characteristics of Life
Chapter 3: The Organic Molecules of Life
Chapter 4: Inside the Cell
Chapter 5: The Dynamic Cell
Exam I
Chapter 6: Energy of Life
Chapter 7: Energy of Cells
Exam 2
Chapter 8: Cellular Reproduction
Chapter 10: Patterns of Inheritance
Chapter 10: DNA Biology
Chapter 12: Biotechnology and Genomics
Exam 3
Chapter 14: Darwin and Evolution
Chapter 20: Plant Anatomy and Growth
Chapter 31: Communities and Ecosystems
Chapter 22-,23,25: Animal Structure and Function
Exam 4
Grading System
Exam I 15%
Exam II 15%
Exam III 15%
Exam IV 15%
Assignments 8%
Participation 7%
Lab 25%
