SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
Fundamentals of Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems
BIOL 103/3.0
The origins and diversification of multicellular organisms, their form, function and adaptation to stress and a changing world. Themes and case studies include energy flow from molecules to ecosystems, organismal interactions including parasitism and disease dynamics, and the impacts of human activity.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the fall and/or summer term
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will have learned to:
- Identify the roles of the major physiological systems in diverse animals and how they are regulated through electrical and chemical signals to achieve change or maintain homeostasis
- Describe the structure and function of nerves and muscles and explain how they contribute to physiological and behavioural processes.
- Apply knowledge of tissue and organ system functioning and integration to diagnose or predict common diseases and organismal dysfunctions.
- Discuss the mechanisms by which evolution shapes biological diversity, citing examples from the history of life captured in the fossil record, in extant diversity, or through direct observation of evolution in action.
- Compare the nature of interactions between organisms at the level of the population, the community and the ecosystem.
- Describe the main cycles governing the flow of nutrients and energy through communities and ecosystems and recognize the importance of ecological interactions and biodiversity in building a sustainable future.
Topics
Topics covered in this course include
- Animal Form and Function
- Ion, Water and Nutrient Balance – Water and electrolyte balance in animals and animal nutrition
- Gas Exchange and Circulation
- Nerves and Muscles
- Endocrine Signalling
- Reproduction
- Immune System
- Evolutionary Processes and Patterns
- Evolutionary Processes
- Speciation and the History of Life
- Animal Behaviour
- Population and Community Ecology
- Ecosystems
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Description
This course is intended primarily for students in biological and life sciences, for those considering pursuing careers in the health sciences/medical sector, and those with a general interest in Biology and plans to take further Biology courses. The Biology Department at Queen’s has two other courses, BIOL110 and BIOL111, that are intended for students who plan to take only one or two Biology courses.
This course may be used by Queen’s students towards the degree requirements of programs in the biological and life sciences. Students from other institutions pursuing chemistry, biochemistry, or similar programs should check with their home institution regarding the suitability of this course towards their degree programs.
BIOL 103 Online has a significant level of interaction with the instructor and TAs to help students master the course material.
Terms
Fall 2021
Course Dates:
Sept. 7 - Dec. 3, 2021
Exam Dates:
Dec. 8 - Dec. 22, 2020
Evaluation
20% - Unit Quizzes
44% - Virtual Labs
8% - Dynamic Study Modules
12% - Essay
16% - Proctored Final Exam
*Evaluation Subject to Change*
Proctored Exams
- Students who have on-campus courses (or course sections) will write their final exams in-person and on-campus. These final exams will be administered through the central Exams Office.
- Students who have courses (or course sections) that are remote or online, but who have other on-campus courses (or course sections) in their timetable, will write all of their final exams in-person and on-campus. These final exams will be administered through the central Exams Office.
- Students who have only remote or online courses (or course sections) in their timetable, and who require remote proctoring, will have their exams proctored using Examity.
Location and Timing of Final Examinations
Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed on the Faculty of Arts and Science webpage under "Important Dates." Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations.
Instructor
Professor Chris Moyes (chris.moyes@queensu.ca)
Textbooks and Materials
Please consult the Queen's Campus Bookstore for information on the textbook (Campbell Biology 3rd Edition) and Mastering.
Time Commitment
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend on average, about 120 hours on the course.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
