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Introduction to Biology (BIOL 1100)
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Credits:
3
Lab Credits:
1
Description:
This course presents biology as a series of fundamental concepts, all focusing on the theme of the unity and diversity of life. It examines four broad topics: genetics (including Mendelian inheritance, mitosis, meiosis and molecular genetics), evolution (Darwin's theory, evidence of evolution and the history of life, including humans), organismal biology (the classification, diversity, and evolutionary history of prokaryotes and eukaryotes), and ecology (energy flow, nutrient cycling, ecosystems and biogeography) and conservation biology. The course includes two hours of laboratory instruction per week.
Topical Outline:
1. The scientific process
2. The cell cycle with mitosis and meiosis and their role in asexual and sexual reproduction
3. Mendel's principles of inheritance with examples from human genetics
4. Chromosome structure and the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins
5. Theory of evolution with evidence from the fossil record, anatomy and molecular biology
6. Systematics, diversity, characteristics and evolutionary history or phylogeny of all major forms of life
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand and apply concepts of Biology and their connections to our lives, society and the environment
2. Gain appreciation and basic knowledge of how science works and examine ways it can benefit humans, society and the environment
3. Acquire skills of observation, analysis, and synthesis through problem solving in lectures and labs
4. Appreciate the diversity and beauty of all life forms
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 1300 or completion of
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052
MnTC:
Goal 3