Principles of Biology I
BIO 151
Luzerne County Community College
Fall 2015
Instructor: Mr. Koch
Contact Info: kochj@hasdk12.org or jkoch@luzerne.edu
Course Description:
Principles of Biology I Bio 151: This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is
placed on basic biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation,
genetics, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of
life at the molecular and cellular levels. Laboratory work includes use of the compound light microscope, study
of cells and cellular transport, chemical energy processes, enzymatic function, and genetics.
Course Texts: Campbell, N.A., Reece J.B., Urry, L.A., Cail, M.L., Waserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V. and
Jackson, R.B. Biology 10th edition, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2014.
Additional Readings and Videos: From various scientific libraries (handed out in class)
Course Goals:
This course provides students the opportunity to:
1. Understand the scientific method and its importance in the study of biology.
2. Learn the structure and function of a cell.
3. Understand the basic principles of chemistry and energy transfer within biological systems.
4. Relate DNA structure and function to genetics and patterns of inheritance.
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Goal 1.
1a.
List in order the steps to the scientific method.
1b.
Use the scientific method to solve an everyday problem.
1c.
Discuss ethical questions in biology, including how they may be
influenced by technological advancements.
1d.
Review scientific literature and write laboratory reports.
Goal 2.
2a.
Describe the structure, function, and importance of the four major
biomolecules: carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and nucleic acid.
2b.
Compare cell structure between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and
define the functions of the organelles.
2c.
Describe the fluid mosaic model of biological membranes and their
functions.
2d.
Explain membrane transport and cellular transfer of information.
2e.
List the stages in the cell cycle, explaining how it is controlled and related
to cell division.
2f.
Compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
2g.
Discuss how meiosis produces genetic variation.
Goal 3.
3a.
Apply the fundamental properties of water to biological systems.
3b.
Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics and the concept of
free energy.
3c.
3d.
3e.
3f.
Define chemical reaction using the synthesis and degradation of the
biomolecules and contrasting exergonic and endergonic reactions.
Describe basic enzyme structure and function.
Explain the concepts of oxidation and reduction.
Explain how ATP drives cellular work through the processes of
glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, and fermentation.
Goal 4.
4a.
4b.
4c.
4d.
Explain the processes of DNA replication and gene expression.
Describe mutation and distinguish between the various types of mutation.
Distinguish between Mendelian genetics concepts of complete dominance,
incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, pleiotropy,
epistasis, and polygenic inheritance.
Explain expression of Mendelian traits through monohybrid and dihybrid
genetics problems.
Policies:
Attendance of each lecture and lab is required. If a class or lab is missed due to an emergency, I expect
to be informed of the cause. Students are responsible for all lecture materials and reading assignments whether
they attended class or not. Any lecture notes that you have missed should be obtained from a classmate. If
excessive absences occur the student will receive a grade of “I” (incomplete), and have to retake the course.
Students will have opportunities to ask questions in class, but extensive questions about course material,
grades, or exams should be brought to office hours. Exams must be taken on the scheduled date. Write these
dates on your calendar. Makeup exams will only be given to students who provide documented evidence of a
family or health emergency, and may be of a different format from the regularly scheduled exam. Makeup
exams will be given at a time of the instructor’s choosing.
If you have a documented learning disability, you may be entitled to certain considerations, such as extra
time during the exams. You must see me prior to the exam date to make the appropriate arrangements.
Academic Misconduct:
Students engaged in academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating on an exam or other
assignment will be given a zero for the assignment or exam. At the discretion of the instructor all students
involved in cheating may be failed for the course. Each case of misconduct will be brought before the Student
Development Office and may result in expulsion from the college.
Inclement Weather/Snow Policy:
In the event of inclement weather, commuting students should take their own safety into account first. If
LCCC is open, I will make every effort to be here for class. If school remains open, but I am unable to be in
class, I will attempt to notify every student through email.
If you have a difficult drive and you deem it imprudent to attempt to drive in for safety reasons, please
leave a message with the college to that effect, or send me an email message. You will still be responsible for
any material missed in that class.
Grading:
1st Half
Exam #1 (10%)
Midterm Exam (Covers all of 1st half) (20%)
Quizzes (4 – dropping the lowest each half) (5%)
Projects (3 each half) (20%)
Labs (6 each half) (20%)
Class Participation (25%)
2nd Half
Exam #2 (10%)
Final Exam (Cumulative 1st and 2nd half) (20%)
Quizzes (4 – dropping the lowest each half) (5%)
Projects (3 each half) (20%)
Labs (6 each half) (20%)
Class Participation (25%)
Grade Determination:
A grade will be awarded for this course on the following basis.
A
B+
B
C+
=
=
=
=
93% – 100%
89% – 92%
85% – 88%
81% – 84%
C
D+
D
F
=
=
=
=
77% - 80%
73% - 76%
70% - 72%
69 and below
Example:
1st Half
Exam #1 – 80 x 0.10 = 8
Midterm Exam – 90 x 0.20 = 18
Quiz #1 – 90
Quiz #2 – 85 ->dropped
Quiz #3 – 100
Quiz #4 – 90
Quiz Grade 93 x 0.05 = 4.7
Project #1 – 95
Project #2 – 90
Project #3 – 95
Project Grade 93 x 0.20 = 18.5
Lab #1 – 90
Lab #2 – 80
Lab #3 – 85
Lab #4 – 90
Lab #5 – 75
Lab #6 – 80
Lab Grade 83 x 0.20 = 16.7
Class Participation 95 x 0.25 = 23.8
1st Half Grade (8 + 18 + 4.7 + 18.5 + 16.7 + 23.8) =
90% or B+
2nd Half
Exam #2 – 90 x 0.10 = 9
Final Exam – 80 x 0.20 = 16
Quiz #5 – 80 ->dropped
Quiz #6 – 85
Quiz #7 – 100
Quiz #8 – 90
Quiz Grade 92 x 0.05 = 4.6
Project #4 – 85
Project #5 – 90
Project #6 – 90
Project Grade 88 x 0.20 = 17.5
Lab #7 – 95
Lab #8 – 85
Lab #9 – 80
Lab #10 – 90
Lab #11 – 75
Lab #12 – 70
Lab Grade 83 x 0.20 = 16.7
Class Participation 95 x 0.25 = 23.8
2nd Half Grade (9 + 16 + 4.6 + 17.5 + 16.7 + 23.8) =
88% or B
Final Grade (Average of 1st and 2nd Half Grades) =
89% or B+
Tentative Sequence of Lecture Topics
1. Properties of Water
2. Evolution & Ecology
3. Macromolecules
4. Cellular organization and transport
5. Thermodynamics and energy transfer
6. Mitosis/Meiosis
7. DNA and Genetics
8. Biotechnology
Tentative Laboratory Schedule
1. Properties of Water
2. Artificial Selection
3. Animal Behavior
4. Microscope & Cell Structure
5. Osmosis & Diffusion
6. Enzymes
7. Energy
8. Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, & Fermentation
9. Cell Reproduction: Mitosis and Meiosis
10. Genetics
11. Biotechnology I – DNA extraction and determination
12. Biotechnology II – PCR and Restriction Enzyme Analysis; DNA analysis by gel electrophoresis
Tentative Projects
Project #1 – Darwin Project
Project #2 – Clay Caterpillars
Project #3 – Independent Project
Project #4 – PA Trout in the Classroom
Project #5 – Bioethics
Project #6 – Independent Project
Tentative Course Schedule:
September:
Darwinian Evolution
Darwin Project (ongoing)
Artificial Selection: Lab 1
Sustainable Garden Project (ongoing)
Ecology
Clay Caterpillar Project (ongoing)
Animal Behavior: Lab 12
Chemistry and Organic Molecules
The Biology Project: Biochemistry – University of Arizona Website Activity
Identifying Macromolecules in Our Foods Activity
Enzyme Activity: Lab 13
October:
Cell Structure and Function
Cells Alive! Website Activity
Microscope Techniques for Observing and Measuring Different Types of Cells Activity
Cell Transport and Homeostasis
Diffusion and Osmosis: Lab 4
November:
Energy
Energy Dynamics: Lab 10
PA Trout in the Classroom Activity (ongoing)
Photosynthesis
Stomata Peel Activity
Photosynthesis: Labs 5
Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration: Lab 6
Alcoholic and Lactic Acid Fermentation Activity
December:
Cell Communication and the Cell Cycle
Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis: Lab 7
Cancer
The Biology Project: Cell Biology – University of Arizona Website Activity
Mendelian Genetics
The Biology Project: Mendelian Genetics – University of Arizona Website Activity
Learn. Genetics – University of Utah Website Activity
Mathematical Modeling: Hardy-Weinberg: Lab 2
Protein Synthesis
Comparing DNA Sequences to Understand Evolutionary Relationships with BLAST: Lab 3
Epigenetics
Learn. Genetics – University of Utah Website Activity
Genes and Gene Regulation
PhET Simulations – University of Colorado Website Activity
January:
Biotechnology
Learn. Genetics – University of Utah Website Activity
Biotechnology: Bacterial Transformation: Lab 8
Biotechnology: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA: Lab 9
Bioethics (Stem Cell Research, Antibiotic Resistance and the Problems with Improper Antibiotic Use,
Genetically Modified Food, The Use of Genetic Information)
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (NCCSTS) – University at Buffalo Website Activity