BIO 130

Integrative Biology: Cells to Organisms

Summer Term 2026
Instructor: Staff	Total sessions: 35 Sessions
Office Hours: TBA	Session Length: 145 Minutes
Classroom: TBA	Credits: 4 Units
Class Length: 7 Weeks	Language: English

Course Overview:

This course explores how multicellular organisms function as integrated systems, building from cellular processes to tissues, organs, and whole-organism physiology. Students will examine how organisms sense and respond to their environment, regulate internal conditions, acquire and distribute resources, defend against threats, and reproduce.

The course emphasizes the connection between molecular and cellular mechanisms and organism-level outcomes. Laboratory and discussion components reinforce these concepts

through data analysis, experimental investigation, and applied biological reasoning. Students will develop a systems-level understanding of biology across diverse organisms.

Required Material:

Primary Textbook

Urry, Lisa A., et al. Campbell Biology. 12th Edition. Pearson.

Supplementary Materials

Instructor-provided readings, case studies, and laboratory manuals.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain how cellular processes contribute to the structure and function of multicellular organisms.

2. Analyze how organisms maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.

3. Compare biological systems across different groups of organisms.

4. Describe mechanisms of resource acquisition, transport, and waste removal.

5. Evaluate immune responses and defense mechanisms.

6. Analyze reproductive strategies and their biological significance.

7. Conduct laboratory investigations and interpret biological data.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Thinking Like a Biologist and Cellular Foundations

Lecture 1: Scientific Thinking in Biology

· Scientific method and experimental design Lecture 2: Review of Cell Structure

· Cell organization and function Lecture 3: Cellular Diversity

· Differences across organisms Lecture 4: Evolution of Multicellularity

· Advantages and constraints Lecture 5: Tissue Organization

· Specialized structures and functions Laboratory: Scientific investigation and microscopy

Week 2: Development and Cell Communication

Lecture 6: From Fertilization to Development

· Cell differentiation

Lecture 7: Gene Expression in Development

· Regulation mechanisms

Lecture 8: Cell Signaling Fundamentals

· Communication pathways Lecture 9: Homeostasis Principles

· Feedback systems

Lecture 10: Integration of Signaling and Regulation Laboratory: Cell signaling and regulation experiments

Week 3: Sensing and Responding to the Environment

Lecture 11: Sensory Systems in Organisms

· Environmental detection Lecture 12: Nervous Systems

· Signal transmission Lecture 13: Endocrine Systems

· Hormonal regulation Lecture 14: Behavioral Responses

· Integrated responses

Lecture 15: Environmental Adaptation Midterm Exam (Lecture 1–15)

Laboratory: Sensory response and behavioral experiments

 

Week 4: Resource Acquisition and Transport

Lecture 16: Metabolism Review

· Energy and biochemical pathways Lecture 17: Gas Exchange

· Oxygen acquisition Lecture 18: Nutrient Uptake

· Digestive and absorption systems Lecture 19: Transport Systems

· Circulatory mechanisms Lecture 20: Waste Removal

· Excretory systems

Laboratory: Transport and exchange processes

Week 5: Defense and Immunity

Lecture 21: Introduction to Immunity

· Types of immune responses Lecture 22: Innate Immunity

· Physical and chemical barriers Lecture 23: Adaptive Immunity

· Antibody and cellular responses Lecture 24: Immune System Disorders

· Disease and dysfunction

Lecture 25: Cancer and Immune Response Assignment 1

Laboratory: Immune response simulation

Week 6: Reproduction and Life Cycles

Lecture 26: Reproductive Systems

· Mechanisms and structures Lecture 27: Reproductive Strategies

· Evolutionary perspectives Lecture 28: Developmental Timing

· Environmental and hormonal control Lecture 29: Plant and Animal Reproduction Lecture 30: Life Cycles Across Organisms Assignment 2

Laboratory: Reproductive biology experiments

Week 7: Integration and Biological Systems

Lecture 31: Systems Integration

· Linking cellular and organismal processes Lecture 32: Environmental Responses

· Organismal adaptation Lecture 33: Case Studies in Biology

· Real-world biological systems

Lecture 34: Data Analysis and Interpretation Lecture 35: Final Review

Final Exam (Comprehensive)

Laboratory: Final integrative experiment and report

Grading Assessment:

Assignment 1 — 10%

Assignment 2 — 10%

Midterm — 25%

Final Exam — 25%

Laboratory Assessment — 20% Seminar Participation — 10% Total — 100%

Assignments:

Assignments consist of analytical and conceptual questions designed to reinforce lecture

material. Students must demonstrate structured reasoning, integration of concepts, and clear communication of biological ideas.

Laboratory Assessment

Laboratory sessions are an essential component of this course and are designed to connect theoretical concepts with experimental investigation.

Students will be evaluated based on:

· Participation and engagement

· Accuracy of data collection

· Analysis and interpretation of results

· Laboratory reports and scientific communication Laboratory work must be completed to pass the course.

Attendance:

Students are required to attend a weekly seminar led by TA to focus on the week's topic and deepen understanding. Seminar time assigned by TA. Seminar attendance counts toward the final grade.

Exams:

The examinations in this course consist of multiple choice and Problem-solving questions. The final exam is cumulative.

Final Evaluation:

Letter Grade	Percentage (%)	Letter Grade	Percentage
A+	≥95	C+	64-67
A	89-94	C	60-63
A-	84-88	C-	56-59
B+	79-83	D+	54-56
B	73-78	D	50-53
B-	68-72	F	≤50

General Policies:

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of academia and requires students and researchers to

maintain honesty, fairness, trust and responsibility in all academic activities. It includes not only avoiding dishonest behaviors such as plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying data, but also requires taking responsibility for one's own academic actions and ensuring that all work is done

independently and accurately cites the research of others. Violations of academic integrity can result in severe academic penalties, such as zero grades, suspension or even expulsion, and can cause serious damage to an individual's reputation and future career. Upholding academic

integrity is therefore essential to promoting a fair academic environment and facilitating the authentic dissemination of knowledge.

Accessible Resources Policy

The policy ensures that all students, especially those with disabilities, are able to participate equally in school learning and activities. The school provides a wide range of accessibility resources including, but not limited to, specialized classrooms, hearing aids, Braille textbooks, assistive technology, and flexible testing arrangements. Students are required to apply to the school in advance and provide appropriate medical or psychological evaluations so that an

individualized support plan can be developed for them. This policy is designed to remove barriers in the academic environment and to ensure that every student has access to equitable learning opportunities.

Withdrawal Policy

Students may choose to withdraw from a course within a specified period of time, and may not be able to do so after the expiration date. When withdrawing from a course, students are required to fill out a withdrawal form with a reason, which will be reviewed and processed on a case-by- case basis. Withdrawal from a course may not affect the student's academic performance. If a student withdraws from a course with incomplete requirements, a “W” may be assigned instead of a grade, depending on the course.