General Biology I (BIOL 100) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Biology I (BIOL 100) for Non-Majors

Catalogue Description

This course introduces the basic biological concepts, interpretation and application of scientific methods, and effects of biological advances on society. It is intended for non-science majors and cannot be used for credit toward a biology concentration. Prerequisites include successful completion of MATH 96 or higher, or an attained satisfactory score for placement into MATH 120 in ACT, SAT, or placement tests.

• Credits: 3

• Textbook: Campbell Essential Biology, 7th ed. (2019), Pearson

• Access Code: Not required for Mastering Biology

Expanded Course Description

General Biology for Non-majors is a three-credit, freshman-level science course designed to fulfill the science requirement for most associate degrees at Great Basin College.

• The course introduces students to the central ideas of the science of biology, including chemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the use of the scientific method.

• Many biological topics relevant to health, the environment, and society are covered.

• Current issues in biology and their impact on society are discussed.

Method of Instruction

The course is divided into weekly modules accessed through WebCampus. Homework and lab exercises are completed online using the Mastering Biology platform. Each module includes assigned textbook chapters, homework, and an end-of-chapter quiz.

Course Requirements

• Lab Activities: Some lowest scores are dropped automatically.

• Homework: Some lowest scores are dropped automatically.

• End of Chapter Quizzes: Must be completed using LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. Each quiz is timed and based on multiple choice, true/false, and matching questions. The best two attempts are kept for each quiz.

Grading System

• Homework: 65%

• Lab Activities: 15%

• End of Chapter Quizzes: 20%

Grading Scale:

• A: 90–100

• B: 80–89

• C: 70–79

• D: 60–69

• F: below 60

Required Technology

• Access to a computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection.

• Ability to use LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor for proctored quizzes.

• Software: WebCampus, Mastering Biology, and other required platforms.

Science Department Academic Testing Policy (ATP) for Online Courses

• Proctored exams may be required and can be taken at GBC locations or with approved proctors.

• Approved proctors include GBC faculty, librarians, principals, or military base staff.

• Students are responsible for arranging proctoring if required.

Attendance Policy

• This is an online course; students must complete assignments on time.

• Expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week reading and completing assignments.

Extra Credit Policy

• No extra credit is given in this course.

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are not tolerated.

• Students must submit their own work and acknowledge sources appropriately.

• Disruptive behavior and academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodations should contact the Disability Support Services office.

Hints for Success

• Do not fall behind; keep up with readings and assignments.

• Participate actively in your education and study regularly.

• Log in to the class website frequently to check for updates.

• Ask questions if you are confused about content.

• Complete homework and quizzes from a computer with a reliable internet connection.

General Education Learning Outcomes and Measurements

Objective	Assessment
Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific methodologies used in various disciplines	Homework, End of Chapter Quizzes and Lab activities
Effectively interpret and apply scientific principles and concepts	Homework, End of Chapter Quizzes and Lab activities
Apply scientific reasoning to the evaluation, analysis, or interpretation of models and theories in the discipline	Homework, End of Chapter Quizzes and Lab activities
Apply scientific mathematical principles and quantitative methods to collect and analyze scientific data	Homework, End of Chapter Quizzes and Lab activities
Utilize the scientific method to arrive at informed conclusions	Homework, End of Chapter Quizzes and Lab activities

Course Schedule (Selected Topics)

Date	Reading	Homework/Lab/Quiz
9/1 – 9/14	2. Essential Chemistry for Biology 3. The Molecules of Life	Mastering Biology, acids and bases lab, macromolecules lab, end of chapters quiz
9/15 – 9/28	4. A Tour of the Cell 5. The Working Cell	Mastering Biology, cells lab, diffusion and osmosis lab, end of chapters quiz
9/29 – 10/12	6. Cellular Respiration: Obtaining Energy from Food 7. Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food	Mastering Biology, enzymes lab, photosynthesis lab, end of chapters quiz
10/13 – 10/26	8. Cellular Reproduction: Cells from Cells 9. Patterns of Inheritance	Mastering Biology, mitosis lab, meiosis lab, end of chapters quiz
10/27 – 11/9	10. The Structure and Function of DNA 11. How Genes Are Controlled	Mastering Biology, protein structures lab, genetics lab, end of chapters quiz
11/10 – 11/23	12. DNA Technology 13. How Populations Evolve	Mastering Biology, microscopy lab, natural selection lab, end of chapters quiz
11/24 – 11/30	14. How Biological Diversity Evolves	Mastering Biology, end of chapter quiz
12/1 – 12/14	19. Population Ecology 20. Communities and Ecosystems	Mastering Biology, end of chapter quiz

Key Topics Covered

• Scientific Method and Reasoning: Understanding how scientific investigations are conducted and interpreted.

• Basic Chemistry for Biology: Atoms, molecules, acids, bases, and macromolecules essential for life.

• Cell Structure and Function: Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles, and cellular processes.

• Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis: How cells obtain and use energy.

• Cell Division and Genetics: Mitosis, meiosis, inheritance patterns, and DNA structure/function.

• Evolution and Diversity: Mechanisms of evolution, natural selection, and the diversity of life.

• Ecology: Population dynamics, communities, and ecosystems.

Example: The Scientific Method

• Definition: The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

• Steps:

  1. Observation

  2. Question

  3. Hypothesis

  4. Experiment

  5. Data Collection

  6. Analysis

  7. Conclusion

• Example: Testing whether plants grow faster under blue or red light by setting up controlled experiments and measuring growth rates.

Example: Basic Chemistry for Biology

• Atoms and Molecules: All matter is composed of atoms, which combine to form molecules. Biological molecules include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

• Acids and Bases: Acids release hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in solution, while bases accept $H^+$. The pH scale measures the concentration of $H^+$ ions.

• Macromolecules: Large molecules essential for life, such as DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides.

Example: Cell Structure

• Prokaryotic Cells: Simple cells without a nucleus (e.g., bacteria).

• Eukaryotic Cells: Complex cells with a nucleus and organelles (e.g., plant and animal cells).

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

Example: Cellular Respiration

• Definition: The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

• Equation:

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP}$

Example: Photosynthesis

• Definition: The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

• Equation:

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

Example: Genetics

• DNA Structure: DNA is a double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).

• Gene Expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize proteins.

• Inheritance Patterns: Mendelian genetics explains how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Example: Evolution

• Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• Genetic Variation: Differences in DNA among individuals lead to variation in traits.

Example: Ecology

• Population Ecology: Study of populations and how they interact with the environment.

• Communities and Ecosystems: Interactions among species and their physical environment.

Additional info: These notes are based on the course syllabus and schedule, providing a structured overview of the main topics and expectations for General Biology I for non-majors.