BIOL A180: Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 10/16/2024 |
| Top Code | 040100 - Biology, General |
| Units | 4 Total Units |
| Hours | 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54; Lab Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Open Entry/Open Exit | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
| Associate Arts Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Associate Science Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
Designed for the major in the biological sciences and pre-health profession majors. Emphasizing central concepts of biology, including biochemistry, cell biology, membrane dynamics, molecular genetics, classical genetics, and biotechnology. PREREQUISITE: Completion of CHEM A130 or concurrent enrollment in one of the following: CHEM A180 or CHEM A185 or CHEM A220 or CHEM A225; CHEM A180 qualifying exam does not substitute for CHEM A130 prerequisite or CHEM A180 corequisite; Non-native speaking students must be eligible to enter ESL A031 and ESL A035. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: BIOL 190.C-ID: BIOL 190.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Differentiate among the major kinds of macromolecules found in living cells, discuss their roles in the cell, as well as describe the anabolic and catabolic pathways required for their production and breakdown.
- Describe the regulation and transmission of genetic information at the molecular level.
- Propose experimental predictions based on scientific hypotheses, test hypotheses, analyze data, and form conclusions based on the data using the scientific method.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify and describe biological molecules and cell structures and explain their functions.
- 2. Compare and contrast cellular processes and interactions between prokaryotes and eukaryotes (including metabolism, reproduction, communication.
- 3. Apply the principles of classical and molecular genetics to solve problems in genetics or biotechnology.
- 4. Relate evolutionary processes to the origin and evolution of cells.
- 5. Explain how DNA replicates and transmits genetic information within organisms.
- 6. Apply the processes of scientific inquiry and experimental design to the study of biological concepts.
- 7. Acquire, read, evaluate, apply and cite scientific literature.
- 8. Practice scientific writing.
Lecture Content
Structure and Function of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells Origin and evolution of cellular life and molecular evolution Organelle structure and functionMembrane structure and function Cellular transportCellular chemistry and biomolecules Cellular metabolism (respiration and photosynthesis)Cell reproduction and its controlsCell communicationClassical/Mendelian geneticsMolecular geneticsDNA structure and functionGene structure, gene expression and control of gene expression BiotechnologyScientific Inquiry
Lab Content
The laboratory component must include greater than 80% hands-on activities that support the learning goals of the course. Laboratory Experiments: Introduction to measurement, pH, and the scientific method Molecular modeling of amino acids and polypeptides, protein purification, and analysis of proteins by spectrophotometry Osmosis and properties of biological membranes Microscopy of cellular structures Liturature searches using online data bases (Highwire/Pubmed) Invertase secretion in yeast- student designed experiment Enzyme preparation form lima beans and analysisFermentation rates in yeast Bacterial Transformation Plasmid DNA purification, restriction enzyme digestion and analysis by agarose gel electrophoresisSubcellular fractionation of nuclei, and microscopic analysis of mitotic cells, and chromosome splats Genotyping using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)Techniques used by the students: Pipetting (both serological and micropipetting)Electronic balance measurementsLight microscopy (including sample preparation and staining)Spectrophotometry Molecular modelingDatabase searchesPotentiometric titritions using pH meters CentrifugationCell fractionationSerial dilutionsBacterial transformation (including making competent cells and cell plating)Agarose gel electrophoresis Polymerase Chain Reaction
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- Lab (04)
Instructional Techniques
1. Instructor demonstrations of computer graphing, use of a spectrophotometer, use of a microscope, use of a centrifuge, pipetting, aseptic microbiological techniques, use of electrophoresis equipment and pH meters. 2. Application of lecture concepts to laboratory activities. 3. Application of reading materials to lecture concepts and laboratory activities. 4. Small group laboratory exercises. 5. Individual student designed experiments. 6. Powerpoint and video presentation of lecture and laboratory concepts. 7. Students are provided with an environment that encourages participation with the instructor (office hours and in the laboratory during experiments), as well as with other students (discussion with members of their lab group to determine the approach to the experiment).
Reading Assignments
Reading assignments from the textbook or other relavant sources. 3 hours per week.
Writing Assignments
Weekly written laboratory reports. 2 hours per week.
Out-of-class Assignments
Homework questions/problem sets and/or Mastering biology homework (or equivalent). 3 hours/week.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Written laboratory reports requiring critical and analytical evaluation of data
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Written (short answer and essay) responses included in examinations. Lab practical that covers lab techniques, data analysis and background information of each lab.
Eligible Disciplines
Biological sciences: Master's degree in any biological science OR bachelor's degree in any biological science AND master's degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or marine science OR the equivalent. Master's degree required. Biological sciences: Master's degree in any biological science OR bachelor's degree in any biological science AND master's degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or marine science OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Reece, et. al.. Campbell Biology, 11th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2017
Manuals Resources
1. Sogo, F.. Biology 180 Laboratory Manual: Cell and Molecular Biology, XanEdu , 01-15-2020