Central Michigan University
College of Science & Technology
Course Syllabus
BIO
105
Desig. No.
I.
Introductory Quantitative Biology
Title
3(2-2)
Credit (Mode)
Bulletin Description
Basic theories of biology including the characteristics of life, physiological mechanisms of
organisms, patterns of heredity, and ecological interactions. Quantitative aspects of these
topics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit cannot be
earned in both 101 and 105. (Group II-B)
II.
Prerequisites
None
III.
Rationale for Course Level
The course is designed for freshmen students as an introduction to biology, the use of
deductive reasoning, and the scientific method.
IV.
Textbooks and Other Materials to Be Furnished by the Student
Biology: Concepts and Connections. Campbell, Mitchell, and Reece.
A packet of laboratory experiences (purchased from CMU Bookstore).
V.
Special Requirements of the Course
Supplementary audio-tutorial units are available to supplement the course material.
VI.
General Methodology Used in Conducting the Course
a.
b.
VII.
Two 1-hour lectures per week.
One 2-hour laboratory per week.
Course Objectives
This course will provide instruction and practice in the following areas:
a.
The use of deductive reasoning and the scientific method.
b.
The calculation of probability, test of significant differences, and correlations.
c.
The presentation of results in graphical and tabular form.
d.
The proper selection of representative samples.
e.
The use of modeling, estimation, and prediction.
The following principles will also be developed:
a.
The nature of science and scientific reasoning.
b.
The integration of chemical and physical concepts.
c.
The characteristics of life.
d.
The cell as the fundamental unit of life.
e.
The physiological mechanisms of organisms.
f.
The behavioral patterns of organisms.
g.
The nature of heredity and the transmission of genetic information.
h.
i.
j.
k.
VIII.
The growth of populations.
The relationship of populations with regard to trophic levels and energy distribution
within an ecosystem.
The process of natural selection and evolution.
The impact of biology on the moral and ethical issues of society.
Course Outline
Lecture Schedule
* Topics of a Quantitative Nature (Estimated Lecture Time Spent)
Number of Lectures
1 (1/2)
2 (1)
5 (3)
6 (3)
1 (1/2)
8 (7)
Topic
I.
Nature of Science
A.
Definition of Science
B.
Scientific Method
C.
Characteristics of Life
D.*
Concept of modeling and its uses
II.
Taxonomy and Diversity
A.
Hierarchy of Life
B.*
Indices of diversity
III.
Cellular Mechanisms
A.
Definition of energy and matter
1.
Laws of thermodynamics
B.
Biological Macromolecules
C.*
Enzymes and enzyme activity calculations
D.*
Photosynthesis and respiration
E.*
Cell structure and function
F.*
Surface area/volume ratios of cells
IV.
Physiological Mechanisms
A.
Patterns of digestion
B.
Transport systems - plants, animals, humans
1.*
Calculation of cardiac output and blood
pressure
2.*
Transportation rates
C.
Gas exchange systems - plants and animals
1.*
Ideal gas laws applied
2.*
Respiratory volumes
D.
Support and locomotion
E.
Homeostasis
1.
Glomerular filtration rates
F.
Hormonal and nervous regulation
G.
Reproduction and development
H.*
Biophysical principles
V.
Behavior
A.
Patterns of behavior
B.
Adaptive significance of behavior
C.
Biological rhythms
1.*
Measurement and graphing of activity cycles
VI.
Genetics and Inheritance
A.
RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis
B.
Classical Mendelian genetics
1.*
Probability and statistics review
2.*
Calculations of ratios of phenotypes and
genotypes
3.*
Chi-square comparisons
4.*
Chromosome mapping
C.
Population genetics and evolution
1.
2.*
4 (4)
VII.
4 (3)
VIII.
Definition of gene pool
Hardy-Weinberg law - calculation and concept
a.*
Effects of mutation and selection
b.*
Relative fitness
D.
Genetic drift and flow
1.*
Coefficients for Hardy-Weinberg equation
E.*
Selection and specialization
1.*
Numerical taxonomy
Growth of Populations
A.*
Population curves - calculation and characteristics
B.*
Calculation of carrying capacity
C.
Population fluctuations and limiting factors
D.*
Doubling times
E.*
Age distributions
Energy and Ecosystems
A.
Autotrophs, heterotrophs, food chains, and food webs
1.*
Gross and net productivity
2.*
Trophic levels
B.
Materials in the biosphere
1.*
Biogeochemical cycles and nutrient distribution
C.*
Communities and succession
1.*
Rates of succession and changes in diversity
D.
Biomes
Laboratory Schedule
Week
1
2*
3*
4*
5*
6*
7*
8*
9*
10*
11*
12*
13*
14*
15*
IX.
Evaluation
a.
b.
c.
X.
Topic
Introduction to Laboratory Science
Calculations of Microscopy and Diversity
Membrane Selectivity
Chromatographic Separation of Plant Pigments
The Effects of Temperature on the Oxygen Consumption of Fish
The Relationship of Metabolism to Body Weight and Surface Area
Optimal Conditions for Enzyme Activity
Behavioral Response to Environmental Stress
Wall Seeking Behavior in Mice
Analysis of Classical Genetics
Mutation Rates in Bacteria
Modeling of Natural Selection
Limiting Factors of Yeast Growth
Comparative Estimates of Aquatic Productivity
Estimates of Population Size by Sampling
Occasional laboratory quizzes and written laboratory reports.
Three or four hourly examinations will be used to evaluate the lecture portion of the
course.
40% of the total course grade will be laboratory work and 60% will be from lecture.
Bibliography
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Audesirk, Gerald and Teresa Audesirk. 1990. Biology: Life on Earth. 2nd edition.
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Baker, Jeffrey and Allen Garland. 1979. A Course in Biology. 3rd edition. Addison-
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Batschelet, E. 1973. Introduction to Mathematics for Life Scientists. Springer-Verlag, New
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Campbell, Neil A. 1990. Biology. 2nd edition. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co.
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Curtis, Helena and Sue Barnes. 1985. Invitation to Biology. 4th edition. Worth Publishers,
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Davis, P. William and Eldra Pearl Soloman. 1985. The World of Biology. 3rd edition.
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Etkin, William, et al. 1972. A Biology of Human Concern. J.B. Lippincott Company.
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Johnson, Kenneth, et. al. 1984. Biology an Introduction. The Benjamin/Cummings
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Lewin, Benjamin. 1990. Genes IV. Oxford University Press. New York, New York.
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Chicago, Chicago ILL
Rahn, Joan. 1974. Biology: The Science of Life. MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc. New
York, New York.
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Louis, MO.
Raven, Peter and George Johnson. 1991. Understanding Biology. 2nd edition. Mosby
Yearbook.
Riggs, D.S. 1963. The Mathematical Approach to Physiological Problems. M.I.T. Press,
Cambridge, MA.
Russell, Peter J. 1990. Genetics. 2nd edition. Scott Foresman. Glenview, IL.
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and Co. New York.
Starr, Cecie and Ralph Taggert. 1987. Biology the Unity and Diversity of Life. 4th edition.
Wadsworth Publishing Co. Belmont, CA.
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Syllabus Prepared By:
Claudia Douglass
Name
________________________________
Signature
4/8/03____________
Date