BIOL 140: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology – Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

This course provides a foundational understanding of molecular and cellular biology, focusing on the structure and function of cells, biochemistry, genetics, cell growth, and the origin of life. It is designed for science concentrators and complements BIOL 130 to form a comprehensive introduction to biology.

• Credit Hours: 4

• Format: Lecture and Laboratory

• Instructor: Dr. Arina Done

• Required Textbook: Biological Science (8th edition) by Freeman et al.

Program Goals and Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the biochemistry and molecular biology of cells, including processes common to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Recognize structural and functional adaptations unique to different cell types.

• Develop effective scientific writing skills.

• Master fundamental laboratory techniques for cell study.

• Engage in collaborative scientific discussions and experimental design.

• Appreciate the interrelationship between chemistry and biology, and between laboratory techniques and theoretical concepts.

• Gain historical perspective on the evolution of molecular biology knowledge.

• Understand evidence for evolution as a unifying concept in biology.

Course Structure and Topics

Major Topics Covered

The course follows a logical progression through key areas of molecular and cellular biology, closely aligned with the following textbook chapters:

• Ch. 1: Biology: The Study of Life

• Ch. 2: Water and Carbon: The Chemical Basis of Life

• Ch. 3: Protein Structure and Function

• Ch. 4: Nucleic Acids and the RNA World

• Ch. 5: An Introduction to Carbohydrates

• Ch. 6: Lipids, Membranes, and the First Cells

• Ch. 7: Inside the Cell

• Ch. 8: Energy and Enzymes: An Introduction to Metabolism

• Ch. 9: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

• Ch. 10: Photosynthesis

• Ch. 11: Cell-Cell Interactions

• Ch. 12: The Cell Cycle

• Ch. 13: Meiosis

• Ch. 14: Mendel and the Gene

• Ch. 15: DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair

• Ch. 16: How Genes Work

• Ch. 17: Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation

Additional info: The syllabus covers foundational chapters in molecular and cellular biology, ensuring students gain a broad and deep understanding of the discipline.

Assignments and Grading

Assessment Structure

Student performance is evaluated through exams, homework, participation, group projects, and laboratory work. The lowest exam score is dropped to accommodate absences.

Item	Points
4 Exams (lowest dropped)	600
8 Homework Assignments	80
Participation	20
Group Project	50
Lab	250

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
94-100%	A
90-93%	A-
87-89%	B+
84-86%	B
80-83%	B-
77-79%	C+
74-76%	C
70-73%	C-
67-69%	D+
64-66%	D
60-63%	D-
<60%	E

Course Policies

Attendance, Participation, and Academic Integrity

• Attendance is required and contributes to participation points.

• Make-up exams are not offered; the lowest exam score is dropped.

• Late homework is accepted for one week at half credit.

• No extra credit or exam curve is provided.

• Cheating or plagiarism results in a zero for the assessment.

Laboratory Component

Lab Topics and Skills

Laboratory sessions reinforce lecture topics and provide hands-on experience with biological molecules, cell structure, enzyme kinetics, cell division, and molecular genetics techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis.

• Properties of water

• Subunits of biological molecules

• Protein synthesis

• Cell membrane properties

• Cell types and structures

• Enzyme kinetics

• Cell division and blood analysis

• Bacterial growth and antibiotic response

• PCR and gel analysis

Support and Resources

Student Support Services

• Food Pantry: Available for students in need of food assistance.

• University-wide policies: Attendance, academic integrity, counseling, accessibility, safety, and anti-discrimination resources are accessible via Canvas.

Course Schedule

Lecture and Lab Timeline

The course schedule is organized by date, with each session covering specific chapters and laboratory activities. Exams are scheduled after major content blocks to assess student understanding.

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