BIOL G100: Introduction to Biology
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 02/18/2020 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
| 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
This course emphasizes basic concepts of biology for non-science majors. Unifying concepts to be covered include: cell biology, animal and plant physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitations: No credit for BIOL G100 if taken after BIOL G180.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Explain the core concepts of biology.
- Connect theoretical concepts in biology with everyday applications and situations.
- Analyze data in a laboratory setting.
- Interpret newsworthy biological reports using evidence-based reasoning.
Course Objectives
- 1. Describe the levels of organization within living things from the composition of atoms, molecules, cells, organ systems, and organisms to the organization and relationships of an ecosystem.
- 2. Organize and describe the objectives of the key metabolic processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
- 3. Solve genetics problems determining probabilities of inheritance.
- 4. Describe the core concepts of evolution including the mechanisms of microevolution and macroevolution.
- 5. Evaluate ones lifestyle in light of biological principles using evidence-based reasoning.
- 6. Report orally and in writing, on the results of laboratory experiments.
Lecture Content
Introduction Scientific methodology Science versus pseudoscience Methods of communicating science Properties of life Chemistry Atomic structure Chemical bonds Properties of water pH and buffers Macromolecules: Lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids Cell biology Prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells Cell structure and function Cell membrane structure and function Structure and function of internal cellular components Cellular transport Energy metabolism Photosynthesis Cellular respiration The cell cycle Mitosis Cancer Meiosis Genetics Patterns of inheritance Predicting outcomes of genetic crosses using Punnett squares Molecular genetics DNA replication Transcription Translation Gene regulation Biotechnology Molecular techniques as appropriate Genetically modified organisms Stem cells Other modern pertinent biotechnology Physiology Animal physiology Plant physiology Evolution Charles Darwins Theory of Evolution Mechanisms of microevolution Mechanisms of macroevolution The Earths geologic timeline Understanding evolutionary trees Biological diversity Taxonomy and the evolution of biodiversity Viruses Prokaryotes Eukaryotes Ecology Populations, communities, and ecosystems Trophic levels and energy transfer Biogeochemical cycles Benefits o f species diversity Human impacts on the environment
Lab Content
Scientific methodology Lab safety Lab measuring devices and units of measure Using the Scientific Method to test hypotheses Cell biology Macromolecules, water, pH, and buffers Molecular movement Enzyme function Microscopy Care and use of microscopes Plant and animal cell structure Photosynthesis and cellular respiration Cell growth and genetics Mitosis and meiosis Inheritance Evolution Diveristy of life Survey of microorganisms (bacteria, protists, fungi) Survey of Kingdom Plantae Survey of Kingdom Animalia Human physiology Ecology
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
- Lab (04)
- DE Live Online Lab (04S)
- DE Online Lab (04X)
Instructional Techniques
Instructors will present material via lecture, active learning activities, animations/videos, class presentations, readings, and other methods where appropriate.
Reading Assignments
1. A current text in general biology for non-science majors2. Laboratory manual in general biology
Writing Assignments
A. Pre-lab summaries highlighting core concepts and important safety B. Laboratory reports detailing results and conclusions of lab activities C. Essays, through homework and examination, that demonstrate proficiency in course objectives D. Analyses of current news related to core biological topics
Out-of-class Assignments
A. Individual or group presentations on biological topics B. Online pre- or post-lecture assessments or quizzes C. Preparation of written/oral summaries of reading assignments D. Preparation of the results of self-assessment study skill assignments E. Completion of worksheets, study guides, or other study materials
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students are required to analyze laboratory data. They may also solve problem sets. Scientific methodology, including detailed observation skills, formulation of general conceptual questions, proposal of hypotheses, data collection and interpretation, and criteria for accepting conclusions and answers are practiced in each laboratory unit.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students use laboratory skills to present hypotheses, solve problems, gather data, analyze data, and present conclusions and inferences based upon those data. Students may write laboratory reports and summarize field observations as well as present data to other students. Students will write essays, through homework and examination, that demonstrate proficiency in course objectives.
Eligible Disciplines
Biological sciences: Masters degree in any biological science OR bachelors degree in any biological science AND masters degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or marine science OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Simon, E.. Biology: The Core, 3rd ed. Pearson, 2019 2. Required Faculty and staff of Golden West College. BioExplorations, Spring 2020 ed. Golden West College, 2020