Principles of Biology I
BIO 151Luzerne County Community College
Fall 2014
Instructor: Mr. Koch
Contact Info: or
Course Description:
This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Laboratory work includes use of the compound light microscope, study of cells and cellular transport, chemical energy processes, enzymatic function, and genetics.
Course Texts: (required) Campbell, N.A., Reece J.B., Urry, L.A., Cail, M.L., Waserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V. and Jackson, R.B. Biology 9th edition, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2011.
Additional Readings and Videos: From various scientific libraries (handed out in class)
Course Goals:
This course provides students the opportunity to:
1. Understand the scientific method and its importance in the study of biology.
2. Learn the structure and function of a cell.
3. Understand the basic principles of chemistry and energy transfer within biological systems.
4. Relate DNA structure and function to genetics and patterns of inheritance.
Student Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Goal 1.
1a. List in order the steps to the scientific method.
1b. Use the scientific method to solve an everyday problem.
1c. Discuss ethical questions in biology, including how they may be
influenced by technological advancements.
1d. Review scientific literature and write laboratory reports.
Goal 2.
2a. Describe the structure, function, and importance of the four major
biomolecules: carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and nucleic acid.
2b. Compare cell structure between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and
define the functions of the organelles.
2c. Describe the fluid mosaic model of biological membranes and their
functions.
2d. Explain membrane transport and cellular transfer of information.
2e. List the stages in the cell cycle, explaining how it is controlled and related
to cell division.
2f. Compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
2g. Discuss how meiosis produces genetic variation.
Goal 3.
3a. Apply the fundamental properties of water to biological systems.
3b. Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics and the concept of
free energy.
3c. Define chemical reaction using the synthesis and degradation of the
biomolecules and contrasting exergonic and endergonic reactions.
3d. Describe basic enzyme structure and function.
3e. Explain the concepts of oxidation and reduction.
3f. Explain how ATP drives cellular work through the processes of
glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, and fermentation.
Goal 4.
4a. Explain the processes of DNA replication and gene expression.
4b. Describe mutation and distinguish between the various types of mutation.
4c. Distinguish between Mendelian genetics concepts of complete dominance,
incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, pleiotropy,
epistasis, and polygenic inheritance.
4d. Explain expression of Mendelian traits through monohybrid and dihybrid
genetics problems.
Policies:
Attendance of each lecture and lab is required. If a class or lab is missed due to an emergency, I expect to be informed of the cause. Students are responsible for all lecture materials and reading assignments whether they attended class or not. Any lecture notes that you have missed should be obtained from a classmate. If excessive absences occur the student will receive a grade of “I” (incomplete), and have to retake the course.
Students will have opportunities to ask questions in class, but extensive questions about course material, grades, or exams should be brought to office hours. Exams must be taken on the scheduled date. Write these dates on your calendar. Makeup exams will only be given to students who provide documented evidence of a family or health emergency, and may be of a different format from the regularly scheduled exam. Makeup exams will be given at a time of the instructor’s choosing.
If you have a documented learning disability, you may be entitled to certain considerations, such as extra time during the exams. You must see me prior to the exam date to make the appropriate arrangements.
Academic Misconduct:
Students engaged in academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating on an exam or other assignment will be given a zero for the assignment or exam. At the discretion of the instructor all students involved in cheating may be failed for the course. Each case of misconduct will be brought before the Student Development Office and may result in expulsion from the college.
Inclement Weather/Snow Policy:
In the event of inclement weather, commuting students should take their own safety into account first. If LCCC is open, I will make every effort to be here for class. If school remains open, but I am unable to be in class, I will attempt to notify every student through email.
If you have a difficult drive and you deem it imprudent to attempt to drive in for safety reasons, please leave a message with the college to that effect, or send me an email message. You will still be responsible for any material missed in that class.
Testing and Grading:
Participation/Attendance 25%
Exam 20%
Tests 15%
*Labs 15%
Projects 15%
*Quizzes 10%
· An Exam will be given at the end of each marking period.
· Chapter Tests are given at the completion of each chapter.
· Quizzes will be given periodically during each chapter.
· Students are notified one week in advanced for an upcoming Test and three days in advance for a Quiz.
· Two to three Labs will be completed per chapter.
· Homework is assigned during the chapter and collected for a grade at the end of the chapter.
· Check the calendar link for upcoming graded events and due dates.
*The lowest Lab and Quiz grade will be dropped at the end of each marking period.
Tentative Sequence of Lecture Topics:
1. Scientific method
2. Cellular organization and transport
3. Mitosis/Meiosis
4. Thermodynamics and energy transfer
5. Genetics
Tentative Laboratory Schedule
1. Introduction; Lab safety
2. Scientific Method & Data Analysis; Metric System
3. Microscope & Cell Structure; Mitosis
4. Biological molecules
5. Research planning and professional preparation
6. Biological membrane – Osmosis & Diffusion
7. Enzymes
8. Cellular Respiration & Fermentation
9. Cell Reproduction: Mitosis and Meiosis
10. Genetics
11. Biotechnology I – DNA extraction and determination
12. Biotechnology II – PCR and Restriction Enzyme Analysis; DNA analysis by gel electrophoresis