MCCCD Program Description

General Biology (Majors) I

Course: BIO181

First Term: 2015 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. A detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe and apply the scientific method to solve problems in biological context. (I) 2. Describe the characteristics of life. (I) 3. Identify the basic parts of atoms and describe how they influence chemical characteristics. (II) 4. Analyze the relationships between the structure and functions of the four kinds of organic molecules found in living things. (II) 5. Identify the parts of a cell and describe their structure and functions. (III) 6. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. (III) 7. Describe cellular transport, membrane structure, and membrane functions. (IV) 8. Describe the laws of thermodynamics, energy processes, and enzymes as they relate to biology. (V) 9. Explain the purpose and components of cellular respiration. (V) 10. Explain the purpose and components of photosynthesis. (V) 11. Describe the biological processes of mitosis, meiosis, DNA duplication, and protein synthesis. (V) 12. Compare Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics and use problem solving to predict the outcome of genetic crosses. (VI) 13. Describe gene regulation and effectively analyze the various biotechnological applications. (VI) 14. Describe the genetic basis of development. (VI) 15. Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety skills and procedures. (I-VII) 16. Practice principles of scientific method while conducting laboratory activities and experiments. (I-VII) 17. Perform laboratory activities using relevant laboratory equipment, chemical reagents, and supplies to observe biological specimens, to measure variables, and to design and conduct experiments. (I-VII) 18. Operate light microscopes, prepare wet-mount slides, and use stains. (III, VI, VII) 19. Exhibit ability to use pipettes and other volumetric measuring devices, chemical glassware, balances, pH meters or test papers, spectrophotometers, and separation techniques, such as chromatography and/or electrophoresis to perform activities relevant to other course competencies. (I-VII) 20. Develop graphing skills manually and/or by using appropriate computer software. (I, IV, VI, VII) 21. Calculate and make molar and/or percent solutions of varying concentrations. (I, II, V, VII) 22. Analyze and report data generated during laboratory activities and experiments. (I, V, VI, VII)
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. Fundamentals of Biological Science A. Biology B. Characteristics of life C. Evolution of life D. Scientific method II. Basic Chemistry A. Atom structure B. Bonds and reactions C. Molecules D. Organic molecules III. Cells A. Prokaryotic B. Eukaryotic C. Viruses IV. Membranes A. Structure B. Functions 1. Recognition 2. Transport V. Cellular Processes A. Energy 1. Laws of thermodynamics a. 1st b. 2nd 2. Energy processes B. Enzymes C. Photosynthesis 1. Purpose 2. Components D. Cellular respiration 1. Purpose 2. Components E. DNA duplication F. Protein synthesis G. Mitosis H. Meiosis I. Fission VI. Genetics A. Mendelian and non-Mendelian B. Crosses C. Mutation D. Gene regulation E. Biotechnological applications F. Genetic control of development VII. Laboratory Activities/Experiments A. Procedures/scientific method B. Safety C. Equipment, reagents, and supplies 1. Light microscopes 2. Wet-mount slides 3. Volumetric measuring devices 4. Glassware 5. pH meters/test papers 6. Stains 7. Spectrophotometers 8. Separation techniques 9. Other D. Graphing 1. Manual 2. Computerized E. Solutions 1. Calculation 2. Development F. Data generation 1. Analysis 2. Reporting

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: March 24, 2015

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.