2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

BIOL& 160 General Biology w/Lab (5 credits)



Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Prerequisite MATH 096  with at least a  2.0 grade or eligible for MATH 098  AND eligible for ENGL& 101 . Completed CHEM& 100  or CHEM& 139  with at least a 2.0 grade or concurrently enrolled in CHEM& 121  or CHEM& 161  or beyond.

Course Description
The science of life. Scientific methodology, evolution, ecological perspectives, cells, biotechnology, genetics, diversity of life, metabolism and reproduction. Lab included. For students preparing for allied health professions and for science majors.

Course Content
A. Scientific method and the extent of science
B. Basic chemistry and biochemistry
C. Structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins
D. Cell structure and function
E. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
F. Cell division
G. Genetics
H. Evolution and speciation
I. Classification of living organisms
J. Ecology and the environment

Student Outcomes
1. Summarize and apply the scientific method, including experimental and control groups. 

2. Describe the structure and function of atoms, isotopes, ions and molecules; define the monomer and arrangements into polymers of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, ATP, and describe their roles in biological chemistry.

3. Describe the process of DNA replication and protein synthesis.

4. Define the cell and cell theory; describe and explain the ultra-structure of a typical cell; identify cell organelles and describe their functions.

5. Summarize the mechanisms of cellular transport and membrane function.

6. Summarize the mechanisms and relevance of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and identify where these processes occur in the cell.

7. Define cell cycle; explain how mitosis differs from meiosis; discuss what role mitotic and meiotic cell division play in the life of an organism.

8. Explain Mendel’s law of segregation and independent assortment; list some traits which are transmitted/inherited through the current understanding of genetics.

9. Evaluate theory of natural selection; explain mechanisms of evolution.

10. Define taxonomy, binomial nomenclature, species and population; describe the current domain taxonomy system.

11. Describe a typical ecosystem.

12. Evaluate the impact of human beings on the environment.

13. Demonstrate standard safety practices in an environment lab, related to personal protective equipment, glassware handling, and disposal of laboratory materials.

14. Using living material, prepare a wet-mount slide and examine it under the microscope.

15. Demonstrate proper hands-on use and care of a compound light microscope.

16. Exploration of biological science application to STEM and healthcare.

Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.

Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.

Lecture Contact Hours 30
Lab Contact Hours 40
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 70



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)