Course Number and Title:
BIO 150 Biology I
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces the cell as the basis of life. Topics include an introduction to the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, cell division, evolution, molecular genetics, and patterns of inheritance.
Additional Materials
Lab coat
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
Explain the organization, characteristics, taxonomy, and basic chemistry of life. (CCC 2, 6)
Describe the structure-function relationship of cellular membranes, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic cell structures. (CCC 2, 6)
Identify and describe the basic processes of metabolism and compare the pathways of cellular respiration and fermentation. (CCC 2, 6)
Analyze the processes and pathways of photosynthesis. (CCC 2, 6)
Compare the different types of cell division. (CCC 2, 6)
Analyze genetic problems using the Punnett square and probability, and explain the principles of genetic inheritance. (CCC 2, 6)
Examine the relationship between replication, transcription, and translation, and evaluate the effects of mutations on phenotype. (CCC 2, 6)
Describe the evidence, mechanisms, and biodiversity for the theory of evolution. (CCC 2, 6)
Perform and analyze the various lab activities related to biology. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain the organization, characteristics, and basic chemistry of life.
- List and explain the seven characteristics of life.
- Describe the hierarchy of biological organization.
- Identify the characteristics of the three domains of life and the four kingdoms of Eukarya.
- Define molecule and briefly describe how atoms form molecules and compounds.
- Define ion and explain how atoms form ions and ionic bonds.
- List the biologically important elements.
- Describe the physical and chemical properties of water that influence life processes.
- Explain the meaning of the potential of hydrogen (pH) scale and the role of buffers.
- Explain how differences in electronegativity between atoms lead to polar and nonpolar covalent bonds.
- Describe how molecular polarity influences biological structure and function.
- Identify key functional groups and the properties they confer on molecules.
- Explain how macromolecules are formed and broken down in cells.
- Describe the four classes of biological macromolecules, including the basic unit, structure, function(s), and examples.
- Describe the structure-function relationship of cellular membranes, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic cell structures.
- List and describe the structures found in all organisms.
- Describe the biochemical structure of the plasma membrane and identify which parts are hydrophilic and hydrophobic.
- Explain how membrane proteins interact with and respond to changes in the extracellular environment.
- Relate membrane structure to the role of the membrane in selective permeability.
- Explain passive transport mechanisms: simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion.
- Define osmosis and explain the effects of solute concentration on cell function.
- Explain active transport and cotransport.
- Discuss endocytosis and exocytosis.
- Describe the function of the nucleus of the eukaryotic cell.
- Describe the structure and function of ribosomes.
- Describe the structure and function of the endomembrane system: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vacuoles.
- Compare and contrast the structure and function of mitochondria and chloroplasts, and discuss the evidence for their endosymbiotic origins.
- Describe the function of the cytoskeleton.
- Compare structural and functional features of prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells, and plant versus animal cells.
- Identify and describe the basic processes of metabolism and compare the pathways of cellular respiration and fermentation.
- Define metabolism and differentiate between anabolism and catabolism.
- Define endergonic and exergonic reactions, and interpret free energy diagrams to distinguish between the two based on energy changes.
- Describe the structure of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and its role in metabolism.
- Describe the mechanism and function of enzymes and importance of coenzymes in chemical reactions.
- List the factors that affect enzyme activity.
- Explain how feedback mechanisms regulate metabolic pathways.
- Define oxidation and reduction and identify molecules that are oxidized or reduced in cellular respiration.
- Explain the major mechanisms by which cells generate ATP, including substrate-level phosphorylation, oxidative phosphorylation, and photophosphorylation.
- State the overall equation for cellular respiration and explain the general function of cellular respiration.
- Describe the stages of cellular respiration—glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation—and summarize the inputs and outputs of each stage.
- Define fermentation and describe how it enables ATP production under anaerobic conditions.
- Explain the roles of the electron transport chain, chemiosmosis, and ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation.
- Compare the yield of ATP per glucose molecule for aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
- Explain how the structure of the mitochondrion facilitates its function in ATP production.
- Analyze the processes and pathways of photosynthesis.
- Describe the overall purpose and equation of photosynthesis and explain its role in the flow of energy through the biosphere.
- Differentiate between the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis in terms of location within the chloroplast, inputs, and outputs.
- Explain how pigment molecules in the thylakoid membrane capture and transfer light energy.
- Trace the movement of electrons through photosystems and the electron transport chain.
- Summarize the phases of the Calvin cycle, including carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of RuBP.
- Describe the structure of a leaf, including mesophyll cells and stomata.
- Relate the electromagnetic spectrum to photosynthesis by identifying the wavelengths of light most effectively absorbed by photosynthetic pigments.
- Describe the role of pigments in photosynthesis.
- Describe a photosystem and explain how it harvests light.
- Explain the process of photophosphorylation and compare it to oxidative phosphorylation in terms of electron flow and ATP synthesis mechanisms.
- Compare the different types of cell division.
- Define homologous chromosomes, chromatin, diploid, haploid, gametes, and somatic cells.
- Describe the stages of the cell cycle and explain the major events that occur during each phase.
- Explain the role of checkpoints, CDKs, and cyclins in regulating the cell cycle.
- Differentiate between mitosis and cytokinesis.
- Compare cell division in plant, animal, and bacterial cells.
- Explain the events in meiosis.
- Discuss crossing over and its role in genetic variation.
- Compare the outcomes of errors in chromosome segregation in meiosis I and meiosis II.
- Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
- Analyze genetic problems using the Punnett square and probability, and explain the principles of genetic inheritance.
- Define key genetic terms, including gene, allele, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive, and carrier.
- Perform one-trait and two-trait genetic problems using a Punnett square and/or probability rules.
- Explain segregation and independent assortment using examples of a dihybrid cross.
- Define incomplete dominance, codominance, epistasis, and polygenic inheritance, and identify examples of each.
- State the sex chromosome makeup of human males and females and perform punnett squares for X-linked traits.
- List examples of X-linked genetic traits.
- Define inversion, deletion, translocation, and duplication of genes.
- Examine the relationship among replication, transcription, and translation, and evaluate the effects of mutations on phenotype.
- Summarize key experiments that led to the discovery that DNA is the genetic material.
- Compare deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) structure.
- Predict the sequence of a complementary strand of DNA when given one strand and calculate the percentage of each base in a DNA molecule when given the percentage of one base.
- Describe DNA replication.
- Differentiate between leading and lagging strand synthesis, including the formation of Okazaki fragments.
- Explain the role of telomerase in synthesizing the ends of lagging strands.
- Describe how errors are corrected during replication.
- Explain the central dogma of biology.
- Compare eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription including where this occurs in the cell and transcript processing.
- Explain how alternative RNA splicing enables a single gene to produce multiple mRNA transcripts and distinct protein products.
- Classify types of mutations (frameshift, missense, nonsense, and silent mutations) and describe their effects on protein structure and function.
- Given a DNA sequence, use the genetic code to determine the amino acid sequence of the protein.
- Explain why the genetic code is considered degenerate.
- Describe the evidence, mechanisms, and biodiversity for the theory of evolution.
- Define evolution, natural selection, adaptation, and fitness.
- Explain how natural selection drives changes in populations over time.
- Summarize evidence supporting evolution from fossil records, comparative anatomy, and molecular homology.
- Perform and analyze various lab activities related to biology.
- Describe the scientific method including observations, hypothesis, and theory.
- Perform laboratory experiments related to core biology concepts using appropriate controls.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data by constructing graphs or tables and identifying trends and patterns.
- Demonstrate ethical conduct, effective teamwork, and proper safety and waste disposal practices throughout laboratory sessions.
- Relate experimental results to theoretical concepts in cell biology, genetics, metabolism, and evolution to explain biological phenomena and processes.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (equally weighted) | 65% |
Lab assessments (lab reports, quizzes, or practicals) | 15% |
Formative Assessments |
Various formative assessments, including but not limited to: lecture-based quizzes, in-class assignments, homework, and discussion boards | 10% |
Lab data collection & observations, Pre-Lab or Post-Lab Questions | 10% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Apply knowledge of biology and chemistry to solve problems in biotechnology.
- Integrate biological knowledge with the regulatory, ethical and business perspectives relevant to the biotechnology industry.
- Apply quantitative and computational skills and tools to analyze problems in biology and chemistry.
- Demonstrate good laboratory practices that are required by a person working as a biotechnology technician including laboratory safety and documentation.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills relevant to biotechnology including recombinant DNA techniques, PCR, DNA sequence analysis, and current analytical chemistry techniques.
- Work independently and collaboratively to create scientific oral presentations and written documents that are standard to the discipline.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.