General Biology (BIO 100) Syllabus and Course Structure – Study Guide

General Biology (BIO 100) – Course Overview

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to contemporary biology, laying the foundation for further studies in the biological sciences. It covers fundamental concepts such as the scientific method, the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and the diversity of life forms.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Scientific Method: Evaluate and identify the components of the scientific method.

• Characteristics of Life: Differentiate living from nonliving things using taxonomy and identify the diversity of life on Earth.

• Chemistry of Life: Distinguish between atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds; understand the structure of atoms (protons, neutrons, electrons); define acids and bases.

• Biological Molecules: Define carbohydrates, lipids (saturated and unsaturated fatty acids), proteins, and their structures and functions.

• Cell Structure and Function: Recognize the cell as the basic unit of life; compare eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, organelle functions, and distinguish bacteria, protists, and viruses.

• Cell Reproduction: Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; describe the cell cycle and chromosome structure.

• Genetics: Contrast DNA and RNA structures; describe DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

• Mendelian Inheritance: Explain Mendel's experiments; define homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, and phenotype; discuss ethical issues in biotechnology.

• Evolution and Diversity: Explain natural selection, taxonomic classification, and differences among viruses, bacteria, archaea, and protists.

Course Outline by Week

Week	Topic	Learning Outcome (SLO)
1	An Invitation to Biology & Scientific Method	SLO 1
2	Life’s Chemical Basis	SLO 2
3	Molecules of Life	SLO 3, 4
4	The Cell Structure	SLO 5
5	How the Cells Reproduce (Mitosis & Meiosis)	SLO 6
6	Midterm Exam; Article Selection	-
7	DNA Structure and Function	SLO 7
8	Observing Patterns in Inherited Traits	SLO 8
9	Studying and Manipulating Genomes	SLO 9
10	Evidence of Evolution	SLO 10
11	Viruses, Bacteria, and Archaea	SLO 11
12	Protists	SLO 11
13-14	Student Presentations	-
15	Final Exam	-

Key Topics and Concepts

Scientific Method

• Definition: A systematic approach to inquiry based on observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

• Steps: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Collection, Conclusion.

• Example: Testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth.

Life’s Chemical Basis

• Atoms and Molecules: Atoms are the smallest units of elements; molecules are combinations of atoms.

• Elements and Compounds: Elements consist of one type of atom; compounds are substances formed from two or more elements.

• Subatomic Particles: Protons (+), Neutrons (0), Electrons (-).

• Acids and Bases: Acids release H+ ions; bases release OH- ions.

• pH Scale: Measures acidity or alkalinity (0-14 scale).

Molecules of Life

• Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches; primary energy source.

• Lipids: Fats and oils; include saturated (no double bonds) and unsaturated (one or more double bonds) fatty acids.

• Proteins: Made of amino acids; perform structural, enzymatic, and regulatory functions.

• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; store and transmit genetic information.

• Levels of Protein Structure: Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Theory: All living things are composed of cells; the cell is the basic unit of life.

• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Prokaryotes (bacteria, archaea) lack a nucleus; eukaryotes (plants, animals, fungi, protists) have a nucleus and organelles.

• Organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, etc.

• Viruses: Non-cellular entities; require host cells to reproduce.

Cell Reproduction: Mitosis and Meiosis

• Mitosis: Produces two genetically identical somatic cells.

• Meiosis: Produces four genetically diverse gametes (sex cells).

• Cell Cycle: Interphase (G1, S, G2), Mitosis, Cytokinesis.

• Chromosomes: Structures containing DNA; genes are segments of DNA.

DNA Structure and Function

• DNA: Double helix structure; composed of nucleotides (A, T, C, G).

• RNA: Single-stranded; contains uracil instead of thymine.

• Replication: DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division.

• Transcription: DNA is transcribed into RNA.

• Translation: RNA is translated into proteins.

Mendelian Genetics

• Mendel’s Experiments: Studied inheritance patterns in pea plants.

• Key Terms: Homozygous (same alleles), Heterozygous (different alleles), Genotype (genetic makeup), Phenotype (observable traits).

• Ethical Issues: Considerations in biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Evolution and Diversity

• Natural Selection: Mechanism by which populations evolve over time.

• Taxonomy: Classification of organisms into hierarchical categories (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, etc.).

• Major Groups: Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Protists.

Evaluation Criteria

• Exams: Two exams (30%), Midterm (25%), Final Exam (25%)

• Article Summary: 10%

• Student Presentation: 10%

Presentation Rubric (Summary)

Criteria	Point Value
Format (Review of the Gene)	10
Completed Phases (Handout, Highlights)	10
Delivery (Voice, Eye Contact, Body Language, Conciseness)	10
Content (Topic, Importance, Altered Conditions, Research Contribution)	50
Timeframe (5-10 min)	10
Impression (Professionalism)	10
Total	100

Academic Integrity and Course Policies

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and dishonest conduct are prohibited and may result in failing grades or disciplinary action.

• Attendance: Required; more than two absences may result in a failing grade.

• Make-Up Exams: Permitted only in extenuating circumstances with documentation.

• Disability Support: Accommodations available for documented disabilities.

• Electronic Devices: Not allowed during class or lab times.

Required Textbook

• Biology: Life on Earth, 12th Edition by Audesirk, Gerald; Audesirk, Teresa; Byers, Bruce E. (ISBN-13: 9780135261484)

Additional info:

• This syllabus aligns with standard introductory biology topics, including the scientific method, chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and diversity of life forms.

• Students are encouraged to use library resources and follow APA format for research assignments.