Class Resources:

Textbook: Biological Science by Freeman, 2nd edition

Instructor: Dr. Joel L. Carlin (address as "Joel" or "Dr. Carlin," whatever you prefer)

Office: Nobel Hall of Science 336; Phone: 933-6305; E-mail: jcarlin@gustavus.edu

Office hours: 50 minute periods beginning at: Mon 10.30am, Tue 9am, Wed 12.30pm, Fri 1.30pm.

Accessibility: I prefer to consult with you during posted office hours. Outside of these posted hours, an open office door means that you are welcome to ask questions, otherwise please e-mail me for an appointment. I am very willing to make appointments for odd hours, although this is not in effect after 5pm the night before an exam!

Lab Instructors: If you have questions or concerns specifically about lab, or you need to change lab sections permanently, please contact Eric Elias at eelias@gac.edu.

Tutors: Tutors will be available in NHS 224 (the Biology Library) during specific times, to be posted soon.

Course Description

We will survey general principles common to all life. Biology is a multidisciplinary science that requires understanding of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. With this background we will explore biological disciplines in four sections:

  • The Structure of Life. A review of macromolecules, metabolism, cell structure
  • Cellular Metabolism. How cells harvest and transfer energy for growth
  • A Survey of Genetics. Mendelian and molecular genetics in eukaryotes.
  • Species in Space and Time. The evolution, interactions and conservation of species.

Course Goals

  • To supply science majors with the tools to master biological principles and obtain the background knowledge necessary for further study.
  • To understand that biology is a dynamic discipline in which knowledge integrates across seemingly disparate fields.
  • To develop an approach to the study of biology that will facilitate success in future courses of any science.

Protein structure occurs at many levels in hemoglobin





Polydactyly results from changes in developmental genes





Primary productivity in the winter Agulhas current