BI 102 General Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, and Evolution

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Introductory biology course designed for students not majoring in biology or biology-related fields. Investigates cell structure, cell division, DNA structure and function, Mendelian genetics, inheritance, and principles of evolution. Introduces modern techniques in biotechnology and discusses their ethical implications. (BI 101, BI 102 and BI 103 may be taken in any order).

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Differential Fee Yes
Student Learning Outcomes:

Compare the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and describe the role and origin of each organelle.
Explain the molecular mechanisms of diffusion and membrane transport.
Diagram the principle events in the cell cycle including mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis and explain the role of each process in living organisms.
Describe the patterns of inheritance demonstrated by classical Mendelian genetics and non-Mendelian traits.
Model the structure of DNA and explain how this relates to the process of DNA replication and cell division.
Using the processes of transcription and translation, trace protein synthesis from the structure of a gene to a finished polypeptide.
Explain some of the basic mechanisms and processes involved in modern genetic engineering and applied biotechnology.
Define the five mechanisms of biological evolution and explain how they relate to the processes of population divergence and speciation.
Explain the impact of population size on maintaining genetic diversity.
Describe the types of scientific evidence that allow researchers to discern evolutionary relationships among living and extinct species.

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 Structure and Function
- Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
- Diffusion, transport and membrane structure
- Cell Cycle
- Mitosis
- Meiosis
Structure and Function of DNA
- Composition of DNA and RNA
- DNA replication
- Structure of chromosomes
- Transcription
- Translation and the genetic code
- Regulation of genes
Genetics
- Mendelian inheritance
- Non-Mendelian traits
- Chromosomal abnormalities
Evolution
- Darwin and natural selection
- Population genetics
- Microevolutionary patterns (Divergence within and between populations)
- Macroevolutionary patterns (Speciation)
Laboratory Activities
- Biotechnology Project
- Microscopes and Cells
- Diffusion and Osmosis
- DNA Structure, Replication, and Mitosis
- DNA Fingerprinting
- DNA Function and Mutations
- Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
- Genetics
- Natural Selection
- Speciation