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. Relate the structures of cellular components, such as water, ions, organic chemicals, macromolecules, membranes, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic organelles, to their functions
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Describe the chemical properties of water and biologically important ions and explain how these properties support cellular processes.
    Identify the structure and function of major organic molecules and biological macromolecules.
    Explain how the structure of the cell membrane relates to membrane function, including transport and cell communication.
    Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and identify key structural differences.
    Describe the structures and functions of major cellular organelles.
    Label diagrams and models of cellular structures and explain how structure supports function.

  2. Outline processes and transformations that cells use to store and release energy via chemical reactions, enzymes, membranes, and the pathways of respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Describe how chemical reactions and metabolic pathways allow cells to store and release energy
    Explain the role of enzymes in catalyzing metabolic reactions and regulating cellular metabolism
    Identify the major stages, locations, and products of cellular respiration
    Compare aerobic respiration and fermentation, including conditions under which fermentation occurs and its products
    Describe the major steps of photosynthesis, including light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle
    Explain how membranes and electron transport systems contribute to energy transformations and ATP production

  3. Explain how genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed, and evaluate how mutations alter DNA and contribute to genetic variation and disease
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Describe the structure and organization of DNA within chromosomes
    Explain how DNA stores genetic information
    Explain the process of DNA replication, including the roles of key enzymes and complementary base pairing
    Describe the process of transcription and how DNA is used to synthesize RNA
    Explain the process of translation, including the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes in protein synthesis
    Describe how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the amino acid sequence of proteins
    Interpret diagrams or models showing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein
    Identify different types of mutations and their effects
    Explain how mutations contribute to genetic variation and disease

  4. Model the relationships between chromosomal behavior, genetic information, and physical traits, and predict how information is transmitted during prokaryotic and eukaryotic reproduction
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Explain the relationship between chromosomes, genes, and observable traits
    Model how genetic information is organized and transmitted during the cell cycle and cell division
    Describe the roles of mitosis and meiosis in the transmission of genetic information in eukaryotic organisms
    Compare mechanisms of genetic transmission in prokaryotic reproduction (binary fission) and eukaryotic reproduction
    Predict inheritance patterns using Mendelian principles such as segregation and independent assortment
    Analyze how chromosomal events (crossing over, independent assortment, mutation) contribute to genetic variation
    Use diagrams, models, or Punnett squares to predict how traits are passed from one generation to the next
    Interpret genetic data to connect chromosomal behavior with inheritance of physical traits

  5. Analyze patterns of non-Mendelian inheritance and apply recombination frequency data to determine gene linkage and construct genetic maps
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Explain types of non-Mendelian inheritance
    Analyze genetic crosses and pedigree data to determine patterns of non-Mendelian inheritance
    Interpret recombination frequency data to determine whether genes are linked or assort independently
    Calculate recombination frequencies to estimate the distance between genes on a chromosome
    Interpret simple gene maps using recombination data to determine gene order and relative distances

  6. Relate cellular, tissue, and organ structures and processes to their functions in animal physiology and homeostasis, including nervous and endocrine systems, respiration and circulation, digestion and nutrition, and osmoregulation
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Describe the hierarchical organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems
    Explain how structure relates to function
    Explain how physiological systems work together to maintain homeostasis in animals
    Describe the structures and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and their role in regulating body processes
    Explain the mechanisms and functions of respiration and circulation in gas transport and delivery of nutrients
    Describe the processes of digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism
    Explain mechanisms of osmoregulation and fluid balance in maintaining internal stability
    Interpret diagrams, models, or case studies to explain how organ system structure supports physiological function

  7. Identify and investigate scientific problems by interpreting the results of prior research, developing hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and planning future experiments
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Identify a clear and testable scientific problem or research question based on prior knowledge or literature
    Formulate testable, evidence-based hypotheses and predict outcomes
    Design controlled experiments with independent, dependent, and controlled variables
    Select and apply data collection methods and scientific procedures
    Record, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
    Evaluate experimental results and draw evidence-based conclusions
    Identify limitations of investigations and propose modifications and future experimental directions

  8. Demonstrate biological research skills, data collection methods, and scientific communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Apply effective laboratory techniques and research methods
    Collect, record, and organize biological data systematically and reliably, per instructor guidelines
    Communicate scientific ideas clearly through written reports, oral presentations, and visual representations
    Use scientific terminology and conventions in all forms of communication
    Demonstrate accuracy and consistency in data interpretation and presentation

  9. Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze and compare protein or DNA sequences from different organisms or variants using an online biological database (such as NCBI)
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Use an online biological database (e.g., NCBI) to locate and retrieve accurate nucleotide or amino acid sequences relevant to the investigation
    Compare biological sequences to identify similarities and differences among species, strains, or variants
    Explain how mutations contribute to biological variation and can affect protein structure and function
    Examine how molecular sequence data is used to determine relatedness among organisms
    Apply the scientific method by developing a clear research question, hypothesis, and data analysis approach
    Organize tasks, analyze data, and communicate findings in a scientific format (e.g., poster presentation)

  10. Apply molecular biology laboratory techniques, including Polymerase Chain Reaction and gel electrophoresis, to amplify, separate, and analyze DNA samples to interpret genetic information and draw evidence-based conclusions
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Explain the principles and purpose of PCR, including the roles of primers, DNA polymerase, nucleotides, and thermal cycling
    Describe the steps and function of gel electrophoresis
    Correctly identify and use key laboratory equipment and materials
    Demonstrate effective laboratory techniques and safety procedures
    Prepare a gel electrophoresis setup and load DNA samples accurately without cross-contamination or sample loss
    Interpret gel electrophoresis results
    Analyze and communicate findings clearly, using scientific terminology, diagrams, or lab reports supported by evidence

  11. Explain viral structure, replication strategies, and their impact on human health, and apply the principles of recombinant DNA technology to describe how DNA is manipulated and used in medicine, agriculture, and scientific research
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
    Criteria
    Describe the basic structure and characteristics of viruses and bacteriophages
    Explain the lytic and lysogenic cycles of viral replication
    Describe how retroviruses replicate, including reverse transcription
    Explain how vaccines prevent viral infections
    Describe the replication cycle of HIV and how it affects human immune function
    Explain factors contributing to emerging viral diseases
    Describe the purpose and basic steps of recombinant DNA technology
    Explain how restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA
    Describe the creation and use of recombinant plasmid DNA
    Identify common laboratory techniques used in DNA-based technologies
    Explain applications of DNA technology in medicine, agriculture, and research