Download BIO101 Concepts in Biology I

Cape Cod Community College
Departmental Syllabus
Prepared by the Department of Natural Sciences & Applied Technology
Date of Departmental Approval: October 7, 2013
Date Approved by Curriculum and Programs: October 23, 2013
Effective: Spring 2014
1. Title:
BIO101 Concepts in Biology I
BIO101L Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
2. Description: The course provides a descriptive and experimental approach to major concepts in modern
biology from the molecular to the organism level. It is primarily designed for the student intending to pursue a
degree in Biology or a related life science and places a heavy emphasis on the chemistry of life. Major topics
include the chemical basis of life, its organization and continuity, the evolution of complexity, and the taxonomic
relationship of organisms. (3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours)
3. Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to do the following:
• Describe and discuss scientific methodology and the evolution of the Scientific Method.
• Be able to explain, and illustrate with diagrams, the principals of chemical structure and bonding, and
summarize the synthesis and functions of the major classes of organic molecules.
• Sketch and explain a detailed model of the cell membrane and discuss its functions. Explain the concepts
of charge and concentration gradients in relation to the structure and function of the membrane.
• Give a detailed description of the structure of an enzyme, and discuss the functions of enzymes in cellular
metabolism.
• Explain the function of all cell organelles and their relation to cellular metabolism and protein synthesis.
• Describe in molecular detail, and compare the processes of anaerobic and aerobic respiration. Calculate
and compare the energy yields of the two processes.
• Describe the chemical reactions of photosynthesis and sketch the flow path of electrons through the
reactions. Compare and contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
• Discuss in detail the evolution of land plants from their aquatic ancestors explaining the importance of
symbiotic relationships with other life forms, and the adaptation of plant reproductive strategies to a
terrestrial environment. .
• Identify and explain the function of the various types of plant tissues especially in relationship to nutrient
procurement and transport.
• Integrate viruses, viroids and prions into a definition of life.
• Classify the members of the animal kingdom and discuss the evolutionary relationships between the
various groups. Trace the evolution of modern vertebrate anatomy and physiology.
• Assess the validity of experiments and experimental data based on an understanding of proper scientific
methodology.
• Design a valid experimental protocol.
• Discuss the historical contributions to current biological thought made by scientists from across the globe.
• Discuss, objectively, the ethical problems associated with emerging biotechnology such as cloning, genetic
modification, and stem cell research.
4. Credits: Four credits
5. Satisfies General Education Requirement: Natural or Physical Sciences
6. Prerequisite: (MAT030 or MAT035), ENL020, and ENL050 or satisfactory basic skills assessment scores
7. Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
8. Suggested General Guidelines for Evaluation:
Course grading procedures and make-up policies are detailed in a student handout. In summary, 75% of the
course grade evaluation is based on achievement in the lecture portion of the course, while 25% is based on the
laboratory portion of the course.
9. General Topical Outline: Attached
BIO101 / BIO101L. Concepts in Biology I / Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
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BIO101 / BIO101L
Concepts in Biology I / Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
I.
Biology as a Science
Scientific Method
Overview and History
Levels of Organization
Naming of Organisms / Classification
Evolutionary Change / Natural Selection
II.
Fundamentals of Chemistry
A. Atomic Structure
Bonding - Ionization
Acids and Bases, pH
Salts
Oxidation/Reduction
Chemistry of Water
B. Carbon and Organic Compounds
Polymer Formation
Carbohydrates / Lipids / Proteins
Enzymes
Nucleic Acids, Chromosomes and Genes
a. DNA structure and replication
b. RNA structure, transcription and translation
c. The genetic code / Genes to Proteins
III.
Cell Membranes
Concentration Gradients
Active vs. Passive Transport
Channels / Pumps
Endo / Exocytosis
Cell Walls / Coats / Cell Connections
Cell Division (mitosis)
IV.
Subcellular Organelles
Organelles / Cytoskeleton
Plant vs. Animal
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic
V.
Energy Transformation (Metabolism)
A. Introduction
Chemosynthesis
Oxidation/Reduction
ATP
B. Cellular Respiration
Glycolysis and Fermentation
Krebs Cycle
Mitochondria and Electron Transport
Fat and Protein Metabolism
C. Photosynthesis
Leaf Structure
Light and Pigments
Photophosphorylation
Carbon Fixation (Calvin Cycle)
VI.
The Emergence of Life
Formation of Earth/Atmosphere
Synthesis of Organic Molecules
Primitive "cells" to Complex Cells
Chemotrophs/Autotrophs
Precambrian Life
BIO101 / BIO101L. Concepts in Biology I / Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
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VII.
Prokaryotic Life
Bacteria
Eubacteria Systematics/Anatomy
Viral Structure/Reproduction/Origin
Viruses/Bacteria and Disease
VIII.
Eukaryotic Life
A. Protists
B. Chromistans and Plants
Multicellularity
Green Algae and Lower Plants
Evolution of Reproductive Strategies
C. The Movement onto Land
Early Vascular Plants
Higher Plants/Plant Tissues
Conifers and Flowering Plants
Monocots vs Dicots
Evolutionary Trends
IX.
Nutrient Procurement & Internal Transport in Plants
Root Structure and Function
Stem Structure and Function
Translocation/Transpiration
X.
Diversity of Animal Life
Animal Evolution
Invertebrates
Chordates / Vertebrates
Evolution of Homo sapiens
BIO101 / BIO101L. Concepts in Biology I / Concepts in Biology I Laboratory
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