BIO 1210: General Biology I Lecture – Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Overview

BIO 1210-110 General Biology I Lecture is a foundational course for STEM majors, focusing on the principles of biology at the cellular and molecular level. The course covers topics such as cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and laboratory skills essential for further study in biological sciences.

Course Structure and Content

Course Description

• This course explores the biology of plants, animals, and bacteria at the cellular level.

• Key topics include cellular biochemistry, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, reproduction, genetics, and evolution.

• Emphasis is placed on scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, and the use of technology in biological research.

Required Textbook

• Biology: Concepts and Connections by Campbell, Reese, Taylor, and Simon (10th edition).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Describe atomic structure, chemical bonding, and the chemical basis of life.

• Explain the structure and properties of water, pH, and buffers.

• Delineate the molecular structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

• Describe enzyme structure, function, and their role in metabolism.

• Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures and organelles.

• Explain membrane structure and mechanisms of transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport, etc.).

• Describe cellular communication and adhesion mechanisms.

• Detail the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, including their biochemical pathways.

• Describe chromosome structure and the cell cycle, including mitosis, meiosis, and cancer biology.

• Apply Mendelian genetics, solve inheritance problems, and discuss genetic diseases and mutations.

• Explain DNA and RNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation.

• Discuss biotechnology techniques and their applications.

• Explain evolution as a unifying theme in biology.

Laboratory Skills

• Proper use of microscopes and identification of cell structures.

• Preparation and observation of wet mount slides.

• Safe laboratory practices, including chemical handling and measurement.

• Conducting experiments on diffusion, osmosis, pH, and enzyme activity.

• Accurate data recording and reporting using the scientific method.

Course Schedule and Major Topics

Date	Topic	Textbook Chapter	Assessment
June 1	Introduction to Biology: The Scientific Study of Life	1
June 3	Chemical Basis of Life	2	Homework #1 Due
June 8	The Molecules of Cells	3	Homework #2 Due
June 10	A Tour of the Cell	4	Quiz #1, Homework #3 Due
June 15	The Working Cell: Cell Transport	5	Exam #1, Homework #4 Due
June 17	The Working Cell: Energy, Metabolism & Enzymes; How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy	5, 6	Homework #5 Due
June 22	Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food	7	Quiz #2, Homework #6 Due
June 24	The Cellular Basis of Reproduction and Inheritance: Mitosis and Cell Cycle	8	Exam #2, Homework #7 Due
June 29	The Cellular Basis of Reproduction and Inheritance: Cancer and Meiosis	8
July 1	Patterns of Inheritance: Mendel’s Laws, Crosses, Genetic Diseases	9	Quiz #3, Homework #8 Due
July 6	Molecular Biology of the Gene: DNA, RNA, Transcription, Translation, Mutations	10	Homework #9 Due
July 8	How Genes are Controlled; DNA Technology and Genomics	11, 12	Exam #3, Homework #10 Due

Assessment and Grading

• Three exams (each 20% of final grade)

• Quizzes (10%)

• Homework assignments (5%)

• Laboratory grade (25%)

Grades are assigned according to a standard scale (A: 93-100%, B: 83-86.99%, C: 73-76.99%, D: 63-66.99%, F: <60%).

Academic Policies and Success Strategies

• Regular attendance and participation are strongly encouraged for success.

• Academic integrity is strictly enforced; plagiarism and cheating are prohibited.

• Use of AI is limited to study support and not for completing graded assignments.

• Students are encouraged to seek help early and utilize campus resources such as tutoring and library services.

• Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities through the Office for Disability and Accessibility Services.

Additional Resources

• Blackboard is used for course materials, assignments, and communication.

• Important dates, withdrawal policies, and campus resources are available on the college website.

• Students are encouraged to participate in course evaluations and communicate with instructors regarding any concerns.

Summary of Major Biology Topics Covered

• Biology as a scientific discipline

• Chemical foundations of life

• Biological macromolecules

• Cell structure and function

• Cellular energetics (respiration and photosynthesis)

• Genetics and inheritance

• Molecular biology of genes

• Gene regulation and biotechnology

• Evolutionary principles

Additional info: This syllabus aligns closely with the standard introductory biology curriculum for college students, covering all foundational topics necessary for further study in the life sciences.