BI 101 - General Biology

1. Describe the nature of science, use the principles of science to evaluate hypotheses, theories, and sources of scientific information, and use the scientific method to solve biological problems. (GELO3)
2. Use chemical principles and cell theory to describe the requirements for life and the basic characteristics of living organisms.
3. Use an understanding of nutrition and metabolism learned in this course to discern between relevant and irrelevant information when making decisions about calorie intake and healthy food choices. 
4. Use the principles of cell respiration and photosynthesis to describe how energy flows and materials cycle through cells, organisms, and ecosystems.
5. Apply knowledge learned in this course and identify quality sources of data and information to make informed decisions about activities which impact climate change. 
6. Use cell theory and the principles of genetics to describe cell division and its relationship to cancer and reproduction.
7. Use the principles of genetics to explain the inheritance and expression of traits in organisms.
8. Apply an understanding of biotechnology learned in this course to identify ethical dilemmas and to make responsible decisions about the ethical use of biotechnology.
9. Define evolution, explain its mechanisms (especially natural selection), and summarize the evidence for evolution.
10. Use evolutionary theory to account for both the unity and diversity of living things, to explain human evolution, and to describe its effects on issues that affect human health, such as the evolution of drug resistant pathogens.
11. Use population growth theory and an understanding of ecological principles to explain the growth of the human population and the impact that growth has on resources and biodiversity.
12. Use a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology learned in this course to discern between relevant and irrelevant information when making decisions that affect health.
13. Develop hypotheses, use experimentation, make and record accurate observations, organize data into tables and graphs, and draw scientifically valid conclusions based on experimental results. (GELO7)
14. Demonstrate the ability to use various types of laboratory equipment.
15. Identify quality sources for data and information pertinent to biological problems and issues being examined.
16. Identify ethical dilemmas associated with environmental, social, or cultural issues.

I. Introduction to the Scientific Method

A. The Process of Science

B. Hypothesis Testing

C. Evaluating Scientific Information

II. Chemistry and Cells

A. Water, Biochemistry, and Cells

1. Definition of life

2. The importance of water to life

3. Organic chemistry and macromolecules

4. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

5. The tree of life and evolutionary theory

B. Cells and Metabolism

1. Nutrients

2. Enzymes

3. Calories and metabolic rate

4. Body fat and health

C. Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, and Climate Change

1. The greenhouse effect

2. The flow of carbon and climate change

3. Cellular respiration

4. Photosynthesis

5. Decreasing the effects of climate change

III. Genetics

A. DNA Synthesis, Cancer, Mitosis, and Meiosis

1. Cancer properties, detection, and treatment

2. Genes, chromosomes, and DNA replication

3. The cell cycle and mitosis

4. Cell cycle control and mutation

5. Meiosis

B. Mendelian and Quantitative Genetics

1. The inheritance of traits/reproduction

2. Diversity in offspring

3. Genetic diseases in humans

4. Using Punnett squares

5. Quantitative genetics

C. Complex Patterns of Inheritance and DNA Fingerprinting

1. DNA Fingerprinting

2. Extensions of Mendelian genetics

3. Sex determination and sex linkage

4. Pedigrees

D. Gene Expression, Mutation, and Cloning

1. Protein synthesis and gene expression

2. Producing recombinant proteins

3. Genetically modified foods

4. Stem cells, gene therapy, and cloning

IV. Evolution

A. The Evidence for Evolution

1. The process and theory of evolution

2. The evidence for evolution

3. Evidence for human evolution

4. The origin of life

B. Natural Selection

1. Drug resistance

2. The process of natural selection

3. The modern synthesis

4. Patterns of selection

5. Natural selection and human health

C. Species and Races

1. The biological species concept

2. Speciation

3. Races and genealogical species

4. Humans and the race concept

5. Convergent evolution, genetic drift, sexual selection, and assortative mating

6. Race in human society

V. Ecology

A. Population Ecology

1. Human population growth and structure

2. Demographic transition

3. Carrying capacity and logistic growth for humans

4. The future of the human population

B. Community and Ecosystem Ecology

1. The sixth extinction

2. The causes extinction

3. The consequences of extinction

4. Saving species

5. Protecting biodiversity versus meeting human needs

VI. Human Structure and Function

A. Tissues, organs, and organ systems

1. Tissue types

2. Organs and organ systems

3. The digestive system

4. Homeostasis

5. Organ donation

B. Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Excretory Systems

1. Structure and function of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and excretory systems

2. Effects of smoke on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and excretory systems

C. Immune System, Bacteria, Viruses, and Other Pathogens

1. Infectious agents

2. Transmission of infectious agents

3. The immune system

4. Preventing prion diseases

D. Endocrine, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems

1. The structure and function of the endocrine, skeletal, and muscular systems

2. Sex differences in the endocrine, skeletal, and muscular systems

BI 101 LABORATORY OUTLINE

I. The Scientific Method - an introduction to the scientific process, data collection, and graphing using an animal behavior exercise.

II. Microscope and Cells - use of the compound and dissecting microscopes to examine prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and whole objects like flowers and small animals.

III. Diet and Nutrition - calculation of basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and analysis of nutrition labels.

IV. Nutrition Analysis Project - analysis of personal nutrition habits.

V. Enzymes - analyzing the effects of temperature, concentration, and pH on catalase activity.

VI. Cell Energy Cycle - analysis of anaerobic and aerobic respiration with a yeast activity. Also investigate the effects of light and CO2 on photosynthesis.

VII. Genetics - Mendelian genetics, blood type genetics, and phenotypes/genotypes of human traits.

VIII. DNA Fingerprinting - restriction fragment analysis using gel electrophoresis. Also a DNA extraction activity.

IX. Evolution - natural selection simulation and evolution of hominoids.

X. Water Quality - determination of distribution of world’s water and testing for contaminants in water supply.

XI. Effects of Alcohol and Caffeine on Heart Rate - determination of effects of alcohol and caffeine on heart rate using Daphnia.

XII. Transmission of Pathogens - simulations of spread of disease through population, including risk factors and complications associated with influenza.

XIV. The Functioning Human I and II - activities to demonstrate various aspects of human body, including special senses, heart and cardiovascular system, lung capacity, and gender differences with respect to athleticism.

Online/Hybrid Lecture

Direct instruction: 50-80%

Facilitated discussion: 0-10%

Mediated instruction: 10-50%

Group work: 0-10%

Other: 0-10%

Laboratory

Group work: 80-90%

Lecture: 5-10%

Mediated instruction: 0-10%

Facilitated discussion: 5-10%

- The scope and sequence of the lecture content must correlate with the BI 101 laboratory schedule in a way that allows students to be adequately prepared for their laboratory class.

- This laboratory outline corresponds to the BI 101 Laboratory Manual which details the specific concepts and science content required in the laboratory component of this course. Lab exercises will be covered in the order listed in the BI 101 laboratory schedule, as determined by the BI 101 Curriculum Committee.

- It is the intent and design of the laboratory component of this course to be an instructor-facilitated, student-centered, hands-on, activity-based, and inquiry-based learning experience.

- Unit and final exams in a lecture or laboratory course may not be administered in a take-home format.  Unit and final exams that are administered online shall either be given in an assessment facility (e.g., GRCC Assessment/Testing Center) or utilizing an exam monitoring program/resource that incorporates a lockdown browser and the use of a video monitoring system e.g., Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor.  Any online administration would require that the student provide identification e.g., driver’s license, GRCC I.D.

-Bonus/Extra Credit: May only be given in the lecture portion of the course and may not exceed 2% of the total possible points of the course.

Course Grading Requirements

Lecture (75% of course grade)

    -    Unit Tests:  60-65%

    -    Presentations/Projects:  0-5%

    -    Assignments and Quizzes:  15-25%

    -    Common Final Comprehensive Exam:  10-20%

    -    Service Learning:  0-10%

 

Laboratory (25% of course grade)

    -    Written quizzes:  50-55%

    -    Project:  10-15%

    -    Lab manual:  30-35%