BI 213 Principles of Biology 3

Lecture Hours: 4
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 5

Focuses on the cell cycle, classical and molecular genetics, DNA structure and function, biotechnology, evolution and ecology. Offers third of a three-term sequence for students majoring in sciences and health professionals (i.e. botany, zoology, molecular biology, marine biology, pre-veterinary, pre-medical, pre-dental, pharmacy, and related fields).

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher); and completion of BI 212; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain how cells replicate themselves and regulate the process of replication
Use Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns to predict the outcome of genetic crosses.
Explain the processes and regulation of DNA replication, transcription and translation, relating each to initial DNA structure.
Describe the main processes that lead to biological evolution at the population level
Describe how new species evolve
Analyze population growth and distribution as inherent features of populations.
Explain how interactions between species determine community structure
Describe the pattern of energy and matter movement in an ecosystem, showing how human activity modifies them.
Explain how physical processes relate to the distribution and success of life on Earth
Assemble independent research and data collected in the laboratory standard format scientific paper.

Additional 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

Cell Cycle
- General description of cell cycle and its regulation (interphase, cell division and cytokinesis)
- Mitosis
- Meiosis
- Genetic Recombination
- Impact of sexual reproduction on genetic diversity
Genetics
- Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Patterns
- Chromosomal Inheritance
- Genetic Disorders
DNA Structure and Function
- Chromosomal Structure
- Replication
- Mutation
Molecular Genetics
- Transcription
- Translation
- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
- Biotechnology and DNA manipulation
Biological Evolution
- Population GeneticsSpeciation
- Evolution of Species Diversity
Ecology
- Population dynamics and growth patterns
- Community structure
- Ecosystem dynamics
- Biosphere structure and function
- Human effects and conservation biology
Scientific Process
- Research and experimental design
- Scientific presentation of research
- Term-long group or Individual Inquiry Project
Weekly Laboratories (select from the following topics, field trip mandatory)
- Mitosis & Meiosis 
- DNA structure and function
- Transcription, translation and protein function
- Molecular biology techniques
- Genetics
- Bioinformatics: Protein and DNA sequencing and evolution
- Natural selection
- Using the Hardy-Weinburg equation to study evolution in populations
- Leaf Litter Diversity
- Energy flow in Ecosystems
- Field Trip to the Oregon Coast (focus on biodiversity and/or succession)