Chabot College
Fall 2002
New Course Outline for Biology 31
INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE BIOLOGY
Catalog Description:
31 - Introduction to College Biology
4 units
Basic principles of biology. Includes origin of life, cell structure and function, cell division,
reproduction, genetics, taxonomy, evolution, and cell metabolism. Laboratory emphasis on
developing various laboratory skills, using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting
data, utilizing statistics, operating a computer, and preparing for and taking laboratory practicals.
Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills and experience that are needed to
succeed in more advanced courses in biology. Strongly recommended: Math 65 or 65L and
eligibility
for English 1A or 52A. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
use the scientific method to solve problems;
use a microscope and prepare wet mounts;
take measurements and make conversions using the metric system;
collect data, make and interpret graphs;
utilize descriptive statistics, i.e., plot regression lines, coefficient of correlation, value of
slope,
and Chi-square;
operate spectrophotometer;
utilize a computer and software to plot and interpret data;
summarize the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis;
explain diffusion, osmosis, osmotic pressure, and dialysis;
explain the need for gas exchange in plants and animals;
explain the need for transport systems in plants and animals;
define the major disciplines of biology;
explain the scientific theory of how life began;
describe the organelles and their function in a eucaryotic cell;
describe the structure of atoms and their energy levels;
define pH, acids, bases, buffers, isotopes, molecules and compounds;
write chemical formulas;
describe the composition and function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids;
19.
describe the stages of mitosis and meiosis;
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 31, page 2
Expected Outcomes for Students (continued)
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
solve monohybrid, dihybrid, sex-linked, and multiple allele problems;
write scientific names correctly;
describe the relationships between taxa;
explain the major concepts of Darwin's theory of evolution;
explain the application of the Hardy-Weinberg Law;
describe the modern theory of evolution;
define autotroph, heterotroph, aerobic and anaerobic respiration;
define and interrelate the ecological concepts of trophic levels, food webs, energy flow,
nutrient
cycles, and ecosystems.
Course Content (Lecture):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction to biology
a.
Disciplines
b.
Terminology
c.
Characteristics of life
d.
Levels of organization
Scientific method and attitudes
a.
Definitions of terms
b.
Steps in using the scientific method
c.
Flow of scientific knowledge
Introduction to inorganic chemistry
a.
Elements, atoms, ions, molecules, atomic structure, oxidation number
b.
Ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonding
c.
Acids, bases, buffers
d.
pH scale
e.
Isotopes
Introduction to organic chemistry
a.
Structural and chemical formulas
b.
Carbohydrates
c.
Proteins
d.
Lipids
e.
Nucleic acids
Origin of life
a.
Primitive earth
b.
Miller, Fox experiments
c.
d.
Coacervate theory
Autotrophy and heterotrophy
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 31, page 3
Course Content (Lecture) - continued
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Study of the cell
a.
History of cell theory
b.
Basic structure and function of organelles
c.
Today's concept of the cell
d.
Differences between plant and animal cells
e.
DNA replication
f.
Function of rRNA, tRNA, mRNA in protein synthesis
Cell division
a.
Mitosis
b.
Meiosis (oogenesis, spermatogenesis)
Reproduction
a.
Asexual methods, i.e., binary fission, budding, fragmentation, parthenogenesis, and
sporulation
b.
Sexual methods
c.
Alternation of generations
Development
a.
Fertilization and cleavage
b.
Morula, blastula, and gastrula
c.
Ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm
d.
Formation of the neural tube and digestive tract
Classical genetics
a.
Mendelian genetics
b.
Monohybrid, dihybrid, test and sex-linked, multiple alleles, incomplete dominance,
and
test crossing
Taxonomy
a.
Binomial system
b.
Writing scientific names
c.
Relationship of taxa
Evolution
a.
Darwin's theory
b.
Modern theory of evolution
c.
Hardy-Weinberg Law
d.
Methods of Selection
Cellular metabolism
a.
Highlights and significance of anaerobic and aerobic respiration, i.e., glycolysis,
pyruvic
b.
acid oxidation, Kreb's cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation
Highlights and significance of photosynthesis, i.e., photosystem I and II, light and
dark
reactions
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 31, page 4
Course Content (Lecture) - Continued:
14.
Principles of Ecology
a.
Trophic levels
b.
Food chain and web
c.
Flow of Energy
d.
Nutrient cycles
Course Content (Laboratory):
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2.
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Scientific method
Measurements
Microscope
Plotting and graphing
Descriptive statistics
Using the computer and software
Spectrophotometry
Movement of materials
Cell division: Mitosis and Meiosis
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Acquiring Nutrients and Enzyme Action
Transport Systems
Disposal of Wastes and Regulation of Body Fluids
Applied Genetics
Taxonomy
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture and discussion
Laboratory exercises
Multimedia presentations
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 31, page 5
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Quiz before labs
b.
Codon worksheet
c.
Genetics problems
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Midterms and quizzes
b.
Laboratory practicals
c.
Laboratory reports
d.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Biology, Concepts and Applications, Starr, Brooks and Cole Publisher, 4th ed., 2000
Laboratory Exercises in Biology, Collins, 2000
Special Student Materials:
None
Revised 2/6/02