Course Overview

Introduction

Fundamentals of Biology (BIO-157) is an introductory course designed for biology and science majors, as well as students pursuing allied health fields. The course covers essential topics in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, DNA and biotechnology, and viruses, integrating both lecture and laboratory components.

Course Structure

Lecture and Laboratory

• Lecture: Online and in-person (exams only), Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM.

• Laboratory: In-person, Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 AM - 2:20 PM.

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, 12th edition.

• Online Resources: Modified Mastering Biology, Dynamic Study Modules (DSMs).

• Lab Manual: BIO 157 Laboratory Manual (required).

Course Objectives

• Explain basic processes of biochemistry, cellular metabolism, cell structure, function, reproduction, and Mendelian and molecular genetics.

• Collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.

• Use the scientific method to design experiments.

• Demonstrate proficiency with current techniques and instruments in biological study.

Course Outline

I. Introduction to Biology

• Definition & Organization of Life: Levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems.

• Scientific Inquiry: Observation, hypothesis formation and testing, experimental variables (independent/dependent), controls, and scientific theories.

II. The Chemistry of Life

• Elements & Compounds: Basic chemical building blocks.

• Atoms: Structure (protons, neutrons, electrons), atomic number, atomic mass, ions, isotopes, electron energy levels, and orbitals.

• Molecules: Types of chemical bonds (covalent, ionic, hydrogen, van der Waals).

• Water: Properties (cohesion, temperature moderation, solvent abilities), acids and bases, pH scale, buffers.

• Carbon: Bonding, functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, phosphate, methyl).

• Macromolecules: Monomers and polymers; carbohydrates (mono-, di-, oligo-, polysaccharides), lipids (triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids), proteins (amino acids, polypeptides, protein structure and function), nucleic acids (nucleotides, DNA, RNA).

III. The Cell

• Microscopy: Tools for studying cells.

• Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells: Structural and functional differences.

• Extracellular Matrix & Plasma Membrane: Structure (phospholipid bilayer, glycolipids, glycoproteins), membrane proteins (integral, peripheral), cell junctions, transport mechanisms (passive, active, bulk transport).

• Cellular Organelles: Mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vesicles (lysosomes, peroxisomes), nucleus, endomembrane system, cytoskeleton.

• Metabolism: Metabolic pathways, energy forms, ATP, enzymes (activation energy, regulation), cellular respiration (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation), fermentation, photosynthesis (light reactions, Calvin cycle).

• Nucleus & DNA: Structure, discovery, organization (chromatin, chromosomes), DNA replication, cell cycle (interphase, mitosis, checkpoints, cancer).

IV. Genetics

• Meiosis & Sexual Reproduction: Stages, crossing over, homologous chromosomes, karyotypes, haploid/diploid, alternation of meiosis and fertilization.

• Mitosis vs Meiosis: Purpose, occurrence, process, resulting cells.

• Mendelian Genetics: Mendel’s experiments, genes and alleles, genetic variation, laws of segregation and independent assortment, phenotype/genotype, probability (Punnett squares), dominance, multiple alleles, pleiotropy, epistasis, polygenic inheritance, pedigree analysis.

• Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance: Morgan’s experiments, sex-linked genes, inheritance patterns, genetic recombination, linkage maps, chromosomal mutations (nondisjunction, aneuploidy, polyploidy, structural mutations), genomic imprinting.

• Molecular Basis of Inheritance: DNA replication (enzymes, leading/lagging strands, Okazaki fragments, telomeres), gene expression (transcription, translation, mutations), regulation of gene expression (operons, transcription factors, epigenetics, noncoding RNAs).

V. Viruses and Biotechnology

• Viral Structure & Replication: Phage replication (lytic/lysogenic cycles), bacterial defenses (restriction enzymes, CRISPR-Cas), animal virus replication (Baltimore classification, retroviruses).

• DNA Tools & Biotechnology: Restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, DNA cloning (plasmids, recombinant DNA, cloning vectors), PCR, DNA sequencing, DNA fingerprinting, gene expression analysis, gene function determination (knock-out organisms, CRISPR-Cas9, RNAi).

Assessment and Grading

Grading Scale

Assessment Breakdown

Course Policies

Assessment and Assignment Policies

• Lecture exams: Best 3 of 4 count; final exam is cumulative and required.

• Lab exams: Two exams; lab notebook and basic calculator allowed.

• Lab paper: Written in scientific journal format based on lab experiment.

• Attendance: Credit for full session and participation via Socrative.

• Homework: DSMs for lecture chapters; lab homework due day after lab.

• Late work: Penalties apply; see syllabus for details.

Academic Honesty

• Strict policies against cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized resource use, and sharing assessment content.

• Consequences include grade deduction, failing grade, withdrawal, and reporting to the College.

Accessibility and Support

• Accommodations for students with disabilities require official documentation and advance notice.

• Testing center available for exams with accommodations.

• Support services for personal, academic, and financial needs are available.

Tips for Success

• This is a majors-level course requiring substantial time and effort.

• Mastery of material is essential for further study in biology.

• Take thorough notes, participate actively, and use available resources.

Additional Information

• Course documents may not be shared or distributed.

• Institutional policies on academic integrity, nondiscrimination, and classroom behavior apply.

• Withdrawal deadlines and procedures are outlined in the syllabus.

Key Topics for Study

• Evolution, scientific inquiry, and organization of life

• Chemical context of life: atoms, molecules, water, carbon, macromolecules

• Cell structure and function: membranes, organelles, transport, metabolism

• Cellular respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis

• Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, inheritance

• Molecular biology: DNA replication, gene expression, regulation

• Viruses, biotechnology, and DNA tools

Additional info: The course outline closely follows the standard chapters of a college biology textbook, such as Campbell Biology, and covers all foundational topics required for biology majors.