Course Overview

Introduction to Biology 1406

Biology 1406 is a foundational course for science majors, focusing on cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, classical and human genetics, virology, and mechanisms of evolution. The course emphasizes the scientific method and critical thinking skills necessary for biological inquiry.

• Prerequisite: College Level Readiness in Reading, Writing, and Math

• Corequisite: None

• Credit Hours: 4

• Course Term: 2025 Fall

• Course Days: MTWThF

• Course Times: 7:15–2:00

• Campus Location: CF

Core Curriculum Statement

Core Objectives

This course is part of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Core Curriculum, designed to develop essential academic skills:

• Critical Thinking Skills (CT): Creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.

• Communication Skills (COM): Effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.

• Teamwork (TW): Ability to consider different points of view and work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.

• Personal Responsibility (PR): Ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Student Learning Outcomes

Key Competencies Developed

Upon successful completion of Biology 1406, students will be able to:

1. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.

2. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.

3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.

4. Describe the characteristics of life and explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists.

5. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

6. Identify substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.

7. Identify principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.

8. Identify chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.

9. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.

10. Identify the basic properties of substances needed for life.

11. Employ teamwork for a shared purpose or goal.

Required Texts and Materials

Textbook Information

• Title: Campbell Biology, 12th Edition

• Authors: Urry et al.

• Publisher: Savvas Learning LLC

• Publication Date: 2020

• ISBN: 97801368111150

• Online Mastering Platform: Required for assignments and quizzes

Technology Requirements

Digital Tools and Platforms

Students are expected to utilize computer technology for online quizzes, assignments, and communication. Required tools include:

• Internet access

• Google Forms

• Excel Spreadsheet

• Schoology

• Word

• Adobe

• Online textbook resources

Important Course Dates

Key Deadlines for Fall 2025

Grade Determination

Assessment Breakdown

See the tentative course schedule for assignment and due dates.

Letter Grade Assignment

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Students must attend at least 90% of class days to receive credit.

• Excessive absences may result in notification and possible withdrawal.

• Participation in academically related activities is required for financial aid eligibility.

Dual Credit Guidelines

• Dual Credit students must complete each course with a grade of "C" or better to continue in the program.

• Retesting is not standard practice and is not allowed on student request.

• Students are responsible for knowing and following all guidelines related to dual credit.

Academic Integrity

• Students are expected to uphold personal and academic honesty.

• Violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.

Disability Services

• Accommodations for documented disabilities are available through the college's Disability Services office.

• Students must contact the office at least four weeks prior to the start of class to arrange accommodations.

Major Topics Covered

Summary of Biological Concepts

• Scientific Method: Steps include observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion.

• Cellular and Molecular Biology: Study of cell structure, function, and molecular processes such as metabolism and genetic regulation.

• Biochemistry: Chemical properties and reactions essential for life, including macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids).

• Genetics: Principles of inheritance, classical Mendelian genetics, and molecular genetics.

• Evolution: Mechanisms of evolution, evidence for natural selection, and diversity of life.

• Virology: Basic properties of viruses and their role in biology.

Example: Mendelian Genetics

• Law of Segregation: Each organism carries two alleles for each trait, which segregate during gamete formation.

• Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits assort independently during gamete formation.

• Punnett Square: Used to predict genotype and phenotype ratios in offspring.

Formula Example:

Example: Cell Membrane Structure

• Phospholipid Bilayer: Composed of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

• Membrane Proteins: Integral and peripheral proteins facilitate transport and communication.

• Movement Across Membrane: Includes diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

Formula Example:

where is the van 't Hoff factor, is molarity, is the gas constant, and is temperature in Kelvin.

Example: Metabolic Pathways

• Substrates and Products: Glycolysis converts glucose to pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

• Key Pathways: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, Electron Transport Chain.

Formula Example:

Student Support Services

Resources Available

• Academic Success Center

• Library

• Student Success Resources

• Campus Information

• Empowerment Center

• Communities in Schools

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to read the Student Handbook and LSC Catalog for comprehensive details on college guidelines, policies, and procedures.

• Course policies and schedule are subject to change at the instructor's discretion to meet course learning outcomes.