Campus Location:
Georgetown, Stanton
Effective Date: 2017-51
Course Number and Title:
BIO 150 Biology I
Prerequisite:
ENG 090 or ENG 091, SSC 100
Course Credits and Hours:
4 credits
3 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description:
This course introduces the cell as the basis of life. Topics include an
introduction to the chemistry of life, cell structure and function,
cellular metabolism, cell division, evolution, molecular genetics, and
patterns of inheritance.
Required Text(s):
Obtain current text book information at
https://www.dtcc.edu/student-resources/bookstores or
www.dtcc.edu/allschedules or by visiting the bookstore. You will
need to know the course number and section.
Additional Materials:
Lab coat
Method of Instruction:
Face-to-Face
Disclaimer:
None
Core Course Performance Objectives:
1. Explain the organization, characteristics, taxonomy, and basic chemistry of life. (CCC 2, 7)
2. Describe the structure-function relationship of cellular membranes, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic
cell structures. (CCC 2, 7)
3. Identify and describe the basic processes of metabolism and compare the pathways of cellular
respiration and fermentation. (CCC 2, 7)
4. Analyze the processes and pathways of photosynthesis. (CCC 2, 7)
5. Compare the different types of cell division. (CCC 2, 7)
6. Analyze genetic problems using the Punnett square and probability, and explain the principles
of genetic inheritance. (CCC 2, 7)
7. Examine the relationship between replication, transcription, and translation, and evaluate the
effects of mutations on phenotype. (CCC 2, 7)
8. Describe the evidences, mechanisms, and biodiversity for the theory of evolution. (CCC 2, 7)
9. Perform and analyze the various lab activities related to biology. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 6, 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies (CCC) and Program Graduate Competencies (PGC) at the
end of the syllabus. Course objectives are coded to the competency(cies) they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Explain the organization, characteristics, taxonomy, and basic chemistry of life.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
List and explain the seven characteristics of life.
Describe the hierarchy of biological organization.
Discuss taxonomy and the classification of living things.
Identify the characteristics of the three domains of life and the four kingdoms of
Eukarya.
Describe the scientific method including observations, hypothesis, and theory.
Define matter and differentiate between the three forms of matter.
Define molecule and briefly describe how atoms form molecules and compounds.
Define ion and explain how atoms form ions and ionic bonds.
List the biologically important elements.
Describe the physical and chemical properties of water that influence life processes.
Explain the meaning of the potential of hydrogen (pH) scale and the role of buffers.
Compare covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds.
Explain how macromolecules are formed and broken down in cells.
Describe the four biologically important macromolecules of cells, including the basic
unit, structure, function(s), and examples.
2. Describe the structure-function relationship of cellular membranes, prokaryotic, and
eukaryotic cell structures.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
Describe the biochemical structure of the plasma membrane.
Explain how membrane proteins interact with and respond to changes in the
extracellular environment.
Relate membrane structure to the role of the membrane in selective permeability.
Explain passive transport mechanisms: simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion.
Define osmosis and explain the effects of solute concentration on cell function.
Explain active transport and cotransport.
Discuss endocytosis and exocytosis.
Describe the structure and function of the nucleus of the eukaryotic cell.
Describe the structure and function of ribosomes.
Describe the structure and function of the endomembrane system: endoplasmic
reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vacuoles.
Compare and contrast the structure and function of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
List the components of the cytoskeleton and related organelles of movement and
describe the structure and function of each.
2.13
2.14
Describe the composition and function of a plant cell wall.
List and describe animal and plant cell junctions.
3. Identify and describe the basic processes of metabolism and compare the pathways of cellular
respiration and fermentation.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
3.16
3.17
3.18
Define metabolism and differentiate between anabolism and catabolism.
Define endergonic and exergonic reactions.
Describe the structure of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Discuss the breakdown and regeneration of ATP.
Explain a coupled reaction.
Describe a metabolic pathway.
Describe the structure and function of enzymes.
Define coenzyme and explain their roles in metabolism.
Describe the mechanism of an enzyme reaction.
List the factors that affect the yield of enzymatic reactions.
Define feedback mechanisms.
Discuss glycolysis and state the substrates and products of the pathway.
Define fermentation.
State the overall equation for cellular respiration and explain the general function of
cellular respiration.
Discuss the ways in which ATP is generated by the cell.
Describe the Kreb’s cycle and give the substrates and products of the cycle.
Discuss the electron transport system, chemiosmosis and oxidative phosphorylation.
Calculate and compare the yield of ATP per glucose molecule for fermentation versus
cellular respiration.
4. Analyze the processes and pathways of photosynthesis.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
State the overall equation for photosynthesis.
Review the structure and function of a chloroplast.
Describe the structure of a leaf.
Relate the electromagnetic spectrum to photosynthesis.
Describe the role of pigments in photosynthesis.
Describe a photosystem and explain how it harvests light.
Differentiate between the light dependent and the light independent processes of
photosynthesis.
Compare and contrast cyclic and noncyclic electronic flow.
Explain the process of photophosphorylation.
Explain the Calvin cycle.
Explain alternative pathways of carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation and relate them to the
Calvin cycle.
Compare and contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
5. Compare the different types of cell division.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
Define chromosome, chromatin, diploid, and haploid.
Describe the cell cycle.
Explain the events in mitosis.
Differentiate between mitosis and cytokinesis.
Compare and contrast mitosis in plant and animal cells.
Explain the events in meiosis.
Discuss crossing over and its role in genetic variation.
Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
6. Analyze genetic problems using the Punnett square and probability, and explain the principles
of genetic inheritance.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
Define allele, recessive, dominant, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, and
phenotype.
Perform one-trait and two-trait genetic problems using a Punnett square and the laws
of probability.
Explain segregation and independent assortment using examples of a dihybrid cross.
Describe a testcross.
Define multiple alleles, incomplete dominance, codominance, epistasis, and polygenic
inheritance, and list an example of each.
State the normal sex chromosome makeup of human males and females and compare
to other organisms.
List examples of X-linked genetic traits.
Define polyploidy and aneuploidy and list an example of each.
Define inversion, deletion, translocation, and duplication of genes.
7. Examine the relationship among replication, transcription, and translation, and evaluate the
effects of mutations on phenotype.
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
Describe the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Describe the replication of DNA.
Describe the structure of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and list the three types of RNA.
Explain the process of DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) to protein to trait.
Explain transcription and translation.
Given a DNA sequence, use the genetic code to determine the amino acid sequence of
the protein.
Define mutation and list several causes of mutations.
Compare frameshift and point (substitution) mutations.
Explain the lac operon as an example of the control of gene expression.
Describe the pathways of viral replication.
8. Describe the evidences, mechanisms, and biodiversity for the theory of evolution.
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
Explain the mechanisms of evolution that result in descent with modification.
Identify the various examples of evidence for evolution and their relationship to
biodiversity.
Describe how microevolution and macroevolution result in changes to populations
over time.
Describe the factors that can contribute to the development of new species.
9. Perform and analyze various lab activities related to biology.
9.1
Perform various physiological laboratory activities related to the cell, cellular
metabolism, photosynthesis, and cell division.
9.2
Perform various laboratory activities related to taxonomy, protein synthesis, genetics,
and biodiversity.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:
Students will demonstrate proficiency on all Core Course Performance Objectives at least to the
75 percent level to successfully complete the course. The grade will be determined using the
College Grading System:
92 – 100 = A
83 – 91 = B
75 – 82 = C
0 – 74 = F
Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on Academic Standing Policy,
Academic Honesty Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to
their academic progress.
Core Curriculum Competencies: (The competencies every graduate will develop)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate effective problem solving and reasoning skills.
Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate ethical and professional understanding and conduct.
Apply appropriate information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and use information
effectively.
6. Use computer technology appropriate to the field.
7. Use scientific and mathematical reasoning appropriate to the technology.