BIOL 110: Molecules and Cells – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Course Description

Biology I: Molecules & Cells is a foundational course for science and allied health majors, focusing on the basic biological principles common to all living things. Central themes include evolution and homeostasis. The course covers cell structure and function, molecular and cellular reproduction, genetics, energy transformation, and biotechnology. Laboratory work emphasizes scientific inquiry, experimental design, and data analysis.

• Prerequisites: ACLT 052 or ACLT 053 or (ESOL 052 and ESOL 054)

• Co-requisite: MATH 083 or MATH 073

• Textbook: Campbell Biology by Urry et al., 12th Edition (Pearson)

• Lab Manual: Free OER lab manual provided via Brightspace

Major Course Topics

• Chemistry of Life

• Characteristics and Classification of Life

• Cells

  • Types

  • Structures

  • Function

  • Microscopy

• Cell Membrane Structure and Function

• Cellular Metabolism

  • Enzymes

  • Photosynthesis

  • Cellular Respiration

• Cellular Reproduction

  • DNA Structure and Replication

  • Mitosis

  • Meiosis

• Molecular Genetics

  • Transcription

  • Translation

• Classical Genetics

• Evolution

• Biotechnology

• The Process of Science

  • Metric System of Measurement

  • Lab Skills and Equipment Use

Course Objectives

• Apply scientific principles and communicate findings effectively.

• Utilize the scientific method and recognize potential bias.

• Use metric units and perform basic calculations.

• Demonstrate proper laboratory techniques and data analysis.

• Organize and interpret data using tables and graphs.

• Use a light microscope correctly.

• Apply chemical principles to cellular function.

• Explain cell structure, organelle function, and the cell as the basic unit of life.

• Describe bioenergetics, including photosynthesis, aerobic respiration, and fermentation.

• Explain genetic information storage, processing, and control in living organisms.

• Compare asexual and sexual reproduction.

• Solve genetic problems (Mendelian, incomplete dominance, codominance, sex-linked traits).

• Discuss genetic inheritance, diversity, and disorders.

• Evaluate the ethical use of biotechnology.

• Describe evolution in terms of variation, overproduction, and natural selection.

• Find, evaluate, and cite scientific sources.

Course Structure and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

Assessment	Points
Unit Exams (top 4 scores)	400
Comprehensive Final Exam	200
Lecture Quizzes (top 10)	100
Lab Quizzes (top 10)	100
Lab Practical Exams (2)	150
Poster Presentation	50
Total	1000
Extra Credit Quizzes	25

Letter Grades:

• 900 pts and above – A

• 800 – 899.9 pts – B

• 700 – 799.9 pts – C

• 600 – 699.9 pts – D

• Less than 600 pts – F

Exam and Quiz Policies

• Five unit exams (lowest score dropped), one cumulative final (cannot be dropped).

• Regular lecture and lab quizzes (top 10 scores count).

• Two lab practical exams.

• Poster presentation required.

• No make-up exams or quizzes; missed assessments are dropped as per policy.

• Attendance is mandatory for both lecture and lab; missing more than two labs without valid excuse may result in course failure.

Lecture and Lab Schedule (Selected Topics)

Week	Lecture Topic	Lab Topic
1	Introduction / Syllabus, Chemistry of Life: Elements & Atoms	Lab Safety & Syllabus, Measurement & Metric System
2	Molecules, Water, Acids and Bases	Scientific Method
3	Organic Chemistry, Biological Molecules	Molecules, Water and pH
4	Cell: Organization, Structure, Types	Macromolecules
5	Cell Membrane: Structure and Function, Cell Communication	Microscopy
6	Energy and Metabolism, Enzymes, ATP	Membrane Transport: Diffusion, Osmosis, Filtration
7	Cellular Respiration and Fermentation	Lab Practical #1
8	Photosynthesis	Enzymes
9	Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis and Sexual Cell Cycle	Spectrophotometry and Paper Chromatography with Spinach Leaves
12	Basic Principles of Heredity: Mendelian Genetics	Photosynthesis & Respiration
13	Non-Mendelian Genetics, Gene Expression: Transcription and Translation	DNA Extraction and DNA Electrophoresis
14	DNA Tools & Human Genetics and the Human Genome	Mitosis and Gene Explorer
15	Evolution and the Origin of Species	Poster Presentation

Additional info: The schedule includes regular quizzes and exams, with lab and lecture topics closely aligned to reinforce key concepts.

Key Academic Policies

• Academic Integrity: All students must adhere to CCBC’s academic integrity policy. Violations result in sanctions.

• Netiquette: Online communication must be respectful, professional, and ethical.

• AI Policy: Artificial Intelligence may not be used to complete assignments intended for individual work.

• Lab Safety: Proper attire and safety equipment are required in all labs. Non-compliance may result in removal from class.

• Attendance: Regular attendance is essential. More than two unexcused lab absences may result in failure.

Essential Skills and Concepts

• Scientific Method: Formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting and interpreting data.

• Metric System: Using metric units for measurement and calculations.

• Microscopy: Proper use and care of the light microscope.

• Data Analysis: Organizing data into tables and graphs, drawing inferences.

• Lab Techniques: Safe and effective use of laboratory equipment and procedures.

Contact and Support

• Instructor: Sabuhi K. Moiz (contact via email or office hours as listed in syllabus)

• Biology Department: 443-840-4212

• Course Coordinator: Mr. Sean McNamara ([e-mail])

• Student Services: Academic advising, disability support, and other resources available via CCBC catalog and student portal.

Summary Table: Major Topics and Related Chapters

Course Topic	Related Campbell Biology Chapters
Chemistry of Life	Ch. 2, 3, 4, 5
Cells & Microscopy	Ch. 6, 7
Metabolism & Bioenergetics	Ch. 8, 9, 10
Cellular Reproduction	Ch. 12, 13
Genetics	Ch. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Evolution	Ch. 1, 22, 23, 24
Biotechnology	Ch. 20
Process of Science	Ch. 1

Additional info: This mapping helps students align course topics with textbook chapters for efficient study.

Note: This study guide summarizes the syllabus and course structure for BIOL 110: Molecules and Cells. For detailed content on each topic, refer to the Campbell Biology textbook and lab manual as assigned in the course.