Chabot College
Fall 2008
Course Outline for Biology 31
INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE BIOLOGY
Catalog Description:
31 – Introduction to College Biology
4 units
Basic principles of biology. Cell structure and function, cell division, cell metabolism, reproduction,
genetics, taxonomy, origin of life, and evolution. Laboratory emphasis on developing various laboratory
skills, using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting data, and preparing for and taking
laboratory exams. Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills and experience that
are needed to succeed in more advanced courses in biology. Geared towards Biology majors and Allied
Health students. Strongly recommended: Math 65 or 65A and eligibility for English 1A. 3 hours lecture,
3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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2.
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4.
5.
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9.
describe and apply the scientific method and how it is used by scientists to further scientific
knowledge;
cite the characteristics and levels of organization exhibited by all living organisms;
use the light microscope and dissecting scope;
describe how cells/specialized cells are structured and function;
describe basic cell metabolism;
describe/contrast, mitosis and meiosis;
describe structure, transmission and expression of genes;
explain the Darwinian concept of evolution as modified by modern scientific knowledge;
describe how the modern (binomial) system names and classifies organisms.
Course Content (Lecture):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction – Exploring Life
a.
Characteristics of life
b.
Levels of organization
c.
Process of science
- Nature of biological inquiry
- Power of experimental tests
Chemical Basis of Life
a.
Elements, atoms, molecules,ions
b.
Chemical bonds in biological molecules
c.
Properties of water
d.
pH and buffers
Molecules of Life
a.
Molecules of life from structure to function
b.
Chemical reactions (synthesis and breakdown reactions)
c.
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
Structure and function of the cell
a.
Introduction to the cell - Prokaryotes - Eukaryotes
b.
Eukaryotes – Organelles
c.
Cell surface specializations and function
Working Cell
a.
Membrane structure and function
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 31, page 2
Fall 2008
6.
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17.
b.
Enzyme structure and function
Cellular Metabolism
a.
Energy relationships (Respiration, Photosynthesis) – Autotrophs, Heterotrophs
b.
Stages of cellular respiration and fermentation
c.
Organic molecules as fuel for cellular respiration
d.
Products of cell respiration-where/how they are used.
How Cells Reproduce
a.
Nuclear and cell division mechanisms
b.
Eukaryotic cell cycle and mitosis
c.
Meiosis and sexual reproduction
d.
Crossing over
e.
Alterations of chromosome number and structure
Observing Patterns in Inherited Traits
a.
Mendel’s insight into inheritance patterns
b.
Variations on Mendel’s Law
Chromosomes/Human Genetics/Inherited Diseases
c.
Chromosomal basis of inheritance
d.
Sex chromosomes and sex linked genes
DNA Structure and Function
a.
Discovery of DNA structure
b.
DNA replication and repair
DNA to Proteins
a.
How is RNA transcribed from DNA
b.
Deciphering mRNA transcripts
c.
Translating mRNA into protein
d.
Mutations
e.
Microbial Genetics
Control of Gene Expression
a.
Gene regulation
b.
Differentiation
c.
Genetic control of embryonic development
DNA technology
Process of Evolution
a.
Theory of natural and selection
b.
Population genetics
c.
Variation and natural selection
Macroevolution and Microevolution
a.
Concepts of species
b.
Mechanisms of speciation
Origin and Early Evolution of Life
a.
How did cells originate (Early earth)
b.
First cells
c.
Timeline for evolution
(Systematics) - Characteristics and relationships among Domains and Kingdoms
Reproduction and Embryonic Development
Course Content (Laboratory):
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Scientific Inquiry
Chemistry and biomolecules
Cell structure and specialization
Movement across membranes
Enzyme function
Energy transfer in biological systems
Cell division
Patterns of Inheritance
Transcription & translation
Biotechnology
Applied Genetics
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 31, page 3
Fall 2008
12.
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15.
16.
Evolution & Classification
Prokaryotes – Bacteria & Archaea
Eukaryotes – Fungi, Protists & Plants
Eukaryotes - Animals
Cells, Tissues & Organs
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture and discussion
Laboratory exercises
Multimedia presentations
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
Typical Assignments
a.
Laboratory- observation of respiratory system of selected organisms
b.
Collaborative laboratory exercise – measuring 0 2 consumption of crickets and two
different temperatures
c.
Lab report – comparing the effects of two temperatures on the 0 2 consumption by
crickets
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Midterms and quizzes
b.
Laboratory practical exams
c.
Laboratory reports
d.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Biology, Concepts and Connections, Campbell, Reece, Taylor, Simon-Pearson/Benjamin Cummings,
2007
Inquiry to Life, Madder, Sylvia S., 12th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008
Laboratory Exercises in Biology, Dr. Braganza and Collins, 2007
Biology 31 Lab Manual, Jim Adams, 2007
Special Student Materials:
In addition to textbook, student may use publishers website, student CD (provided with the text), and
other media.
AB:al
Revised: 9/27/07