Lecture 1 – Introductory Biology: Cells and Molecules (Syllabus and Themes of Life)

Course Introduction and Syllabus Information

Course Logistics

This course, BISC 1111 Section 11, introduces students to the foundational concepts of biology, focusing on cells and molecules. Lectures are held in Funger Hall, Room 103, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20pm to 3:35pm.

• Instructor: Dr. Holly J. Swanson ([e-mail])

• Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11am–noon, Bell Hall 310 (private meetings by email appointment)

• Course Platform: Blackboard (Bb)

Required Materials

• Textbook: Campbell Biology with Modified MasteringBiology, 12th Edition (Urry et al., Pearson)

• iClicker Student Remote: Required for in-class participation

• Lab Materials: Print weekly lab manual from Blackboard, lab coat, safety glasses/goggles, quadrille-ruled lab notebook with sewn binding

Grading Overview

• Lab: 300 points

• iClicker Exercises: 100 points (participation-based)

• MasteringBiology Exercises: 100 points (graded for accuracy)

• Group Activities: 125 points

• Exams: 375 points (3 exams, 125 points each)

• Total: 1000 points

Course Policies

• Attendance: Required for all lectures and labs

• Absences: Must email instructor prior to absence or deadline to request excused absence or extension (documentation required)

• Missed Work: Unexcused absences result in zero points for missed work

• Communication: Use formal, professional email etiquette when contacting instructors or TAs

Learning Objectives for BISC 1111

Scientific Skills

• Collaborate with peers to address scientific questions

• Formulate and test rigorous hypotheses

• Analyze multiple types of data and draw well-reasoned conclusions

Quantitative and Conceptual Skills

• Calculate solute concentration, probabilities, and other mathematical values relevant to biology

• Recognize the unique properties of water and their importance to life

• Compare and contrast types of bonds among atoms and molecules, explaining the role of electronegativity

Cellular and Molecular Biology

• Describe the structure and function of prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, and viruses

• Demonstrate understanding of complex cellular processes (e.g., protein production, signal transduction, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis, DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation)

Genetics and Bioinformatics

• Diagram stages of mitosis and meiosis, highlighting similarities and differences

• Analyze DNA, mRNA, or protein sequences to determine and predict effects of sequence alterations

• Predict genotypes and phenotypes of offspring based on inheritance patterns

• Utilize modern bioinformatics and genomics tools to answer questions and design experiments

Five Unifying Themes of Life

Overview

Biology is the scientific study of life. Life is organized by what living things do, and five unifying themes help structure our understanding:

1. Organization

2. Information

3. Energy and Matter

4. Interactions

5. Evolution

Theme 1: Organization

• Life can be studied at different levels, from molecules to the biosphere

• Reductionism: Breaking down complex systems into simpler components for study

• Emergent Properties: New properties arise at each level of organization due to the arrangement and interaction of parts

• Systems Biology: Analysis of interactions among parts of a biological system

Theme 2: Information

• Genetic information is stored in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

• Each chromosome contains one long DNA molecule with many genes

• Central Dogma: DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein

Equation (Central Dogma):

$\text{DNA} \xrightarrow{\text{transcription}} \text{RNA} \xrightarrow{\text{translation}} \text{Protein}$

Theme 3: Energy and Matter

• Life requires the transfer and transformation of energy and matter

• Producers (e.g., plants) convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is passed to consumers

• Energy flows through ecosystems, while matter cycles within them

Theme 4: Interactions

• Interactions occur at all levels, from molecules to ecosystems

• Feedback Regulation: Output of a process regulates that process (negative and positive feedback)

Example Table: Types of Feedback Regulation

Type	Description	Example
Negative Feedback	Response reduces the initial stimulus	Insulin regulation of blood glucose
Positive Feedback	Response amplifies the initial stimulus	Blood clotting

Theme 5: Evolution

• Evolution explains both the unity and diversity of life

• All living organisms are modified descendants of common ancestors

• Natural Selection: Mechanism by which populations adapt and evolve

Classification and Diversity of Life

• Approximately 1.8 million species have been identified

• Each species is given a two-part scientific name (genus and species)

• Homo sapiens is the scientific name for humans

• Unity is evident in the universal genetic code (DNA) and similar anatomical structures

Charles Darwin and Natural Selection

• Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859

• Key points:

  • Species show evidence of "descent with modification" from common ancestors

  • Natural selection is the mechanism behind this process

Additional Academic Context

• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Prokaryotic cells (bacteria, archaea) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, protists) have both

• Scientific Method: Involves observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis

Example Table: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Feature	Prokaryotic Cells	Eukaryotic Cells
Nucleus	Absent	Present
Membrane-bound Organelles	Absent	Present
Size	Generally smaller	Generally larger

Additional info: Some content was inferred and expanded for clarity and completeness based on standard introductory biology syllabi and textbook chapters.