I. General Information

1. Course Title:
General Biology I

2. Course Prefix & Number:
BIOL 1431

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 5

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 4

4. Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the basic life process at the cellular level including the chemistry of life, organization of the cell, membranes, energy, enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis, cell division, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics (DNA), and genetic engineering. There is a strong emphasis on problem-solving and the scientific process. Three hours lecture and two 2-hour labs weekly. MnTC Goal 3

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Reading College Level CLC or Reading College Level, and Algebra College Level or Pre-Calculus College Level or Calculus College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

St. Cloud State University, BIOL 151 Cell Function and Inheritance, 4 credits
Bemidji State University, BIOL 1211 Introductory Biology I, 4 credits
Century College, BIOL 1401 Principles of Biology I, 5 credits
Ridgewater College, BIOL 0200 General Biology I, 5 credits
St. Paul College, BIOL 1740 General Biology I - The Living Cell, 5 credits

2. Transfer - regional institutions with which this course has a written articulation agreement:

This course is part of the Biology Transfer Pathway AS.

3. Prior Learning - the following prior learning methods are acceptable for this course:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• CLEP

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

This course is required for the Biology Transfer Pathway AS.

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 3 – Natural Sciences

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate written communication skills	Demonstrate comprehensive communication skills by writing formal laboratory reports.
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Demonstrate following a sequence of operations through laboratory experimentation using the scientific method.
Utilize appropriate technology	Demonstrate synthesis and application of cellular structures and functions using equipment.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate understanding and apply knowledge of biochemistry, general cell structure and physiology, metabolism, genetics, and evolution;
• Recall, explain, and apply concepts, knowledge, and vocabulary of biology at the level necessary for success in a second semester general biology course for science majors;
• Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories in biology;
• Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills at a level appropriate for second semester science majors;
• Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory experiments in biology that include the collection of data, statistical analysis, graphical presentation of results, and interpretation of sources of error and uncertainty (MnTC Goal 3);
• Communicate experimental findings both orally and in writing (MnTC Goal 3);
• Understand and apply knowledge to use the microscope and other biological laboratory equipment, and apply that knowledge in the proper conduct and interpretation of laboratory investigations;
• Outline the structure of the biomolecules found in all living organisms;
• Describe how RNA, DNA, and proteins are synthesized;
• Explain the process of cell division in both somatic and germ cells;
• Explain the processes by which organisms acquire nutrients, water, and oxygen, eliminate wastes, protect against foreign substances in the environment, and reproduce;
• Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then design experiments to test those hypotheses;
• Choose the appropriate sampling scheme and/or experimental design for a given biological question;
• Demonstrate the necessary computer skills for biological data management, analysis and graphical presentation;
• Evaluate critically the primary literature for issues biology (MnTC Goal 3).

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Introduction to Biology as a Science
2. Scientific Method and Hypothesis Testing
3. Introductory Biochemistry
4. Cell Theory
5. Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
6. Cell Structure and Function
• cell membrane
• cytoplasm and organelles
• nucleus
7. Enzymes and Metabolism
8. Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis
9. Cell Division and Control
10. Protein Synthesis
11. Inheritance and Genetic Mechanisms
12. Evolution: Theory and Evidence

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Introduction To Science
• Lab Safety
• Scientific Measurements and Data Analysis
• Scientific Method
• Size, Shape and Charge – Molecular Models
2. The Biology of the Cell
• The Microscope
• The Cell
• Diffusion, Osmosis and Membranes
• Enzyme Activity
• Respiration
• Fermentation
• Photosynthesis
• Mitosis
3. Genetic and Molecular Biology
• Meiosis
• Problem Solving in Genetics
• DNA > RNA > Protein
• DNA Isolation
• DNA Restriction Analysis