Course Outline for Biology 31 INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE BIOLOGY

Chabot College Fall 2008

Course Outline for Biology 31

INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE BIOLOGY

Catalog Description:

31 – Introduction to College Biology 4 units

Basic principles of biology. Cell structure and function, cell division, cell metabolism, reproduction, genetics, taxonomy, origin of life, and evolution. Laboratory emphasis on developing various laboratory skills, using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting data, and preparing for and taking laboratory exams. Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills and experience that are needed to succeed in more advanced courses in biology. Geared towards Biology majors and Allied Health students. Strongly recommended: Math 65 or 65A and eligibility for English 1A. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 52.5]

Prerequisite Skills:

None

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. describe and apply the scientific method and how it is used by scientists to further scientific

knowledge;

2. cite the characteristics and levels of organization exhibited by all living organisms;

3. use the light microscope and dissecting scope;

4. describe how cells/specialized cells are structured and function;

5. describe basic cell metabolism;

6. describe/contrast, mitosis and meiosis;

7. describe structure, transmission and expression of genes;

8. explain the Darwinian concept of evolution as modified by modern scientific knowledge;

9. describe how the modern (binomial) system names and classifies organisms.

Course Content (Lecture):

1. Introduction – Exploring Life

a. Characteristics of life

b. Levels of organization

c. Process of science

- Nature of biological inquiry

- Power of experimental tests

2. Chemical Basis of Life

a. Elements, atoms, molecules,ions

b. Chemical bonds in biological molecules

c. Properties of water

d. pH and buffers

3. Molecules of Life

a. Molecules of life from structure to function

b. Chemical reactions (synthesis and breakdown reactions)

c. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

4. Structure and function of the cell

a. Introduction to the cell - Prokaryotes - Eukaryotes

b. Eukaryotes – Organelles

c. Cell surface specializations and function

5. Working Cell

a. Membrane structure and function

b. Enzyme structure and function

6. Cellular Metabolism

a. Energy relationships (Respiration, Photosynthesis) – Autotrophs, Heterotrophs

b. Stages of cellular respiration and fermentation

c. Organic molecules as fuel for cellular respiration

d. Products of cell respiration-where/how they are used.

7. How Cells Reproduce

a. Nuclear and cell division mechanisms

b. Eukaryotic cell cycle and mitosis

c. Meiosis and sexual reproduction

d. Crossing over

e. Alterations of chromosome number and structure

8. Observing Patterns in Inherited Traits

a. Mendel’s insight into inheritance patterns

b. Variations on Mendel’s Law

Chromosomes/Human Genetics/Inherited Diseases

c. Chromosomal basis of inheritance

d. Sex chromosomes and sex linked genes

9. DNA Structure and Function

a. Discovery of DNA structure

b. DNA replication and repair

10. DNA to Proteins

a. How is RNA transcribed from DNA

b. Deciphering mRNA transcripts

c. Translating mRNA into protein

d. Mutations

e. Microbial Genetics

11. Control of Gene Expression

a. Gene regulation

b. Differentiation

c. Genetic control of embryonic development

12. DNA technology

13. Process of Evolution

a. Theory of natural and selection

b. Population genetics

c. Variation and natural selection

14. Macroevolution and Microevolution

a. Concepts of species

b. Mechanisms of speciation

15. Origin and Early Evolution of Life

a. How did cells originate (Early earth)

b. First cells

c. Timeline for evolution

16. (Systematics) - Characteristics and relationships among Domains and Kingdoms

17. Reproduction and Embryonic Development

Course Content (Laboratory):

1. Scientific Inquiry

2. Chemistry and biomolecules

3. Cell structure and specialization

4. Movement across membranes

5. Enzyme function

6. Energy transfer in biological systems

7. Cell division

8. Patterns of Inheritance

9. Transcription & translation

10. Biotechnology

11. Applied Genetics

12. Evolution & Classification

13. Prokaryotes – Bacteria & Archaea

14. Eukaryotes – Fungi, Protists & Plants

15. Eukaryotes - Animals

16. Cells, Tissues & Organs

Methods of Presentation:

1. Lecture and discussion

2. Laboratory exercises

3. Multimedia presentations

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments

a. Laboratory- observation of respiratory system of selected organisms

b. Collaborative laboratory exercise – measuring consumption of crickets and two different temperatures

c. Lab report – comparing the effects of two temperatures on the consumption by

crickets

2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

a. Midterms and quizzes

b. Laboratory practical exams

c. Laboratory reports

d. Final examination

Textbook(s) (Typical):

Biology, Concepts and Connections, Campbell, Reece, Taylor, Simon-Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2007

Inquiry to Life, Madder, Sylvia S., 12^th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008

Laboratory Exercises in Biology, Dr. Braganza and Collins, 2007

Biology 31 Lab Manual, Jim Adams, 2007

Special Student Materials:

In addition to textbook, student may use publishers website, student CD (provided with the text), and other media.

AB:al

Revised: 9/27/07