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Master Course Outline
BIOL& 160
General Biology w/Lab
Course Description: An introduction to the processes and principles that are common to all living
things. The chemistry of life; cell structure and function; molecular basis of heredity; Mendelian
genetics; evolutionary theories are covered. This course is intended for, but not limited to, students
intending to continue biology or the health sciences. Four lecture hours and two lab hours. Satisfies
science or lab requirement area A distribution or specified elective for the AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL 101; READ 090 or placement in READ 120; MATH 095 or
placement in MATH 098 or higher.
Recommended Preparation: None
Co-requisites: None
Learning Outcomes: By the completion of this course students will be able to:
Describe the characteristics of life
Construct/draw models of atoms and molecules
Explain the formation of various chemical bonds between atoms
Identify carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and state their function
Label parts of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell and describe their function
Describe the molecular structure of plasma membrane
Relate the movement of substance across the plasma membrane to its molecular structure
Explain cellular transport based on fluid mosaic model of plasma membrane
Discuss enzyme activity in relation to its structure
Explain the transformation of energy in terms of laws of thermodynamics
Describe cellular respiration and photosynthesis in terms of chemical reactions
Relate cell division to development, growth, and reproduction in living things
Describe the structure of DNA, and RNA and their role in protein synthesis
Identify simple Mendelian traits in human
Analyze the outcome of simple Mendelian crosses
Describe the theories of evolution
Analyze the pros and cons of Darwin's theory of natural selection
Describe the impact of human on the environment using ecological principles
8/6/2013
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Course Resources/Textbooks/Websites: Sylvia S. Mader. 2010. Biology. 10th ed. McGraw Hill. Lab
handouts and some lecture handouts.
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day: The final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.
8/6/2013