Bio Sci 93: From DNA to Organisms – Syllabus and Study Guide (Fall 2023)

Course Overview

Introduction

This course, "From DNA to Organisms," is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of basic biological sciences. Topics include cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and the biology of organ systems. Students will also learn about experimental design, data analysis, and current topics in biology.

• Course Goal: To understand the basic principles of biology from the molecular to the organismal level.

• Prerequisites: None

• Instructors: Kim Green, Ph.D.; Dan Mathews, Ph.D.; Marcelo Wood, Ph.D.

• Lecture Location: Biological Sciences 3 Room 1200

• Office Hours: Thursdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm PST

Course Structure and Learning Objectives

Course Goals

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

1. Discuss basic concepts of cellular and molecular biology using correct terminology.

2. Explain biochemical concepts and work together to support their understanding.

3. Work in teams to critically think about DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

4. Use the scientific method to develop and test a hypothesis, design experiments, make predictions, and interpret scientific data.

5. Illustrate the molecular mechanisms of animal and plant life.

How to Succeed

• Play an active role in your education (complete readings, participate, etc.).

• Engage in class activities and discussions.

• Ask questions (in class, during office hours, via email, or on the discussion board).

• Work in teams to solve problems and predict outcomes.

Textbooks and Resources

Required Materials

• Textbook: 12th edition of Campbell Biology (Urry et al.) or UCI’s custom 7th edition Biology 93 textbook.

• Mastering Biology: Pearson’s Mastering Biology online platform (required).

• Canvas: Course website for assignments, resources, and communication.

Students are responsible for identifying the correct sections to read if using different editions.

Grading and Assessment

Grading Breakdown

Activity	Points
Syllabus Quiz	2
Pre-class Assignments	10
Participation Points	10
Midterm Exam 1	20
Midterm Exam 2	20
Final Exam	40
Total	102

Grade Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	≥ 91.5% to ≤ 100%
B	≥ 81.5% to < 85.0%
C	≥ 65.0% to < 73.5%
D	≥ 59.5% to < 63.0%
F	< 53.0%

Assessment Details

• Syllabus Quiz: 10-question quiz to ensure familiarity with course structure and policies.

• Pre-class Assignments: Short assignments to reinforce understanding of reading and lecture material. Graded on accuracy, with 5 attempts per assignment.

• Exams: Multiple choice and short answer questions. No makeup exams.

• Participation Points: Earned from PollEverywhere questions in class.

Course Schedule and Topics

Weekly Topics and Readings

Lesson	Date	Lecture Topic	Readings
1	9/26	Introduction	Ch. 1, Concept 1.1 (pp. 1-12 / pp. 1-11)
2	9/29	Themes in Biology	Ch. 1, Concept 1.2 (pp. 12-21 / pp. 12-21)
3	10/01	Atoms, molecules, and water	Ch. 2, Concept 2.1-2.3 (pp. 24-34 / pp. 24-34)
4	10/03	Carbon, carbohydrates, lipids	Ch. 5, Concept 5.4-5.6 (pp. 75-87 / pp. 75-87)
5	10/06	Macromolecules II: Proteins, nucleic acids	Ch. 5, Concept 5.7 (pp. 87-91 / pp. 87-91)
6	10/08	Tour of the Cell I: Single cell organisms, membrane structure	Ch. 7, Concept 7.1-7.2 (pp. 126-131 / pp. 126-131)
7	10/10	Tour of the Cell II: Cytoskeleton, mitochondria, chloroplasts, extracellular matrix	Ch. 6, Concept 6.5-6.7 (pp. 102-121 / pp. 100-120)
8	10/13	Nucleus, ER, Golgi, lysosome; Tour of the Cell IV	Ch. 11, Concept 11.1-11.2 (pp. 218-221 / pp. 212-221)
9	10/15	Cell Communication	Ch. 11, Concept 11.3 (pp. 221-231 / pp. 221-231)
10	10/20	Powering the Cell I: ATP, Enzymes	Ch. 8, Concepts 8.1-8.4 (pp. 141-164 / pp. 141-159)
11	10/22	Powering the Cell II: Cellular Respiration	Ch. 9, Concepts 9.1-9.6 (pp. 166-194 / pp. 160-186)
12	10/24	Powering the Cell III: Photosynthesis	Ch. 10, Concepts 10.1-10.6 (pp. 196-214 / pp. 194-207)
13	10/27	Molecular Biology I: DNA—the molecular basis of inheritance	Ch. 16, Concept 16.1 (pp. 314-320 / pp. 314-320)
14	10/29	Molecular Biology II: DNA Replication and Repair	Ch. 16, Concepts 16.2-16.3 (pp. 320-329 / pp. 320-329)
15	10/31	Molecular Biology III: Transcription	Ch. 17, Concepts 17.1-17.3 (pp. 331-347 / pp. 335-347)
16	11/03	Molecular Biology IV: Translation	Ch. 17, Concepts 17.4 & 17.5 (pp. 347-360 / pp. 347-362)
17	11/05	Dividing the Cell I: Cell cycle, mitosis	Ch. 12, Concept 12.1 (pp. 234-244 / pp. 234-242)
18	11/07	Dividing the Cell II: Cell cycle regulation, cancer	Ch. 12, Concept 12.2 (pp. 244-250 / pp. 240-245)

Academic Policies

Academic Honesty

• All students must adhere to the UCI Academic Dishonesty Policies.

• Cheating or plagiarism will result in failing the course and possible expulsion.

Disabilities

• Students with documented disabilities should register with the Disability Services Center for accommodations.

LARC Tutors

• The Learning & Academic Resource Center (LARC) offers peer tutoring and supplemental instruction. See LARC Tutorials for more information.

Health and Safety

• Follow campus COVID-19 health and safety mandates.

• Food and drink are not allowed in lecture halls.

• If you feel sick or test positive, contact the UCI COVID-19 Response Center: [e-mail] or call 949-824-9918.

Contacting Instructors

Email Etiquette

• Use proper grammar and spelling.

• Include your name, section, and a clear question.

• Consult notes, syllabus, and discussion board before emailing.

Additional Info

• Course schedule may be subject to change; always check Canvas for updates.

• Extra credit is not available; grades are not rounded up.