General Biology I (BIO 121) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Biology I (BIO 121) - Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the unifying principles governing all living things, including biological chemistry, energy, metabolism, cell biology, and genetics. It is designed for allied health science majors, biotechnology majors, and students seeking foundational knowledge in biology.

• Credits: 4

• Class Hours: Online

• Lab Hours: Incorporated into online sessions

• Prerequisites: MAT011, REA011, ENG011

• Required Text: Campbell Biology Concepts and Connections (Reece et al.)

Student Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate the role of science in society

• Analyze evolution by natural selection

• Discuss the impact of scientific discoveries

• Explain atomic, ionic, and molecular relationships in living systems

• Discuss the scope and interrelatedness of life

• Explain the role of water in biological systems

• Analyze the role and uniqueness of cells

• Analyze basic cellular processes

• Analyze prokaryotic cell distinctiveness and importance

• Apply the scientific method to biological problems

• Analyze complex biological processes

• Demonstrate laboratory skills (microscopy, chromatography, experiments)

• Support opinions on contemporary biological issues

Instructional Topics

• The Nature of Science: Scientific method, historical context, science vs. other disciplines, science and technology

• Characteristics of Biology: Breadth and scope, unity and diversity of life, classification, characteristics of living things

• Evolution by Natural Selection: Historical context, Darwin’s theory, requirements and evidence for natural selection, genetic variation

• Chemistry: Atomic and molecular structure, isotopes, chemical reactions, types of bonds, properties of water, acids, bases, pH, buffers

• Biological Macromolecules: Carbon structure, functional groups, origins of biological molecules, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, polymer formation and degradation

• Cells: Cell theory, surface area/volume relationships, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, organelles, microscopy, cell types

• Membrane Structure & Function: Fluid-mosaic model, phospholipids, sterols, glycolipids, membrane proteins, passive and active transport, endocytosis, exocytosis, cell junctions

• Energy and Metabolism: Kinetic and potential energy, metabolism, thermodynamics, enzymes, metabolic pathways, ATP

• Photosynthesis: General equation, light-dependent and independent reactions, pigments, photolysis, ATP production, Calvin cycle, C4 and CAM metabolism

• Cellular Respiration: Anaerobic glycolysis, aerobic respiration, mitochondria, citric acid cycle, electron transport, fermentation, lipid and protein metabolism

• Cell Division: Binary fission, mitosis, meiosis, cell cycle, cytokinesis, gametogenesis

• Patterns of Inheritance: Mendelian genetics, variations, environmental effects, heredity concepts

• Chromosomes and Human Genetics: Chromosome structure, sex determination, linkage, mutations, pedigree analysis, abnormal inheritance

• DNA Structure: Evidence for DNA as genetic material, DNA structure, replication, organization in chromosomes

• Gene Expression: Central dogma, transcription, translation, genetic code, mutations, antibiotics

• Regulation of Gene Expression: Operon model, gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, cancer, gene regulation mechanisms

• Genetic Engineering: Gene cloning, PCR, biotechnology, transgenic organisms, gene therapy, DNA manipulation

Course Grading Policy

• Tests: 50% (5 unit tests)

• Quizzes: 12.5% (3 lowest dropped)

• Lab Reports: 12.5% (lowest dropped)

• Homework: 5% (Pearson Dynamic Study guides)

• Final Exam: 20%

Course Policies

• No separate lab and lecture grade; one combined grade

• Tests and quizzes are timed and must be completed in one sitting

• Missed quizzes cannot be made up

• Lab reports must be original work

• Grading scale: A=93%+, A-=90-92%, B+=87-89%, B=83-86%, B-=80-82%, C+=77-79%, C=70-76%, D=60-69%, F<60%

Attendance and Participation

• Asynchronous course; attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended

• Mandatory participation for financial aid eligibility

• Assignments submitted via Canvas

Communication and Netiquette

• Email instructor for questions; expect response within 24 hours (weekdays)

• Respectful, professional communication required

• Follow netiquette guidelines for online interactions

Academic Integrity

• All work must be original and adhere to College’s Student Code of Ethics

• Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools is prohibited

Support Resources

• Physical and mental health resources available via Institutional Syllabus and Campus Resource Guide

• Emergency contacts: 988 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), 911, Campus Safety

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