BIOL 101 - Fundamentals of Biology 1

Number of Credits: 4
Fundamentals of Biology 1 is a majors level biology course intended for students pursuing the pathways of STEM, allied health, nursing, PTA, exercise/health science or psychology. The course gives the student who is a science major the basic biological principles common to all living things. Biochemistry, molecular genetics, and evolution serve as central themes for the topics, which include cell structure and function, molecular and cellular energetics, and genetics. Through experiments the student will gain familiarity with various biological techniques and principles. The course includes formulating questions and hypotheses, designing experiments and the collection, reporting, and interpretation of data. Advanced Placement Exam (Biology with a score 4) and CLEP (Biology with a score of 50) accepted. This course does not satisfy the requirements for pathways in early childhood education or elementary education. (Fall, Spring & Summer Only) Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Four Credits. Four billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101, plus exemption/completion of MAT 095 with a minimum grade of C or better.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Relate chemical and physical structures to cellular processes, including the maintenance of homeostasis and cell signaling (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6)
Compare and contrast essential metabolic pathways, including energy flow and organic molecule conversions (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6)
Explain the cell cycle, and the cell division processes of mitosis and meiosis, as they apply to growth repair, maintenance, and reproduction (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE5, GE6)
Explain the central dogma of molecular biology and the basic concepts of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE5, GE6)
Describe the basic principles of genetics and relate these to mechanisms of inheritance (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE5, GE6)
Explain the development of biotechnology in the context of ethical considerations, current applications, and global societal needs. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE5, GE6)
Explain evolution as the unifying thread in biology (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE5, GE6)
Use the scientific process to investigate biological questions and make informed decisions. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6)
Research and present information on selected topics using various communication tools. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5 GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6)