BIO 161 Cell & Molecular Biology: Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Cell & Molecular Biology

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure and function of cells, the molecular basis of life, and the experimental techniques used in modern biology. It is designed for lower-division college students and covers fundamental concepts essential for understanding cellular anatomy, physiology, and genetics.

• Focus: Cell structure, macromolecules, energetics, genetic information, and gene expression.

• Skills: Critical thinking, scientific writing, data collection and interpretation, and laboratory techniques.

• Textbook: Biological Sciences, 8th Edition, Freeman et al.

Learning Objectives

Core Competencies

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand cellular energetics: Principles of energy storage and transfer at the cellular level.

• Describe macromolecular structure and function: Fundamentals of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

• Explain cell division and reproduction: Mechanisms of mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance.

• Understand genetic information: How DNA is stored, maintained, and used in cells.

• Control of gene expression: Basic mechanisms regulating gene activity.

• Experimental skills: Make observations, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.

• Laboratory techniques: Perform fundamental cell and molecular biology experiments.

• Scientific literacy: Read, interpret, and apply scientific information.

Course Structure and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

The course grade is determined by performance in both lecture and laboratory components. Students must pass both to pass the course.

Component	Points	Percentage
Lecture	750	75%
Lab	250	25%
Total	1000	100%

• In-class participation: 50 points

• Assignments & Quizzes: 300 points (includes online assignments and quizzes)

• Midterm Exams: 2 exams, 100 points each

• Final Exam: 200 points (cumulative)

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	93-100%
A-	90-92%
B+	87-89%
B	83-86%
B-	80-82%
C+	77-79%
C	73-76%
C-	70-72%
D+	67-69%
D	60-66%
F	≤59%

Course Topics and Schedule

Weekly Topics Overview

The course follows a logical progression through foundational topics in cell and molecular biology, closely aligned with textbook chapters. Below is a summary of the main topics covered each week:

Week	Main Topics	Textbook Chapters
1	Chemistry of Life, Chemical Bonds, Energy	2, 8
2	Amino Acids, Proteins, Enzymes	3, 8
3	Nucleic Acids (DNA & RNA), Carbohydrates	4, 5
4	Lipids, Membranes, Metabolism, Respiration	6, 8, 9
5	Photosynthesis, Cell Structure & Function	10, 7
6	Cell Signaling, Cell Cycle & Mitosis	11, 12
7	Meiosis, Mendelian Inheritance	13, 14
8	Mitosis, Meiosis, Inheritance Overview	12, 13, 14
9	DNA Replication, Gene Expression (Central Dogma)	15, 16
10	Transcription, Translation, Regulation of Gene Expression	17, 18, 19

• Exams: Midterm #1 (Week 5), Midterm #2 (Week 9), Final Exam (Finals week)

• Quizzes: Six online quizzes distributed throughout the quarter

• Assignments: Pre-lecture online assignments due before class

Key Concepts by Chapter

Chemistry of Life (Chapter 2)

Understanding the chemical basis of life is essential for studying biology. This includes the properties of water, types of chemical bonds, and the role of energy in biological systems.

• Water: Polar molecule, hydrogen bonding, solvent properties

• Chemical Bonds: Covalent, ionic, hydrogen bonds

• Energy: Thermodynamics, ATP as the energy currency

Macromolecules (Chapters 3-6)

Cells are composed of four major types of macromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

• Proteins: Made of amino acids, structure (primary to quaternary), function as enzymes

• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, information storage and transfer

• Carbohydrates: Energy storage, structural roles

• Lipids: Membrane structure, energy storage

Cell Structure and Function (Chapter 7)

Cells are the basic unit of life. Understanding their structure and function is fundamental.

• Organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus

• Membranes: Lipid bilayer, membrane proteins

Cellular Processes (Chapters 8-10)

Cells carry out essential processes such as metabolism, respiration, and photosynthesis.

• Metabolism: Catabolic and anabolic pathways

• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain

• Photosynthesis: Light-dependent and light-independent reactions

Cell Division and Genetics (Chapters 12-14)

Cell division is crucial for growth, development, and inheritance.

• Mitosis: Division of somatic cells

• Meiosis: Formation of gametes, genetic variation

• Mendelian Inheritance: Principles of heredity

Gene Expression and Regulation (Chapters 15-19)

Cells control gene expression through transcription, translation, and regulatory mechanisms.

• DNA Replication: Semi-conservative mechanism

• Central Dogma: Flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein

• Transcription & Translation: Synthesis of RNA and proteins

• Gene Regulation: Control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Success Strategies

Study Tips

• Read ahead: Review textbook chapters before lectures.

• Attend lectures and labs: Reinforces key concepts and instructor priorities.

• Consistent study: Spend at least 4 hours/week outside class.

• Ask questions: Utilize office hours and engage during lectures.

• Use Canvas and email: Stay updated on assignments and lecture materials.

Policies and Resources

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism and cheating: Strictly prohibited; consequences include zero grades and disciplinary action.

Disability Accommodations

• Students with disabilities: Notify the instructor early for accommodations.

Exam and Assignment Policies

• Make-ups: Only granted under exceptional circumstances with documentation.

• Exam review: Exams available for review during office hours for one week after grades are released; no electronics or note-taking allowed.

Course Schedule Summary

Major Topics by Week

Week	Topic	Chapter
1	Chemistry of Life, Energy	2, 8
2	Amino Acids, Proteins, Enzymes	3, 8
3	Nucleic Acids, Carbohydrates	4, 5
4	Lipids, Membranes, Metabolism, Respiration	6, 8, 9
5	Photosynthesis, Cell Structure	10, 7
6	Cell Signaling, Cell Cycle	11, 12
7	Meiosis, Mendelian Inheritance	13, 14
8	Mitosis, Meiosis, Inheritance Overview	12, 13, 14
9	DNA Replication, Gene Expression	15, 16
10	Transcription, Translation, Regulation	17, 18, 19

Additional info: The syllabus aligns closely with the standard introductory biology curriculum, covering all major cell and molecular biology topics. For detailed reading assignments and updates, refer to the class Canvas site.