BIOL& 160 General Biology w/Lab (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Prerequisite None
Course Description
The science of life for students preparing for health professions and for science majors. Topics include scientific methodology, diversity of life, introductory biochemistry, cell anatomy and metabolic processes, genetics, reproduction, biotechnology, evolution, and ecological perspectives. Recommend prior or concurrent enrollment in chemistry. In-person lab included.
Course Content
A. Scientific method
B. Using safe laboratory procedures including use of a compound light microscope
C. Unity, diversity and classification of living organisms
D. Basic chemistry and biochemistry, including bond types and polarity
E. Structure and metabolism of biological macromolecules
F. Cell structure and organelle functions
G. Membrane transport processes
H. Effect of fluid tonicity on molecular transport
I. Enzyme structure and function
J. Cellular respiration and fermentation
K. Photosynthesis
L. Chromosome and DNA structure and replication
M. Cell division including mitosis and meiosis
N. Introduction to inheritance including Punnett Squares
O. DNA Transcription and Translation
P. Viruses: general structure and activities
Q. Introduction to classic biotechnologies such as DNA fingerprints
R. Main mechanisms of evolution
S. Ecology and environmental concerns
T. Exploration of STEM and healthcare fields
Student Outcomes
Lecture Outcomes
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List the domains and major clades of organisms, with their common characteristics and differences
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Explain properties of water, biomolecules, and cell processes using basic principles of chemistry
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Describe major structures and activities of cells, including processes associated with transport, metabolism, cellular division and gene expression
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Explain how genetic inheritance and mutation influence an organism’s genotype and phenotype
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Summarize the role of natural selection in the process of evolution and species biodiversity
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Evaluate ecological and environmental issues in relation to life processes
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Describe how biology concepts are applied in various STEM career fields
Lab Outcomes
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Employ safe practices in grounded laboratory investigations, experiments, and data collection
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Use appropriate lab tools, including a compound light microscope, glassware, and measuring devices, to explore core biology concepts
Degree Outcomes
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.
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.
Lecture Contact Hours 30
Lab Contact Hours 40
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 70
Potential Methods
Laboratory reports, worksheets and other written assignments
Quizzes and exams
Lab participation
Discussions
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