December 10, 2007
Common Course Outline
(revised 11/24/07)
II. Catalog Description:
BIOL 1105 General Biology: Cells to Organisms 4CR FALL, SPR. General biology course offering students a strong biological foundation for their chosen field. Course topics include microscopy, cell structure and function, energy relationships, genetics, reproduction and development. Satisfies transfer requirements for biology majors, pre-professional and other general education majors. Lecture 3 hours: lab 3 hours.
Prereq: READ 0960 or placement in READ 1106 or above. MNTC: Goal 3.
III. Recommended Entry Skills and Knowledge:
Students enrolling in General Biology 1105 would be expected to have one or more of the following:
1. A college entry level or better score on their placement tests in composition, mathematics and reading (READ 0960 or placement level of READ 1106 or above)
2. Concurrent enrollment in 1000 level or above courses
3. Acceptance into the PSOP
IV. Outline of Major Content Areas:
A. Introduction
1. The scientific method/the nature of biological inquiry
2. Evolution and natural selection
3. Unity and diversity of life
4. Systematics – taxonomy, classification, phylogeny
5. Organic molecules
6. Microscopy
B. Cells and Membranes
1. Origins of life
2. Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
3. Structure and function of biological membranes
4. Passive and active membrane transport mechanisms
5. Endosymbiotic theory of the origin of eukaryotic cells
C. Energy Relationships
1. Characteristics of metabolic reactions
2. Structure and function of enzymes
3. Structure and function of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
4. Electron transport chains/systems
5. Photosynthesis
6. Aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration
D. Cell Division
1. Mechanisms of cell division
2. The eukaryotic cell cycle
3. Mitosis
4. Meiosis
E. Genetics
1. Principles of Mendelian genetics
2. The chromosomal basis of inheritance
3. X-linked recessive inheritance
4. Drosophila genetics
5. Human inheritance
6. Overview of molecular genetics
7. Structure and function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
8. DNA replication
9. Transcription
10. Translation
11. The genetic code
12. Recombinant DNA technology
13. Genetic engineering
14. Polymerase chain reaction
15. Gene sequencing
F. Reproduction and Development
1. Viral life cycle
2. Reproductive structures of flowering plants
3. Flowering plant life cycle
4. Alternation of generations
5. Growth and development of monocots and dicots compared/contrasted
6. Overview of the stages of animal development (sea urchin embryology)
7. Protostomes and deuterostomes
8. Regulation of and influences on differentiation in early development in higher plants and animals
V. Student Learning Outcomes: (goals and competencies in parentheses)
A. Students will be able to identify and use the basic steps in the scientific method. This will be accomplished in both lecture and laboratory. (2a, 2c, 3b)
B. Students will formulate and test hypotheses and predictions, collect data, and interpret these data. (2a, 2b, 2c, 3b)
C. Students will communicate their experimental results through the process of writing laboratory reports and/or short responses on their work. (2a, 3c)
D. Students will communicate their experimental results verbally, by interacting with faculty (in lecture and laboratory) and laboratory assistants (in laboratory) in an accurate manner. (3c)
E. Students will be expected to keep informed about societal issues as they relate to biological news (and vice versa), by responding verbally or in writing to a topic presented in class. (3d)
F. Students will be expected to demonstrate (verbally or in writing) knowledge of classical ideas in biology as well as current biological issues and research. (2c, 3c, 3d)
G. Students will, over the duration of the course, develop their ability to make accurate observation and interpretations of organisms and biological phenomena. They will do this primarily through independent study and group work in the Biology Learning Center. (2a, 2c, 3b)
H. Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to use the computer as an analytical tool (using laboratory data), as an interactive learning tool (using the CD-ROM packaged with the text), and as a research tool (in conjunction with specific sites on the internet). (2a, 2c, 3b, 3c)
VI. Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning:
A variety of evaluation and assessment methods will be used. Examinations (may include some or all of the following formats: multiple choice, T-F, fill-in, matching, short answer and critical thinking questions); short-writes or pop-quizzes four to five times a semester; graphing exercises, work sheets, problems, laboratory report(s).
VII. Other Information:
A. Students are required to purchase 1 box each of microscope slides and cover glasses. It is suggested that two to four students share a box of each to reduce individual costs.
B. Laboratory procedures are outlined in the course syllabus.