20806271Cellular and Molecular Biology
Course Information
Description
This course emphasizes the chemical basis of life and biological function at the molecular and cellular levels.  Cellular and Molecular Biology (BIO 271) and Organismal Biology (BIO 272) are a robust two-semester sequence for biological science majors.  The courses can be taken in any order.
Total Credits
5
Course Competencies
  1. CELL BIOLOGY

  2. Differentiate the structures and purposes of basic components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, especially macromolecules, membranes, and organelles.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment

  3. Describe the basic processes of respiration and photosynthesis and their roles in sustaining life.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment

  4. Compare and contrast the cellular components underlying mitotic and meiotic cell division.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment

  5. Apply knowledge of cell biology to selected examples of changes or losses in cell function (may include environmental or physiological changes, or alterations brought about by mutation).
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment

  6. GENETICS

  7. Summarize the basic principles of inheritance at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment

  8. Describe the causal relationships between molecule/cell level phenomena (“modern” genetics) and organism-level patterns of heredity (“classical” genetics).
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment

  9. Predict genetic outcomes in a variety of genetics problems.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment
    Criteria
    analyze genetic data

  10. ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

  11. Explain the molecular and cellular basis of physiological functions in animals.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment
    Criteria
    use one or more model systems

  12. Integrate the regulation of organ system functions in a whole animal.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment
    Criteria
    use one or more model systems
    use a conceptual model of feedback to explain homeostasis

  13. Explain structure-function relationships; how form follows function in animals.
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, project, lab assessment
    Criteria
    use one or more model systems

  14. LABORATORY

  15. Follow laboratory safety procedures.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    wear impact glasses, close-toed shoes, and long sleeve pants and shirts or a lab coat
    identify location of safety equipment and emergency exits
    avoid food and drink

  16. Use proper laboratory techniques for microscopy, pipetting, weighing and measuring, quadrat plotting, etc.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration

  17. Write scientific reports.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    make predictions based on identified and/or created testable hypotheses
    interpret biological information
    analyze scientific research and data
    communicate results in both written and oral formats

  18. Conduct a research or service-based project that is relevant to organismal biology and of personal interest.
    Assessment Strategies
    Project

This Outline is under development.