Montana State University · Fall 2026 · biology
BIOB 160 Principles of Living Systems: study guide
The chemistry of life, cells and energy, then genetics from Mendel to DNA technology, topic by topic. Every topic below is a free study page; the same material lives in the Mathub app with practice, flashcards, the calendar and a grade calculator for this class.
InstructorMensur Dlakic (weeks 1–8) and Alan Dyer (weeks 8–16)
MeetsMon · Wed · Fri, 12:00–12:50 pm, Romney 306
Credits4
Topics22
Exams and major deadlines
| Exam | When | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 | Mon Sept 21 (5-hour window) | Chapters 1–5: the study of life, chemistry, water, carbon, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids (not Chapter 8) |
| Exam 2 | Wed Oct 14 (5-hour window) | Chapters 6–9: metabolism, ATP and enzymes, cellular respiration, cell structure and membranes |
| Exam 3 | Fri Nov 13 (5-hour window) | Chapters 12–16 per the syllabus: the cell cycle, meiosis, Mendelian genetics, linkage and population genetics. The lectures before it cover 12–15 and part of 23, so ask whether Chapter 16 is included |
| Final exam | Wed Dec 16 · noon–1:50 pm (location TBD) | Everything: half of the exam is cumulative and half covers material since Oct 14 (cell division, genetics, DNA, gene expression and DNA technology) |
What Mathub gives you for BIOB 160
- Topic notes with worked examples and Campbell reading pages
- Genetics, pH, respiration and PCR questions generated fresh with worked answers
- Formulas and key-terms sheet, flashcards and practice sets for all four exams
- Calendar with every lecture topic and exam window
- Grade calculator with the 400-point breakdown