Course Overview

Introduction

This syllabus outlines the structure, topics, and assessment methods for BIO 1233 General Biology I. The course covers foundational concepts in biology, including evolution, chemistry of life, cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and more. Students are expected to engage in online readings, homework, quizzes, exams, and participate in a science symposium.

Course Schedule and Topics

Weekly Breakdown

• Week 1: Chapter 1: Evolution, The Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry

• Week 2: Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life

• Week 3: Chapter 3: Water and Life

• Week 4: Chapter 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

• Week 5-6: Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

• Week 6-7: Chapter 6: The Cell

• Week 8: Chapter 7: Membrane Structure and Function

• Week 9-10: Chapter 8: An Introduction to Metabolism

• Week 10-11: Chapter 9: Cell Respiration and Fermentation

• Week 12: Chapter 12: The Cell Cycle

• Week 13: Chapter 13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

• Week 15: Science Symposium (Mandatory Attendance)

• Week 16: Final Exam (Cumulative)

Main Topics Covered

1. Evolution and Scientific Inquiry

• Evolution: The process by which populations of organisms change over generations through mechanisms such as natural selection and genetic drift.

• Scientific Inquiry: The systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

• Example: Darwin's theory of natural selection explains how traits become more or less common in a population.

2. Chemistry of Life

• Atoms and Molecules: Basic units of matter; atoms combine to form molecules essential for life.

• Elements: Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are the most abundant elements in living organisms.

• Example: Water (H2O) is vital for biological processes due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds.

3. Water and Life

• Properties of Water: Cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, and solvent capabilities.

• Biological Importance: Water is essential for maintaining cell structure and function.

• Example: Water's high heat capacity helps regulate temperature in organisms.

4. Carbon and Molecular Diversity

• Carbon: Forms the backbone of organic molecules due to its ability to make four covalent bonds.

• Molecular Diversity: Carbon compounds include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

• Example: Glucose (C6H12O6) is a simple sugar used for energy.

5. Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

• Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

• Functions: Energy storage, structural support, catalysis, and information storage.

• Example: Enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions.

6. The Cell

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

• Cell Types: Prokaryotic (no nucleus) and eukaryotic (nucleus present).

• Example: Mitochondria are organelles responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells.

7. Membrane Structure and Function

• Plasma Membrane: Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

• Functions: Regulates transport, cell communication, and maintains homeostasis.

• Example: Channel proteins facilitate the movement of ions across the membrane.

8. Metabolism

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions that occur within an organism.

• Catabolism vs. Anabolism: Catabolic pathways break down molecules; anabolic pathways build molecules.

• Equation: $\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$ (Gibbs free energy equation)

9. Cell Respiration and Fermentation

• Cell Respiration: Process by which cells extract energy from glucose.

• Fermentation: Anaerobic process producing ATP without oxygen.

• Equation: $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{ATP}$

10. The Cell Cycle

• Cell Cycle: Series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.

• Phases: Interphase (G1, S, G2) and M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

• Example: Mitosis ensures equal distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells.

11. Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles

• Meiosis: Cell division that reduces chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

• Genetic Variation: Crossing over and independent assortment increase diversity.

• Example: Human gametes (sperm and egg) are produced via meiosis.

Assessment and Grading

Grade Categories

Letter Grade Scale

Additional info:

• Topics align closely with the General Biology curriculum, covering chapters on evolution, chemistry, water, biomolecules, cell structure, membranes, metabolism, respiration, cell division, and meiosis.

• Assessment includes a mix of online and in-class activities, with cumulative exams and a science symposium.

• Students should review each chapter's worksheet and quiz for exam preparation.