BackBIOL-15 Biosciences Syllabus and Course Structure – Yuba College Summer 2026
Study Guide - Smart Notes
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Course Overview
This course, BIOL-15 Biosciences at Yuba College, provides an introduction to the unifying principles of biology. It covers foundational topics such as the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and organismal structure. The course is designed to fulfill general education requirements and includes both lecture and laboratory components.
Key Course Topics
Biology as a Science (Ch. 1): Introduction to the scientific method, characteristics of life, and the diversity of living organisms.
Chemical Basis of Life (Ch. 2): Structure of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions essential for life.
Biological Macromolecules (Ch. 3): Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Cell Structure and Function (Ch. 4): Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles, and cellular processes.
Cellular Transport and Energy (Ch. 5-6): Mechanisms of transport across membranes, enzymes, catabolism, and energy transformation.
Photosynthesis (Ch. 7): Conversion of light energy to chemical energy in plants.
Cell Cycle and Division (Ch. 8): Mitosis, meiosis, regulation of the cell cycle, and cancer development.
Genetics and Inheritance (Ch. 9-11): Patterns of inheritance, DNA structure and replication, gene expression, and regulation.
Biotechnology (Ch. 12): Modern techniques in DNA technology and genomics.
Evolution (Ch. 13-15): Mechanisms of evolution, natural selection, and evolutionary history.
Animal Structure and Function (Ch. 20-23, 25, 27-28): Tissues, organ systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary), reproduction, and the nervous system.
Student Learning Outcomes
Identify the unifying characteristics of mitotic cell division in living cells.
Describe the process of protein synthesis in cells.
Compare and contrast the structure and function of major types of biomacromolecules.
Course Objectives
Describe and compare the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Identify and explain essential metabolic activities related to energy transformation and molecular synthesis.
Apply scientific terminology and the scientific method.
Describe genetic inheritance and the cell cycle, including cancer development.
Explain sexual and asexual reproduction, including spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
Describe the structure and bonding of biological molecules.
Discuss natural selection and genetic variation as mechanisms of evolution.
Course Structure and Grading
Component | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Syllabus Quiz | 20 | 2% |
Assignments (12) | 240 | 24% |
Lab Reports (12, lowest dropped) | 270 | 27% |
Quizzes (6) | 270 | 27% |
Lab Journal | 100 | 10% |
Final Exam | 100 | 10% |
Total | 1000 | 100% |
Assignments and Laboratory Work
Assignments: Weekly assignments reinforce lecture content and are due Fridays at 11:59 pm.
Lab Reports: Assess understanding of laboratory methods, data analysis, and scientific reasoning. The lowest score is dropped.
Quizzes: Six quizzes assess comprehension of lecture, reading, and lab material.
Lab Journal: Maintains records of observations, procedures, and data from laboratory activities.
Final Exam: Comprehensive, covering all course content.
Course Schedule (Selected Topics)
Date | In-Person Labs | Online Topics (Textbook Chapters) |
|---|---|---|
6/9 | Lab safety and scientific measurements | Biology & diversity of life (Ch. 1.1-1.3), Scientific method (Ch. 1.4-1.7), Chemistry (Ch. 2) |
6/16 | Testing for biological macromolecules; Quiz 1 | Biological macromolecules (Ch. 3) |
6/23 | Microscopes and cells; Quiz 2 | Cells (Ch. 4), Cellular transport (Ch. 5.1-5.9) |
6/30 | Properties of catalase; Quiz 3 | Cell cycle, mitosis, and cancer (Ch. 8.3-8.10, 11.15-11.18), Meiosis (Ch. 8.11-8.17), Inheritance (Ch. 9) |
7/7 | Carbohydrate catabolism and photosynthesis; Quiz 4 | DNA structure and replication (Ch. 10.1-10.5), Gene expression and control (Ch. 11.1-11.11), Mutations and genetic disorders |
7/14 | DNA extraction and replication, transcription, and translation; Quiz 5 | Biotechnology (Ch. 12), Evolution (Ch. 13-15), Anatomy and physiology intro |
7/21 | Peppered moth simulation; Quiz 6 | Tissue types (Ch. 20.1-20.7), Organ systems (Ch. 21-23, 25.4-25.9), Reproduction (Ch. 27) |
7/28 | Blood pressure and heart rate; Review | Nervous system (Ch. 28), Review |
Laboratory Safety and Participation
Follow all laboratory safety procedures, including proper attire and equipment handling.
Active participation and collaboration in lab activities are expected.
Missed labs cannot be made up; the lowest lab report score is dropped to accommodate emergencies.
Academic Integrity
All work must be your own. Plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and use of AI tools for graded assignments are prohibited.
Violations may result in assignment failure, course failure, and referral to college authorities.
Support Services
Academic counseling, tutoring, disability services, and technology support are available through Yuba College.
Students with disabilities should contact DSPS and the instructor early to arrange accommodations.
Additional info:
This syllabus aligns with standard introductory biology courses and covers the majority of topics listed in the provided chapter titles, including cell biology, genetics, evolution, and physiology.
Students are expected to use the "Modified Mastering Biology for Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections (10th Edition)" textbook.
