BIOL 120 - Principles of Biology I

4 Credits: (3 lecture, 3 lab)

Course Description
This is the first course in a two-course sequence intended for biology majors or those students who intend upon pursuing a degree in medicine or a medically-related field. The course encompasses the principles of biochemistry, cell metabolism, cell structure, cellular reproduction, Mendelian genetics, and gene function.  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. Corequisite Concurrent registration in CHEM 101 and MATH 101 or equivalent.

A. Apply the scientific method. (SR)

B. Describe the principles of evolution that explain the unity of life on earth and diversity of living things.

C. Describe basic principles of chemistry as applied to living systems.

D. Explain the structures and functions of various cell components.

E. Describe the reactions involved in photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

F. Identify mechanisms of intracellular and intercellular communication.

G. Describe the stages of mitosis and meiosis.

H. Explain the mechanisms and regulatory processes involved with replication, transcription, and translation of genetic material.

I. Predict the expressed phenotypes of genetic crosses that illustrate various patterns of inheritance.

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

Content
A. Evolution

B. Chemistry of life

C. Cellular structure and function

D. Cellular metabolism

E. Cellular communication

F. Cellular reproduction

G. Gene expression

H. Patterns of Inheritance

Student Evaluation
Objectives A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J will be evaluated via exams, a final exam, homework, and laboratory assignments.