BIO 181IN - General Biology I: (Majors) [SUN# BIO 1181]

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Principles of structure and function of living things at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Includes introduction to the scientific process, scientific measurements and laboratory techniques, chemistry of cells, organization of cells, metabolism, cell communication, patterns of cell division, patterns of inheritance, nucleic acids, gene expression, and biotechnology.

Prerequisite(s): MAT 097  with a grade of C or better or placement into MAT 151  or higher, and REA 091  with a grade of C or better or placement into REA 112 .
Recommendation: Completion of BIO 182IN , CHM 151IN , WRT 090  or WRT 096 or assessment into WRT 101  before enrolling in this course. BIO 182IN  is recommended before BIO 181IN for those students pursuing the Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Biology pathway. BIO 100IN  or BIO 156IN  is recommended for students who did not complete one year of general high school biology with a grade of B or better. If any recommended course is taken, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SCI; Meets CTE M&S

1. Demonstrate proficiency in conducting experiments in cell and molecular biology utilizing biotechnology.
2. Explain cellular processes.
3. Explain patterns of inheritance and their molecular mechanisms.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in using the scientific method to design and conduct experiments, and to communicate results.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in using hands-on use of tools of liquid measurement, light microscopes, pH meters, gel electrophoresis apparatus, thermal cyclers and other tools of cellular and molecular biology.
3. Explain chemical principles that govern normal cell function.
4. Describe the structure and function of cells and cellular components.
5. Describe cell metabolism: energy production and utilization by cells.
6. Describe the processes of cell communication and signal transduction.
7. Explain patterns of cell division at the molecular and cellular level.
8. Describe and apply patterns of inheritance.
9. Explain the role of nucleic acids in cell function.
10. Explain how genes are expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
11. Describe methods and applications of biotechnology.

1. Introduction to the Scientific Process
   1. Steps of the scientific process
   2. Analyzing data
   3. Laboratory safety skills
   4. Communication and record keeping
   5. The limitations of science
2. Scientific Measurements and Laboratory Techniques
   1. Use of pipettes, micropipettes and graduated cylinders
   2. Light microscopy
   3. pH meter
   4. Gel electrophoresis equipment
   5. Polymerase chain reaction
3. Chemistry of Cells
   1. Properties of water and relevance to life.
   2. Structures of functions of biological molecules
4. Organization of Cells
   1. Cell theory
   2. Prokaryotic cells
   3. Eukaryotic cells
   4. Membrane dynamics
5. Metabolism
   1. Laws of Thermodynamics
   2. Enzymes
   3. Cellular respiration
   4. Photosynthesis
6. Cell Communication
   1. Types of cell signaling
   2. Signal transduction pathways
7. Patterns of Cell Division
   1. The cell cycle and control of cell division
   2. Mitosis
   3. Meiosis
   4. Binary fission in prokaryotes.
8. Patterns of Inheritance
   1. Mendelian genetics
   2. Chromosomal genetics
   3. Human genetic conditions
9. Nucleic Acids
   1. Structure of nucleic acids
   2. DNA replication
   3. Transcription and translation
   4. Mutations
10. Gene Expression
    1. Gene regulation in prokaryotes
    2. Gene regulation in eukaryotes
    3. Applications of eukaryotic gene regulation
11. Biotechnology
    1. Recombinant DNA technology
    2. Genomics
    3. Applications of biotechnology