The TEL Library Introduction to Biology course provides a comprehensive introduction to the major concepts of biological sciences and the characteristics of life. The course is designed to engage students in understanding the major processes of cells including cell structure, growth, and reproduction. The course provides the student with an in‐depth understanding of genetics and heredity as well as the roles they play in the overall function and continued growth of a population. Other topics include ecology and biodiversity. This is a three‐credit‐hour course. Satisfactory completion of the course requires passing a midterm and a final exam.
Analyze and evaluate the structure and processes of living things at a micro (cellular) and macro level, including the acquisition and use of energy.
Bloom’s level 5
Analyze and evaluate the interactions and dynamics of the characteristics of ecosystems.
Bloom’s level 5
Identify and apply the characteristics and mechanisms of genetics as they relate to heredity and inherited traits.
Bloom’s level 3
Evaluate and apply the characteristics of genetics and adaptation as they apply to population, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
Bloom’s level 6
Course Outline
Mouse over each module to see its contents.
Module #1
Module #2
Module #3
Module #4
Module #5
Module #6
Module #7
Module #8
Module #9
Module #10
How Our Syllabus Stacks Up (Syllabus Equivalency)
Syllabi for equivalent courses from four other institutions were reviewed. The following table represents the coverage of rigor in terms of number of assessments and content in a TEL course as it relates to other similar courses.
TEL
4 Year Regional Public University #1
2 Year Public College #1
2 Year Public College #2
4 Year Regional Public University #2
Lesson Quizzes
60
Variable
N/A
Variable
Variable
Scaffolded Writing Assignments
4
Optional* Problem Sets
Optional* Short Paper regarding the Scientific Method
Variable
Report and Project
3
Module Quizzes
10
7
N/A
Variable
Variable
Exams
2
4 Unit Exams
4 Unit Exams
2 Midterms and 1 Final Exam
4 Unit Exams
Final Lab Exam
Other
N/A
5 credit hours to count for a lab; 2 drafts of a lab report
4 credit hours to count for a lab; 1 2-hour laboratory practical exam
4 credit hours to count for a lab – 10 lab assignments and 2 reports.
4 credit hours to count for a lab – 13 lab assignments
Lesson Features
Each of our lessons is designed as self-contained learning environment that provides all the context, explanation, and resources you need to learn about a specific topic. We give you the information you need in a format that helps you apply it in your daily life.
Context
Knowing why a topic matters and how it applies to your experience is an important part of learning anything. That’s why we make sure you have the proper context for the information we give you.
Video Overview
Every TEL Library lesson features a video overview of the information being presented. Our videos provide helpful text callouts and a downloadable transcript.
Readings
We provide two different readings that elaborate information related to the lesson topic. The first gives you essential, objective information while the second offers a deeper look at a specific sub-topic or a view of different perspectives.
Check Your Knowledge
Developing a clear understanding of a topic generally requires that you spend time reflecting on the meaning or impact of its concepts and information. We facilitate this reflection with polls designed to help you create connections to the topic.
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Glossary
It’s easy to get tripped up on unfamiliar terms when you’re trying to learn something new. We’ve developed in-line glossary definitions of key terms to help make lessons easier to read and understand.
Toolbox Resources
We know that our lessons are simply a starting point for many learners. That’s why we provide a toolbox with related web resources for each lesson so that you can continue your learning journey on a specific topic.
Purchasing
For Higher Ed
TEL Education works with its Higher Ed partners to deliver online courses for college credit to high schools at affordable prices and in a variety of models. Contact us to learn how you can get started quickly with a branded collegiate academy program for your students.
For High School
TEL Education courses provide a high-quality, scalable solution for launching collegiate academy programs, enhancing existing dual-credit initiatives, or addressing the need for online general education courses for non-campus students.
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