Principles of Biology   BY14 

 

Course Description

Survey of the key concepts including biological chemistry, cell structure and function, organization of multicellular organisms, genetics, evolution and ecology.

 

Course Goals:

Upon completion of the course the student will have a basic understanding of the field of Biology, including:

 

  1. An understanding of the basic chemistry of life.
  2. A knowledge of the basic processes and energetics of living organisms, including cellular metabolism and photosynthesis.
  3. An understanding of cell structure and function
  4. An understanding of the six different kingdoms of organisms and their evolutionary relationships.
  5. A basic knowledge of genetics and DNA.
  6. An appreciation of ecology and major world biomes.
  7. An understanding of evolutionary processes that have lead to biodiversity.

 

Course Objectives:

By means of lectures, laboratory exercises, demonstrations and readings, the students will be able to:

 

1.     Explain and describe the major organic molecules that living organisms are composed of.

2.     Explain, interpret and integrate the concepts of matter and energy as they relate to the functions of biological systems.

3.     Describe cell structure and function of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

4.     Explain and interpret the idea that DNA and its related molecules (The Central Dogma) is sufficient to explain the physical and chemical functioning of a living system.

5.     Explain, interpret and integrate the interrelationships of biological systems and processes from the perspective of evolutionary theory.

6.     Explain and compare the similarities and differences seen in lifeÕs major structural and metabolic adaptations.

7.     Use the scientific method to perform laboratory experiments and quantitatively analyze data.

 

Programs that require this course:

Human Services/ A.S. Degree

 

 

 

 

 

Major Topics with Approximate Time Distribution

 

 

Topic                                                                # Weeks

 

Introduction to Biology,                                      1.0

Characteristics of Life,

Scientific Method

 

 

Chemistry-Inorganic, chemical bonds,                           2.0

Chemical molecules of life

Enzymes

 

Cell Structure & function                                             2.0

Membrane structure & function

 

Energetics, Photosynthesis &                               2.5

Cellular Respiration       

 

Genetics-DNA Structure,                                    2.5

DNA Replication, Protein Synthesis,

Mendalian Genetics

 

Classification, Survey of the six                                    2.0

Kingdoms

 

Evolution                                                          2.0

 

Ecology                                                            1.0

                                                      Total                    15                                

                                            

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

Prerequisites:

MA07 or equivalent

 

Courses that require BY14 as prerequisite:

Topics in Human Biology  BY18

Field Biology and Ecology  BY20

Biotechnology in our Fast-Changing World  BY29

 

 

External Jurisdiction:

None

 

Supporting Information:

At the discretion of the instructor

 

Optional topics:

Human biology

Plant Biology

Conservation Biology

Comparative Biology

Biology in the News

Biotechnology

 

Evaluation of Student Performance:

Student performance will be evaluated through lecture exams, quizzes, laboratory practicals, homework, lab write-ups, and research papers at the discretion of the instructor.