BI 221Z Principles of Biology: Cells

Lecture Hours: 4
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 5

Explores fundamental biological concepts and theories about the cellular and molecular basis of life including cell structure and function, metabolism, genetic basis of inheritance and how information flows from DNA to proteins, with a focus on the iterative process of science. Intended for science majors.

Prerequisite: Placement into MTH 112Z (or higher); or completion of MTH 111Z (or higher); placement into WR 121Z (or higher), or completion of WR 115 (or higher); and completion of CH 121, or CH 201 , or CH 221Z; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Differential Fee Yes
Student Learning Outcomes:
This work is based on the national 2011 American Association of Advancement of Science (AAAS) report “Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education” that recommended 5 overarching Core Concepts and 6 Core Competencies for biology majors. For details about implementation refer to: For Core Concepts see BioCore Guide (see Supplement 2 from Brownell et al., 2017) For Core Competencies see BioSkills Guide (see Supplement from Clemmons et al., 2020)

Apply the iterative process of science to generate and answer biological questions by analyzing data and drawing conclusions that are based on empirical evidence and current scientific understanding.
Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues and explain the implications of those issues on society.
Describe the structure and related functions of major classes of biomolecules.
Differentiate cell components and their functions, emphasizing them as a system of interacting parts.
Compare and contrast anabolic (photosynthesis) and catabolic (respiration and fermentation) pathways emphasizing the transformation of energy and matter.
Articulate how cells store, use, and transmit genetic information.
Explain how mutation and genetic recombination contribute to phenotypic variation and evolution.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline

Basic Chemistry
- Macromolecules
- Properties of water
Cells
- Cell Structure
- Structure & Function of Organelles
Biological Membranes
- Membrane Structure
- Diffusion and Osmosis
- Membrane Transport (active and passive)
Cell Cycle
- Cell cycle and cell cycle regulation
- Mitosis
- Meiosis
- Genetic Recombination
Metabolism
- Laws of Thermodynamics
- Enzymes
- Overview of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
DNA Structure and Function
- Chromosomal Structure
- Replication
- Mutation
Gene Expression
- Transcription
- Translation
- Gene Regulation & Epigenetics
Genetics
- Mendel’s Laws
- Non-Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance
- Chromosomal Inheritance
- Autosomal linkage
- Sex linkage
- Nondisjunction
Scientific Process
- Scientific Method and Experimental Design
- Scientific Communication (oral and written)
- Term-long Group Inquiry Project culminating in presentation of results during laboratory time
Weekly Laboratories (select from the following topics)
- Macromolecules
- Cell structure and function
- Diffusion and Osmosis
- Enzymes
- Mitosis & Meiosis
- DNA structure and function
- Gene Expression
- Molecular biology techniques (e.g. restriction digests, electrophoresis, CRISPR, proteomics)
- Genetics
- In-lab time for Inquiry Project
- Project Presentations