MCCCD Program Description

Introductory Biology for Allied Health

Course: BIO156

First Term: 2020 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T

Description: An introductory biology course for allied health majors with an emphasis on humans. Topics include fundamental concepts of cell biology, histology, microbiology, and genetics.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe principles of scientific method and apply these in conducting laboratory investigations. (I, XIV) 2. Describe fundamental characteristics of living matter. (I) 3. Compare and contrast the major biological macromolecules in terms of composition and biological significance. (II) 4. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and physiology. (III, IV) 5. Describe human histology including a survey of the tissue types, their structure, and function. (V) 6. Explain the importance of enzymes to cellular processes. (VI, VII) 7. Describe principles of cell metabolism and energy utilization. (VI, VII) 8. Describe the structure, reproduction, and human impact of bacteria and viruses. (VIII) 9. Distinguish between bacteria and viruses. (VIII) 10. Describe structure and replication of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and chromosomes. (IX) 11. Describe gene structure and protein synthesis. (X) 12. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis in terms of process, products and significance to the organism. (XI) 13. Describe principles of Mendelian genetics as they relate to inheritance in humans. (XII) 14. Analyze patterns of inheritance in humans to determine probability of certain outcomes. (XII) 15. Apply general concepts to selected topics in human biology. (XIII) 16. Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety and procedures. (XIV) 17. Demonstrate knowledge of general laboratory equipment. (XIV) 18. Perform laboratory activities using appropriate laboratory equipment, specimens, materials, supplies, software and/or simulations relevant to the course. (XIV) 19. Perform laboratory activities/experiments that demonstrate the principles of the scientific method. (I, XIV) 20. Perform appropriate mathematical calculations, conversions and representations (e.g., tables, graphs) of data generated via laboratory activities/experiments. (XIV) 21. Analyze and interpret data to draw logical conclusions. (XIV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Biology concepts A. Principles of scientific method B. Fundamental characteristics of living matter 1. Levels of organization 2. Responsiveness and homeostasis 3. Metabolism 4. Reproduction and heredity 5. Evolution by natural selection II. Biological chemistry A. Composition of matter B. Atomic structure and theory C. Chemical bonding and molecules 1. Ionic bonds 2. Covalent bonds a. Polar b. Nonpolar 3. Properties of water 4. pH and buffers D. Organic and biological molecules 1. Organic vs. inorganic chemistry 2. Major groups of biological molecules a. Carbohydrates b. Lipids c. Proteins d. Nucleic acids 3. Synthesis and degradation of biological polymers III. Cell theory A. Cell structure and function B. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells IV. Cell membranes A. Membrane structure B. Selective permeability and modes of transport C. Other functions of membrane proteins V. Human histology - structure and function A. Organizational hierarchy from cells to organs B. Cellular differentiation C. Tissue types 1. Epithelial 2. Connective 3. Muscular 4. Nervous VI. Energy, enzymes and metabolism A. Laws of Thermodynamics B. Chemical reactions 1. Exergonic 2. Endergonic C. Enzymes and catalysis D. Metabolism 1. Biochemical pathways 2. Feedback and metabolic regulation VII. Cellular energy dynamics A. Cycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) 1. Dephosphorylation 2. Phosphorylation a. Oxidative or substrate-level b. Chemiosmotic B. Photosynthesis C. Anaerobic metabolism 1. Glycolysis 2. Fermentation D. Aerobic metabolism 1. Krebs cycle 2. Electron transport system VIII. Bacteria and viruses A. Bacteria 1. Structure 2. Binary fission and population growth 3. Human impact B. Viruses 1. Structure 2. Replication and population growth 3. Host-specificity 4. Human impact IX. Chromosomes and DNA A. Chromosome structure B. DNA structure C. DNA and chromosome replication X. Gene structure and protein synthesis A. Gene structure and regulation B. Central dogma C. Protein synthesis XI. Cell reproduction in eukaryotes A. Cell cycle and mitosis B. Meiosis and recombination C. Karyotyping and chromosomal abnormalities XII. Mendelian genetics and human inheritance A. Law of segregation and Punnett squares B. Law of independent assortment C. Probability-based analysis of inheritance (Punnett squares) D. Heritable gene mutations XIII. Selected topics in biology and human applications XIV. Laboratory activities/experiments A. Laboratory safety B. Scientific method 1. Making observations 2. Developing hypotheses 3. Determining variables 4. Designing investigations 5. Collecting and analyzing data 6. Reporting results 7. Drawing conclusions C. Inductive and deductive reasoning D. Measurement 1. Units and conversions 2. Volume, mass, length, temperature 3. Instrumentation and equipment 4. Accuracy and precision E. Lab equipment and materials F. Developing and/or following protocols G. Data 1. Types 2. Collection 3. Reporting/representation 4. Analysis

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: November 28, 2017

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.