Fundamentals of Cell Biology
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Plato high School
Mrs. Dawn Sprouse
Course Description:
(Drury University) This is an introductory course focusing on major biological
concepts relating to molecular and cellular biology and genetics. This course
consists of lecture and laboratory components, and is intended for students
majoring in science-related disciplines.
This course can be taken for credit through Drury University, or taken as an upper
level course to fulfill graduation requirements. If taken as dual credit, BIO 110
(4 credits) is highly transferrable for science majors and non-majors.
Course Materials:
Required Textbook: “Essential Cell Biology”, 4th edition. ISBN: 9780815344544
Textbook Website: Look for link on www.plato.k12.mo.us/teachers/dsprouse
Student Materials:
3-Ring Binder
Pens, Pencils
2 Pocket Folder (single color- no decorations)
Highlighter
Flash Drive
Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, students will be able to;
1. Apply the scientific processes, tools and techniques in solving scientific problems
in Biology.
2. Demonstrate an understanding in the diversity of cells, and how cells have
evolved over time in appearance, organization, genetic make-up and function.
3. Recognize the role of inorganic and organic molecules to life.
4. Explain the purpose of energy in cells as free energy, activated carriers, catalases
and its use in biosynthesis.
5. Explain the importance of shape and structure of a protein, how proteins function
and how proteins are controlled.
6. Explain the role of DNA and RNA and the mechanism of protein production.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of gene expression and the methods identified as
controls for gene expression.
8. Recognize the significance of cell reproduction; to include the cell cycle, meiosis
and Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance.
9. Explain how cellular communities interact to produce differentiated cells from
stem cells, and how damage to cells may result in cancer.
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Course Units:
Unit 1: Cellular Basics, Chemistry, and Energy
Unit 2: DNA and RNA and Proteins
Unit 3: Gene Expression and Genome Evolution
Unit 4 Membranes and Transport
Unit 5: Obtaining Cellular Energy
Unit 6: Protein Transport and Cell Signaling
Unit 7: Cell Cycle and Sexual Reproduction
Unit 8: Cellular Communities
Course Outline:
Course outline is tentative and subject to change.
1st Quarter
Chapter 1
Fundamentals of Life
Chapter 2
Chemical Components of Cells
Chapter 3
Energy, Catalysis, Biosynthesis
Chapter 4
Protein Structure and Function
Chapter 5
DNA and Chromosomes
2nd Quarter
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
DNA Replication, Repair and Recombination
From DNA to Protein
Control of Gene Expression
How Genes and Genomes Evolve
DNA Technology
3rd Quarter
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Membrane Structure
Transport Across Cell Membranes
How Cells Obtain Energy
Energy Generation in Mitochondria and Chloroplasts
Intracellular Compartments and Protein Transport
4th Quarter
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Cell Signaling
Cytoskeleton
Cell Division Cycle
Sexual reproduction and the Power of Genetics
Cell Communities: Tissues, Stem Cells and Cancer
Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting the
author. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and may lead to a zero (0) for
a score. Allowing students to copy, or copying other student’s work (this includes
labs, class activities, projects, etc) is academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated.
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Course Expectations:
Students are expected to be prepared for each lecture, lab exercise and all activities
for class. Students will need to be familiar with concepts previously covered
throughout the course, and if questions arise, students should seek assistance with
the instructor. Students should understand homework will be given every night,
though some may not be formal, studying over past or recent concepts is expected
daily. In order to be successful in this course, attendance for class is of great
importance. Do your best to be in class and prepared. Refer to the handbook
regarding attendance and assignment make-up policies. Assignments that are late
will have a 20% reduction in points and is due by 7:50 am the following day,
after that you will receive zero points. If you are absent on the day an assignment
is due, it is due the day you return- no excuses. This is a college course and no extra
credit will be given. You may earn bonus points on quizzes and tests.
Assessments:
Chapter Reading/ Comprehension Quizzes
Unit/ Chapter Exams
Lab Reports
Individual Projects
In-class Activities
Semester Exams (Required for dual credit)
Grades:
Student evaluations are based on the above-described assignments and will be
weighted in the following manner;
 Labs, Class Activities, Homework
15%
 Individual Projects
20%
 Quizzes
10%
 Unit/ Chapter Exams
40%
 Semester Exams
15%
*Lowest test grade may be dropped at the end of each semester*
Individual Research Projects:
Students will be expected to complete quarterly research papers over a topic of
their choice pertaining to the information covered in that particular quarter. The
research papers will be MLA format and will be a minimum of 2500 words in length.
In addition, a PowerPoint presentation will accompany each research paper.
Laboratory Exercises:
Students will be expected to complete multiple labs developed to reinforce learning
concepts. Each lab report will be completed as indicated on the lab format handout.
Labs will be turned in for a grade inside a plain two-pocket folder. The two-pocket
folder will have the student’s name, printed on an index card, attached to the leftside pocket. If a lab is missed, it will need to be made up before the exam over the
information covered is completed. Inappropriate behavior during lab will result in
zero points for the lab at hand and/or forfeiture of lab privileges.