BI 151 - Introduction to Cells, Molecules, and Genes

*BI 151/152 can be taken in any sequence. Both courses may not be required for all majors.

1. Give examples of how evolutionary theory and the process of natural selection are applied at the molecular, genetic and cellular levels. 
2. Use atomic molecular theory to explain the properties of water and the relevance of water to earth’s biodiversity.
3. Use cell theory to distinguish prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells and their organelle structure and function.
4. Apply molecular theory to the processes of diffusion and osmosis.
5. Use the laws of thermodynamics to discern relevant and irrelevant information when evaluating energy transfer within cells.
6. Apply photosynthesis and cellular respiration theory to carbon cycling among autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms.
7. Discern among the sources of genetic variation in sexual and asexually reproducing organisms and use examples to verify predictions and develop conclusions.
8. ​Identify and describe biological molecules, cell structures, and processes including the flow of genetic information, genetic expression, and both classical and molecular genetics and inheritance.
9. Articulate valid scientific hypotheses and predictions when given a set of observations, and design and execute experiments and formulate conclusions based on biological principles. (GELO 3)

10. Evaluate strategies, technologies, and methods used in the field of molecular biology.
11. Use visual representations such as graphs, charts, or graphics to enhance the meaning of the message that is being communicated. (GELO 3)
12. Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues.
13. Identify ethical dilemmas associated with biotechnology, human health, environmental, social or cultural issues. (GELO 6)
14. Evaluate information to identify limitations and biases.
15. Understand the interdisciplinary context of molecular biology issues that integrate science, humanist, and social perspectives. (GELO 6)
16. Consider the context, costs, benefits and consequences of potential solutions to problems or issues. 

II. The Chemistry of Life
    A. Organization of matter
    B. Bonding between atoms
    C. Water and its four emergent properties
    D. Acids, bases and pH

III. Biological Molecules
    A. The role of carbon in forming biological molecules
    B. Macromolecules structure and function
        1. Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids

IV. Cell Structure and Function
    A. Cell theory and microscopy
    B. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
    C. Composition and function of cell structures
        1. Cell membranes
        2. Endomembrane system
        3. Mitochondria and chloroplasts
        4. Cell junctions, cytoskeleton and cell wall
        5. Comparison of plant and animal cells

V. Cellular Transport
    A. Diffusion and osmosis
    B. Facilitated and active transport
    C. Endocytosis (pinocytosis and phagocytosis) and Exocytosis

VI. Bioenergetics
    A. Metabolism
    B. Enzymes and regulation of enzymes
    C. Energy and ATP
    D. Hydrogen ion and electron carriers
    E. Redox reactions

VII. Cellular Respiration
    A. Glycolysis
    B. Fermentation and anaerobic respiration
    C. Aerobic respiration
        1. Oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA
        2. Citric Acid Cycle
        3. Oxidative phosphorylation

VIII. Photosynthesis
    A. Nature of light
    B. Pigments
    C. Light dependent reactions
        1. Cyclic and linear electron flow
        2. Production of NADPH and ATP
    D. Light independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)
        1. Use of NADPH and ATP to reduce carbon dioxide to sugar
    E. Chemosynthesis

IX. Cell Communication
    A. Local and long distance signaling; chemical nature of the signal
    B. Three stages of cell signaling
        1. Reception and intermembrane events
        2. Transduction – secondary messengers
        3. Response – activating pathways versus protein synthesis

X. The Cell Cycle
    A. Interphase
    B. Eukaryotic cell reproduction
        1. Mitosis 
        2. Cytokinesis in plant and animal cells
        3. Cell cycle control system, the genes that regulate the cell cycle and cancer

XI. Genetics
    A. Gene and chromosome structure
    B. Meiosis
        1. Stages of meiosis: reducing diploid cells to haploid cells
        2. Inheritance of genes
        3. Sources of genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms
        4. Numerical and structural alterations of chromosomes
    C. Mendelian genetics
    D. Pedigree analysis
    E. Incomplete dominance
    F. Multiple alleles and multiple gene pairs
    G. Sex linkage and autosomal linkage
    H. Inherited disorders: dominant and recessive
        1. Multifactorial disorders
    J. Mutations and genetic change

XII. Molecular Basis of Inheritance
    A. Structure of DNA
    B. DNA replication
    C. Proofreading and repairing DNA
    D. Replicating the ends of DNA

XIII. Protein Synthesis
    A. Structure of RNA and the genetic code
    B. Transcription
        1. Molecular components of transcription
        2. Synthesis of mRNA transcript
        3. mRNA processing
    C. Translation
        1. Molecular components of translation
        2. Building a polypeptide
    D. Chemical basis of mutation
        1. Types of mutations
        2. Implications of mutations on protein structure and function

XIV. The Cellular Basis of Development
    A. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
   B. Cell differentiation, homeotic genes and pattern formation
    C. Genetic program for embryonic development
    D. From zygote to multicellular organism

Laboratory

Both observational and experimental laboratory exercises are designed to be investigative. Each of the following laboratory exercises will be conducted in accordance with the Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s) that have been developed by the BI 151 team.

   I.    Introduction & Scientific Investigation
   II.   Measurement, Microscopes & Cells   
   III.  Macromolecules     
   IV. Diffusion & Osmosis       
  V.  Spectrophotometer & Enzymes   
   VI. Cellular Respiration & Fermentation I     
   VII. Mid-term Laboratory Exam & Post Exam Exercise
   VIII. Student Inquiry in Cellular Respiration & Fermentation II
   IX. Photosynthesis     
   X. Mitosis & Meiosis
   XI. Genetics                    
   XII. DNA, Restriction Enzymes, and Gel electrophoresis
   XIII. DNA and Development    
   XIV. Final Laboratory Exam

• Common student-designed scientific research presentation.
• Common laboratory midterm and final exams.
• Inclusion of common final exam questions for lecture.

• lecture: 50-90%
• facilitated discussion: 5-20%
• multi-media assisted instruction: 5-25%

Laboratory

• supervised group work: 80-90%
• lecture: 0-10%
• multi-media assisted instruction: 5-10%
• facilitated discussion: 5-10%

Online/Hybrid Lecture

• Direct instruction: 50-80%
• Facilitated discussion: 0-20%
• Mediated instruction: 10-50%
• Group work: 0-10%
• Other: 0-10%

Laboratory Component of the Course: 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. Instructors are expected to follow the objectives and lab supplement(s) developed and adopted by the current team of full-time instructors whose primary teaching load is in BI 151 Cells, Molecules and Genes including quizzes for laboratory topics.  

Lecture component will be 70% and lab component will be 30% of the overall course grade.

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 in the course. 

Lecture

• Unit Quizzes/Exams: 30-70%
• Presentations/Projects: 0-5%
• Assignments/homework: 10-50%
• Final Comprehensive Exam: 10-30%
• Service learning: 0-5%

Laboratory 

• Laboratory Exams 30-50%
• Pre-Lab Activities: 15-30%
• Lab Activities: 15-30%
• Presentation/Projects: 5-20%

Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend scientific observations of the natural world for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions which include distinguishing between correlation and causation.

Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct observations, judgments, and conclusions regarding the world of biological sciences.  Students must be able to meet physical expectations in order to safely engage in the practice of learning biological science, especially in the laboratory and field settings.  Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course and program expectations.  The following are specific courses that may entail significant physical challenges to accomplish:

• Courses at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and BI 215:  the outdoor learning environment is sometimes difficult to navigate, it may not be easily accessible or barrier free.

Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Biological Sciences department. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

Essential emotional coping skills: ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of science learning and investigation as determined by professional standards of practice.

Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of learning biology.

Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to work collaboratively in group learning activities in lecture class and as a team member in both laboratory class and in a field setting.