BIOL 101 - Biology I

4 Credits: (3 lecture, 2 lab)

Course Description
This course examines life on Earth using the principles of biochemistry, cytology, genetics, and evolution. Emphasis is placed on the processes that determine life. A required laboratory component provides activities and experiments that investigate the concepts from the lecture component. Not to be taken for credit by biology majors. This course meets the General Education competency of Scientific Reasoning (SR).

Prerequisite Eligibility for enrollment in ENGL 101 based on placement test scores; or Cs or better in ENGL 029 or ENGL 030 and/or ENGL 034 or ENGL 035, as required; or transfer credits meeting or surpassing ENGL 101 prerequisites.

Text

Required (text by instructor choice):

Mader, Sylvia S. (2021). Essentials of biology with Connect Plus (7^th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Fowler, S., Roush, R., Wise, J., Reeves, N., DeSaix, J., Kuehner, B., … Zoubina, E. (2022 February 22). Concepts of biology. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology.

AND

Pankiw, R. General biology lab manual (2^nd ed.).

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Describe the basic organization of the cell and the function of subcellular components.

B. Explain the biochemistry of cell metabolism.

C. Explain the concept of the cell cycle, how it is controlled, and how it relates to cell division.

D. Apply Mendelian genetics concepts to determine expression of inherited traits.

E. Describe the process and regulation of DNA replication.

F. Describe the process and regulation of protein synthesis.

G. Describe modern methods of biotechnology.

H. Describe the principles underpinning the Theory of Evolution.

I. Apply the scientific method. (SR)

J. Utilize basic laboratory equipment appropriate to the discipline. (SR)

Content
A. History and development of science and biological science

B. Scientific investigation

C. Hierarchical organization of life

D. Cell structure and function

E. Basic biochemistry

F. Energy transfer within biological systems

G. Introduction to molecular genetics

H. Basic principles of inheritance

I. DNA and biotechnology

J. The Theory of Evolution

Student Evaluation
Objectives A- H will be evaluated using a combination of quizzes, chapter examinations and a comprehensive midterm and final exam. Objectives I and J will be evaluated using a combination of laboratory quizzes or assignments and preparation of a scientific lab report.