About This Course
This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is on basic biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, classification, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Laboratory exercises reinforce lecture topics and include microscope techniques.
Course Objectives
After completion of this course, the student will demonstrate basic knowledge in each of the following:
- Characteristics of living organisms.
- Basic differentiating characteristics of the five kingdoms. c. Chemical composition of living matter.
- Structural characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- Mechanisms of membrane transport.
- Basic concepts of bioenergetics, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
- Mechanisms and function of cellular reproduction.
- Mendelian genetics and genetic change.
- Role of nucleic acids in the cell.
- Mechanisms of protein synthesis and regulation of gene expression.
- Basic concepts in biotechnology.
- Basic events in the origin of life. m. Basic concepts of variation, natural selection, and speciation.
Material Includes
- Mader, S. S. Biology. 10th ed., McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2010. Lab Packet (Laboratory Exercises). Durham Technical Community College.
Curriculum
Week 1: Introduction to living organisms
A. Characteristics of life
B. The five kingdoms
Week 2: Chemical composition of cells
A. Organization of matter
B. Bonding between atoms
C. Water and its properties
D. Acids, bases, and salts
E. Biological molecules
Week 3: Cell structure and function
A. Cell theory
B. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
C. Comparison of autotrophs and heterotrophs
D. Composition and function of cell structures
E. Cell membranes and membranous organelles
F. Comparison of plant and animal cells
Week 4: Cellular transport
A. Structure of cell membrane
B. Diffusion and osmo-sis
C. Facilitated and active transport
D. Pinocytosis and phagocytosis
Week 5 – 6: Bioenergetics
A. Metabolism
B. Enzymes
C. Energy and ATP
D. Hydrogen and electron carriers
Week 7: Revision and Midterm
Week 8: Cellular respiration
A. Fermentation and anaerobic respiration
B. Aerobic respiration
Week 9: Photosynthesis
A. Nature of light
B. Pigments
C. Chloroplast structure
D. Light dependent reactions
E. Light independent reactions
Week 10: Cellular reproduction
A. Prokaryotic cell reproduction
B. Eukaryotic cell reproduction
C. Stages of mitosis
D. Stages of meiosis
Week 11: Genetics
A. Mendelian genetics
B. Incomplete dominance
C. Sex linkage
D. Mutations and genetic change X. Protein synthesis
A. Structure of DNA and its replication
B. Structure of RNA and the genetic
C. Protein synthesis
D. Chemical basis of mutation
Week 12: Origin of life and evolution
A. Formation of earth
B. Origin of heterotrophs and autotrophs
C. Rise of eukaryotes
D. Origin of multicellularity
E. Natural selection
F. Variation and speciation
Week 13: Biotechnology
A. Basic techniques in biotechnology
B. Formation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
C. Prospects for use of this technology.
Week 14: Revision
Week 15: Finals
Free
Enrollment validity:
190 days
