10-806-114General Biology
Course Information
Description
This course introduces general biological concepts and principles.  It emphasizes cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, taxonomical relationships, and the diversity of life.  
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Investigate the characteristics of living things
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    list properties of living things
    distinguish between growth, development, and reproduction
    define homeostasis and identify examples
    differentiate the levels of biological hierarchy from atom to biosphere
    discuss how living things respond to stimuli

  2. Apply the scientific method to biological sciences
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    list the steps used in the scientific process
    develop an example utilizing the scientific method
    utilize inductive and deductive logic in the scientific method
    differentiate among the terms hypothesis, observation, theory, and law

  3. Apply general chemistry concepts to biology
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    define matter, energy, and force
    identify bond types: covalent, ionic, and hydrogen (proton) bonds
    define the characteristics of water
    discuss acid-base balance
    discover the nature of buffers

  4. Examine biological macromolecules
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe the nature of synthetic and hydrolytic reactions
    describe the structure and function of carbohydrates
    describe the structure and function of lipids
    describe the structure and function of proteins
    describe the structure and function of nucleic acids

  5. Explore the basic taxonomic relationships of living things
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the levels of classification in the Linnaean taxonomic system
    differentiate among the three domains
    differentiate between scientific and common names
    classify an organism into the proper hierarchy
    relate the natural habitat of various taxa to organism function

  6. Examine the components of cell structure, function, tissue, and transport mechanisms
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify major cell structures
    link the cell structures with the function of the organelles
    identify the components of the cell membrane
    describe the processes that move the materials across cell membrane
    summarize the specialization of cells and tissues

  7. Compare the prokaryotes and eukaryotes
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    define the terms prokaryotes and eukaryotes
    identify the unique structural differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
    differentiate among prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses, and prions

  8. Examine the concepts of evolution
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    examine the historical basis of evolutionary theories
    relate current topics in molecular genetics to current evolutionary principles
    explain adaptions that benefit specific organisms
    describe the causes and consequences of evolutionary trends
    describe the major mechanisms of evolution
    explain the different types of evidence for evolution
    relate the concepts of evolution to ecology

  9. Analyze the concepts of cellular metabolism
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe anabolic and catabolic processes in the cell
    discuss the process of enzymatic reactions and their role in metabolic pathways
    identify the factors that affect enzyme activity
    identify the basic steps in aerobic, anaerobic, and photosynthesis reactions

  10. Examine the cell cycle including mitosis and meiosis
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    relate the cell cycle to growth, metabolism, and formation of gametes
    examine the replication processes of mitosis and meiosis
    relate the process of independent assortment to meiosis

  11. Investigate heredity
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe Mendelian genetics
    relate the function of mutation in biologic diversity
    describe Non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance
    correlate chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations with their associated disorders

  12. Investigate molecular genetics
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe the central dogma of biology and organize into a historical perspective
    contrast DNA and RNA
    describe the processes of replication, transcription, and translation