Course Outline
Department &Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Co-requisite
Challenge Policy
BioSc 140
Principles of Biology
BioSc 106
Chem 120 (may be taken concurrently)
BioSc 106: challenge examination. Chem 120: documenting
equivalent coursework via transcript.
Advisory
Number of Weeks
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Hours By Arrangement
Activity Hours
Units
18
3
3
4
COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course is a general introduction to cells and their function, cellular metabolism and energetics, genetic
material and its expression, classical genetics, and animal form, function, and development. Intended for
transfer majors in biology. BioSc 140 is not a pre-requisite for BioSc 141. Not repeatable.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Define and give examples of currently recognized Domains and Kingdoms.
2. Identify and define the structure, function, and organismal distribution of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and
nucleic acids.
3. Identify, explain, and interpret the distribution, structure, and function of organelles in eukaryotic cells.
Compare and contrast the structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Discuss the origin of
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Define and give examples of tissues, organs, and organ systems in animals
and plants.
4. Define, interpret, and provide examples of the various kinds of passive and active transport occurring in
cells.
5. Discuss the process of cellular reproduction in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Identify, explain, and
interpret the events and sub-divisions of mitosis and cytokinesis in both animal and plant cells. Compare and
contrast mitosis with meiosis; identify, explain, and interpret the events and sub-divisions of meiosis. Explain
the events of gametogenesis in males and female animals.
6. Discuss the roles of ATP and NADH in cellular energetics. Define and interpret the overall equation for
cellular respiration. Discuss the events of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and electron transport, and the use of
a proton gradient to generate ATP within mitochondria. Evaluate the yield of ATP molecules in respiration.
Explain the process of fermentation in various prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Compare and contrast
fermentation process and ATP yield with cellular respiration.
7. Define and interpret the overall equation for photosynthesis. Discuss, compare, and contrast the molecular
events of the light and dark reactions. Discuss the functional anatomy of leaves and chloroplasts and their
involvement in photosynthesis.
8. Define, explain, and interpret the basic vocabulary of genetics. Analyze and solve basics problems in
Mendelian genetics. Analyze and solve problems involving non-Mendelian genetics. Define and explain
mutations, and their molecular and cellular consequences.
9. Explain, interpret, and discuss the structure and function of DNA. Discuss the process of DNA replication.
Explain, interpret, and discuss the encoding of genetic information in DNA, and how this is later expressed in
transcription and translation. Compare and contrast these processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Evaluate the timing of these events in the cell cycle. Explain and interpret those factors regulating the
expression of genes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Discuss the modern techniques of genetic engineering.
10. Define, compare, and contrast the embryological features occurring amongst various animal lineages.
Explain and discuss the origin, distribution, and fate of different germ layers and body cavities. Analyze and
apply these concepts in representative invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
11. Discuss and interpret different feeding methods in animals. Compare and contrast the form and function of
feeding and digestion in various invertebrates and vertebrates. Discuss the biochemical roles of various macroand micro-nutrients.
12. Explain, analyze, and interpret the anatomy and function of different animal respiratory systems. Compare
and contrast the distribution, structure, and function of gas exchange surfaces in aquatic and terrestrial animals.
Explain and interpret the structure and function of counter-current exchange mechanisms in fish and birds.
13. Define and discuss the structure and functions of animal circulatory systems. Identify, explain, and discuss
the structure and function of blood, vessels, and hearts in the animal world. Compare and contrast patterns of
circulation amongst vertebrates.
14. Explain and discuss the functions of excretory systems. Identify , explain, and interpret the water-balance
and osmotic problems faced by marine, fresh-water, and terrestrial animals. Explain the structure and function
of excretory systems in various invertebrates and vertebrates. Explain and interpret the structure and function
of vertebrate nephrons and kidneys.
15. Explain, discuss, and interpret cell-signaling systems. Explain, discuss and interpret the structure and
functions of various hormones and endocrine glands in invertebrates and vertebrates. Explain how these
process are involved in organismal homeostasis.
16. Discuss the general functions of nervous systems. Define, discuss, and interpret the structure and functions
of neurons. Compare and contrast the neural organization in various invertebrates and vertebrates.
17. Discuss the form, function, and distribution of various sensory structures in the animal world.
18. Analyze and explain the various support and skeletal systems in various invertebrates and vertebrates.
Discuss the structure and function of different muscle types and how they make possible movement.
19. Discuss non-specific and specific organismal defenses again infection. Discuss and interpret the role of
proteins and cells in non-specific defense. Explain and discuss the roles of B and T cells in the immune
responses of vertebrates.
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage
breakdown)
7
5
8
2
6
6
6
11
9
2
5
5
6
5
4
7
4
2
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Organismal diversity
Structure and function of organic molecules
Cells, organelles, tissues, and organs
Cellular transport
Cellular reproduction: mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis
Cellular respiration and fermentation
Photosynthesis
Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics
DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation; gene regulation
DNA technology and its applications
Embryology and development
Feeding mechanisms, digestion, and nutrition
Respiration and circulation
Water balance and excretion
Cell-signaling and endocrine systems
Neurons and nervous systems
Sensory structures and movement
Immune systems
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture and discussion: 3 hours weekly for 18 weeks
Laboratory, demonstrations, and field trips: 3 hours weekly for 18 weeks
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook Title:
Author:
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
“Life: the Science of Biology”
Sadiva, Heller, Orians, Purves, and Hillis
Sinauer/Freeman Publishing
8th edition (2007)
+ Photoatlas
+ Lab Manual written by BioSc faculty
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Hours per week
Weekly Reading Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignments
Weekly Math Problems
Lab or Software Application Assignments
Other Performance Assignments
3
1
2
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
%
%
%
%
%
%
42
9
3
10
36
Lecture:
Essay and/or written answers
Non-computational problem-solving
Computational problem-solving
Objective questions
Laboratory:
Weekly written work (drawing, answers to questions, analysis of experimental results) for all
labs
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, CR/NC, or SC)
X
Letter Grade
90% - 100% = A
79% - 89% = B
60% - 78% = C
50% - 59% = D
Below 50% = F
Prepared by:
Course New/Revision Date:
Course Effective Date:
Revised 11/07
Credit / No Credit
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit
Chris Tarp
Spring 2008
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit