10-806-114General Biology
Course Information
Description
Introduces general biological concepts and principles. Emphasis is on cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and taxonomical relationships. Consideration is also given to diversity among the various kingdoms.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Investigate the characteristics of living things
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you list properties of living things
    you distinguish between growth, development, and reproduction
    you define homeostasis and identify examples
    you distinguish the levels of organization in living things
    you discuss how living things respond to stimuli

  2. Apply the scientific method to biological sciences
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    using examples provided by your instructor
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you list the steps used in the scientific process
    you develop an example utilizing the scientific method
    you utilize inductive and deductive logic in the scientific method
    you differentiate among the terms hypothesis, observation, theory, and law

  3. Apply basic biochemistry concepts as they relate to macromolecules
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory following your instructor's lab directions
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you define matter, energy, and force
    you identify bond types: covalent, ionic, and hydrogen (proton) bonds
    you define the characteristics of water
    you discuss acid-base balance
    you discover the nature of buffers
    you describe the nature of synthetic and hydrolytic reactions
    you describe the biological macromolecules, function, and building blocks

  4. Explore the basic taxonomic relationships of living things
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you utilize the Linnaean taxonomic system
    you distinguish among the kingdoms
    you differentiate between scientific and common names
    you differentiate among the three domains
    you classify an organism into the proper hierarchy

  5. Examine the components of cell structure, function, tissue, and transport mechanisms
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you identify major cell structures
    you link the cell structures with the function of the organelles
    you identify the components of the cell membrane
    you describe the processes that move the materials across cell membrane
    you summarize the specialization of cells and tissues

  6. Compare the prokaryotes and eukaryotes
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you define the terms prokaryotes and eukaryotes
    you identify the unique structural differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
    you differentiate among prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses, and prions

  7. Examine the concepts of evolution
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you examine the historical basis of evolutionary thought
    you research the history of evolutionary theories
    you relate current topics in molecular genetics to current evolutionary thought

  8. Analyze the concepts of cellular metabolism
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you describe anabolic and catabolic processes in the cell
    you discuss the process of enzymatic reactions and their role in metabolic pathways
    you identify the factors that affect enzyme activity
    you identify the basic steps in aerobic, anaerobic, and photosynthesis reactions

  9. Examine the cell cycle including mitosis and meiosis
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you relate the cell cycle to growth, metabolism, and formation of gametes
    you examine the replication processes of mitosis and meiosis
    you relate the process of independent assortment to meiosis

  10. Investigate genetics and protein synthesis
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you describe the central dogma of biology and organize into a historical perspective
    you contrast DNA and RNA
    you describe the processes of replication, transcription, and translation
    you describe Mendelian genetics
    you describe the role of mutation in biologic diversity

  11. Explain the function, development, and evolution of selected organisms
    Assessment Strategies
    in the laboratory
    through class discussion
    through written assignment
    through quizzes and examination
    Criteria
    you describe the organizational differences among the five kingdoms
    you describe the relationship between body plans and evolutionary trends
    you relate the natural habitat of various phyla to organ system function