BIOL& 160 - General Biology

5 Credits
Students explore the basic biological principles that describe and explain the nature of life. Topics include cell biology, molecular biology (including basic biochemistry and DNA structure and function), metabolism, and genetics. Students practice skills in both the classroom and laboratory through formats such as group exercises, laboratory activities, quizzes and exams.

General education distribution area: Natural Science, with lab.

Course Outcomes

Use (follow, understand and apply) the scientific method
- by performing experiments to test formulated hypotheses and understanding the basic components of the design of those experiments.
- by solving problems with the correct use of appropriate scientific notation and equipment.
- by quantifying (observing, describing and measuring) various empirical phenomena.
- by logically reaching valid conclusions based on these data through critical analysis and interpretation.
Describe each step of the scientific method. Practice the method by making observations and developing experiments.
List the four kinds of organic molecules and explain the general structure and function of each.
Explain the major parts of a cell and what their functions are.
Explain how materials move into and out of cells, across membranes.
Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics and apply them to examples in the body.
Describe the structure of an enzyme, the importance of enzymes and explain how an enzymes functions.
Describe what cellular respiration is and why it is important.
Describe each of the three steps of cellular respiration in detail including the reactants, products and pathways.
Describe what photosynthesis is and why it is important.
Describe each step of photosynthesis. What are the reactants, products and pathways?
Compare and contrast cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
Describe how cell division occurs. Explain why it is important.
Describe the way that gametes are made, meiosis.
Analyze mono and di-hybrid genetic crosses, sex-linked crosses, and crosses where complete dominance, incomplete dominance and co-dominance are involved.
Describe how DNA copies itself (DNA replication).
Describe how a protein is made (transcription and translation).