Biology 211: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction

This course, Biology 211: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, provides a foundational understanding of biological principles for science majors. The curriculum covers the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energy transformation, cell division, genetics, and the origin of life. The course integrates lecture and laboratory components to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

• Major Themes: Biochemistry (20%), Cell Biology (40%), Genetics & Molecular Biology (30%), Evolution (10%)

• Prerequisites: College-level chemistry and mathematics

• Recommended Preparation: Introductory biology, college-level English and reading

Course Structure and Evaluation

Grading Components

• Lecture Exams (4): 200 points (50 pts/exam)

• Final Exam: 50 points (comprehensive)

• Lecture Quizzes (9): 45 points (5 pts/quiz)

• Attendance: 45 points (1 pt/class)

• Lab Quizzes (15): 75 points (5 pts/quiz)

• Lab Write-Ups (11): 110 points (10 pts/report)

• Lab Group Presentation: 30 points (group score)

• Total: 555 points

Grading Scale:

Grade	Percentage	Points
A	90-100%	555.0-499.5
B	80-89.99%	499.4-444.0
C	70-79.99%	443.9-388.5
D	60-69.99%	388.4-333.0

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is mandatory; missing more than four classes may result in being dropped from the course.

• Active participation in lectures and labs is expected.

• Tardiness and early departures are discouraged and may count as absences.

Homework and Study Expectations

• Plan for at least three hours of study per unit per week (approx. 12 hours/week).

• Homework includes practice problems, reading assignments, and lab report write-ups.

• Lab reports are due one week after completion of the lab.

Laboratory Component

Lab Write-Ups

Each lab requires an individual notebook write-up, including:

• Abstract: Summary of major findings and goals

• Introduction: Importance and context of the experiment

• Methods: Procedures, equipment, and materials used

• Results: Observations, data (tables, figures, text)

• Discussion: Interpretation of results, comparison with expectations, explanation of errors

Collaboration is encouraged for data collection, but each student must submit their own write-up.

Lab Safety and Conduct

• Lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles are required.

• No food or beverages in the lab.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workspace.

• Follow all safety instructions and report any incidents immediately.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

Lecture and Laboratory Topics

The following table outlines the main topics covered each week in both lecture and laboratory sessions:

Week	Lecture Topics	Laboratory Experiments
1	Introduction, chemical context of life, water; Structural diversity of molecules of life	Lab techniques, data analysis & graphic presentation
2	Functional groups, carbohydrates; Lipids, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)	Introduction to spectroscopy
3	Proteins; Protein function, enzyme catalysis	Microscopy, cell structures
4	EXAM 1 (Ch. 2-5, 16*); Cell theory and structure	Diffusion & Osmosis
5	Organelles, endosymbiosis; Cell junctions, cytoskeleton	Enzyme reactions
6	Membrane structure; Membrane transporters	Enzyme reactions (cont.)
7	Energy and metabolism; Electron transport chains vs. fermentation	Cell energetics & Fermentation
8	EXAM 2 (Ch. 6-10); Cell communication, signaling	Receptors, concanavalin A binding
9	Signal transduction, second messenger systems; Cell cycle, mitosis	Mitosis, Karyotyping, Polytene Chromosomes
10	Regulation of cell cycle, cancer, stem cells; Meiosis and recombination	Genetic fingerprinting
11	Genetics and inheritance, alleles; Human genome and chromosomes	DNA I: Bacterial Transformation
12	EXAM 3 (Ch. 11-15, 18*, 21*); DNA as genetic material, replication	DNA II: Plasmid Isolation
13	From genes to proteins, transcription, splicing; The ribosome, translation	DNA III: Restriction Digest
14	Mutations, viruses and genetics	PCR lab: Alu insert analysis
15	Regulation of gene expression, RNA as regulatory molecule; EXAM 4 (Ch. 16-19)	PCR lab (cont.)
16	Final Exam	—

Major Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain chemical and biological processes governing cell structure and function.

• Locate, access, and evaluate information related to cellular and molecular biology from an evidence-based perspective.

• Apply critical thinking and the scientific method to analyze and evaluate molecular and cellular biology issues.

Key Academic Topics Covered

• Biochemistry: Atomic structure, bonding, macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids), pH, thermodynamics, enzyme function, energy pathways, respiration, photosynthesis, electron transfer, proton pumping.

• Cell Biology: Cell theory, levels of organization, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, animal vs. plant cells, viruses, organelle structure and function, membrane structure and function, active/passive transport, diffusion, osmosis.

• Genetics & Molecular Biology: Cell cycle (mitosis, meiosis), DNA and chromatin, DNA replication, gene expression (transcription, translation), gene families, gene expression control, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance.

• Evolution: Endosymbiotic theory, chemical origins of life, prebiotic Earth conditions.

Academic Integrity and Student Support

• Academic honesty is strictly enforced; plagiarism and cheating result in severe penalties.

• Support services are available for students with disabilities and those needing academic or personal assistance.

• Free online tutoring and other resources are accessible through the college.

Important Dates

• Last Day to Add: September 7

• Last Day to Drop without a W: September 7

• Last Day to Drop with a W: November 13

• Final Exam: December 11 or 13 (TBD)

Summary Table: Major Course Themes and Related Topics

Theme	Key Topics
Biochemistry	Atoms, molecules, macromolecules, bonds, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, pH, enzymes, energy pathways, respiration, photosynthesis
Cell Biology	Cell theory, prokaryotes/eukaryotes, organelles, membranes, transport, diffusion, osmosis
Genetics & Molecular Biology	Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, DNA, chromatin, replication, gene expression, inheritance
Evolution	Endosymbiotic theory, origin of life, prebiotic Earth

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use the textbook as a learning tool and supplement with lecture notes.

• Lab group presentations should relate to biochemical, genetic, or cell biological research.

• Lab data analysis includes statistical summaries (averages, medians, standard deviations).