BIOL 100 - Biological Science

4 Credit (3 lecture, 2 lab) 5 Contact Hours [Reading Level 3  and Writing Level 3  and Math Level 3 ]

Objectives:

1. Define hypothesis, theory, law, independent variable, dependent variable, and control.
2. Describe the steps of the scientific process (method).
3. List characteristics of good scientific methodology and experimentation.
4. Identify variables, controls, and constants in a given experiment.
5. Interpret data presented in different formats (text, table, graph, etc).
6. Draw valid conclusions from data.
7. Write a clear and organized lab report.

Goal 2:  Explain the basis for life at the atomic and molecular levels.

Objectives:

1. Define matter, element, atom, molecule, and compound.
2. Describe basic atomic structure for any atom using the period table of elements.
3. Distinguish between ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds.
4. Describe structural and functional characteristics of water.
5. Use the pH scale to determine whether a compound is an acid or a base.
6. Describe the structure of organic compounds, including their synthesis and breakdown.
7. Compare the structure of DNA and RNA.
8. Recognize the functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
9. Indicate whether common biological molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, or nucleic acids. 

Goal 3:  Explain the basis for life in terms of cellular structure, function, and metabolism.

Objectives:

1. Describe the organelles and their functions.
2. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
3. Distinguish between animal and plant cells.
4. Describe the structure and function of a cell membrane.
5. Describe passive and active cellular transport processes.
6. Explain how an enzyme works.
7. Explain the importance of ATP to cellular metabolism.
8. Describe the process of cellular respiration of glucose.
9. Contrast fermentation with aerobic cellular respiration.
10. Describe the process of photosynthesis.

Goal 4:  Explain inheritance patterns using the processes of cell division, genetics, protein synthesis, and natural selection.

Objectives:

1. Describe the eukaryotic cell cycle.
2. Describe the process of DNA replication.
3. Describe the events occurring during each stage of mitosis.
4. Identify the Interphase and the four stages of mitosis.
5. Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis.
6. Define gene, allele, chromosome, mutation, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, and phenotype.
7. Describe the following inheritance patterns: complete dominance, incomplete dominance, co-dominance, multiple alleles, pleiotrophy, and polygenic inheritance.
8. Use Punnett Squares to calculate offspring probabilities.
9. Describe the process of transcription.
10. Describe the process of translation.
11. Describe the process of natural selection.
12. Explain evolution at a genetic level.
13. List causes of evolution.

Goal 5:   Explain biological diversity using the theory of evolution.

Objectives:

1. Discuss major scientific contributions leading to the development of the theory of evolution (time permitting).
2. Describe how the theory of evolution is supported by scientific evidence.
3. Explain how speciation occurs.
4. Define species, microorganism, parasite, pathogen, and symbiosis.
5. Describe the taxonomic system used to name and classify organisms.
6. Distinguish between the three domains of life.
7. Describe key characteristics for each of the following groups: bacteria, viruses, Protists, fungi, plants, and animals
8. Compare and contrast the five major clades of life forms (bacteria, Protists, fungi, plants, and animals).
9. Distinguish between the protozoan, slime molds, algae, and seaweed Protists.
10. Briefly describe Alternation of Generations. 
11. Distinguish between the Bryophyte, Pteridophyte, Gymnosperm, and Angiosperm plant groups.
12. Distinguish between the main phyla of animals.
13. Identify selected species of bacteria, Protists, plants, fungi, and animals.

Goal 6:  Describe anatomy and physiology within the Plant and Animal Kingdoms.

Objectives:

1. Explain the levels of organization within the plant or animal body.
2. Describe the structure and function of the three plant tissue systems.
3. Identify common structures of the plant root, stem, leaf, and flower.
4. Describe events of sexual reproduction in angiosperms.
5. Explain how water, minerals, and sugars move through a plant.
6. Describe how plant hormones affect plant growth.
7. Describe different plant tropisms.
8. Describe the structure and function of the four animal tissues.
9. Explain the concept of homeostasis.
10. Match the major body systems of animals to their functions.
11. Describe how the structures and functions of the respiratory system contribute to gas exchange.
12. Describe how the structures and functions of the digestive and urinary systems contribute to digestion and elimination.
13. Describe how the structures and functions of the cardiovascular system contribute to circulation.

Goal 7:   Apply ecological principles to demonstrate an understanding of the natural world.

Objectives:

1. Distinguish between ecological levels (population, community, etc).
2. Describe factors affecting and/or limiting population growth.
3. Distinguish between exponential, boom and bust, and logistic growth patterns.
4. Describe different interspecific interactions, including their effects on community level structure.
5. Describe the process of succession.
6. Describe biodiversity at each ecological level.
7. Describe common abiotic factors affecting organisms on this planet.
8. Explain how energy flows or moves through an ecosystem.
9. Describe the carbon cycle (other cycles, time permitting).
10. Distinguish between common biomes, including temperate deciduous forest, savanna, and wetlands.
11. Relate ecological principles to conservation science (time permitting).

Goal 8:  Demonstrate proper use of laboratory tools and procedures.

Objectives:

1. Identify the major parts of a microscope.
2. Indicate the functions of the major parts of a microscope.
3. Correctly place and focus a slide on the microscope stage.
4. Prepare a wet mount.
5. Calculate total magnification.
6. Make measurements using the metric system.
7. Weigh items using the electronic balance.
8. Measure water accurately using a graduated cylinder.
9. Identify organisms using a dichotomous key.
10. Identify common lab equipment (see full-time faculty for list).