Biology 102 is the second semester of a two-semester sequence and Biology 101 is a prerequisite for Biology 102. Biology 101 explores fundamental characteristics of living material from the  molecular to the cellular level. Biology 102  examines the whole organism and the ecosystem levels. It also examines the structure and function of a variety of organisms, both plant and animal, and makes some comparisons of the evolutionary relationships of various organisms with emphasis on general biological principles and their applications to everyday life and general health.

The ELI Biology 102 requires on-campus attendance for one lab at the Alexandria campus of NVCC. The remaining labs are performed by the student outside of a formal lab setting. This may include the home, a zoo, and various outdoor environments, most to be selected by the student. About one third of the lab work is made up of an investigative lab in which the individual student plans, organizes, and carries out an experiment, and writes a scientific laboratory report on the work. Further information and suggestions can be found in the ELI Study Guide/Lab Manual or by getting in contact with me via telephone or e-mail. Each student will also perform a community service project as one part of the lab.

Prerequite: BIO 101 or permission of instructor

Requires attendance at one of the four Friday evening on-campus lab sessions: Session I 6/27 5:30-7:30 pm; Session II 7/11 5:30-7:30 pm; Session III 7/25 5:30-7:30 pm at the Alexandria campus to perform laboratory exercises. Also requires one visit (at any time) to the National Zoo.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the levels of organization of multicellular organisms.
2. Describe the structure and functions of the major organ systems in animals.
3. Describe the evolutionary development of the major organ systems in animals.
4. Describe the mechanisms, principles and processes involved in the maintenance of homeostasis in animals.
5. Describe the main features of animal development.
6. Describe the relationship between structure and function in plants.
7. Describe the regulation of growth and development in plants.
8. Relate the basic principles of ecology to the diversity and distribution of organisms on the earth.
9. Outline the main principles governing ecosystems and describe how the activites of humans affect ecosystems.

The required textbook for this course is:

• Erdahl & Wise. ELI General Biology Study Guide and Lab Manual, 3rd ed., Pearson Press, 2003.
• Campbell, Reece, Mitchell, & Taylor. Biology, Concepts & Connections, 5th ed., Redwood City, CA, Benjamin Cummings Publishing Co.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined according to the following.

Final grades will be based on this scale:

There are 4 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

We are here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Contact me using my email address: cpumpuni@nvcc.edu

You may email me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or our campus offices in Alexandria. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.