OpenStax Biology
Principles of Biology I
Overview
This is a Community College course syllabus used for our BIO 103, Principles of Biology I course. The OpenStax Biology textbook was used with this course along with virtual labs through Merlot.
BIO 103
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory course for science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through a study of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics, cellular respiration, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. CREDIT HOURS: 4 PREREQUISITE: None
II. REQUIRED MATERIALS:
In this course, we will use the following resources this semester:
https://virtuallabs.merlot.org/index.html (Links to an external site.)
https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e
- I.D./Library card for Trenholm State Library and Resource Centers to use as a resource for homework and other course assignments
- Access to Canvas (Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.)
- Access to your Trenholm student email (Please note: I will not open or reply to emails sent from your personal email). With this in mind, please only message me using Canvas or your Trenholm student email.
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- explain the fundamental processes of life;
- apply the scientific method in theory and laboratory;
- explain the diversity and taxonomic hierarchy of life;
- differentiate the basic characteristics of viruses, eukaryotes, and prokaryotes;
- summarize photosynthesis and cellular respiration, with an emphasis on the transformation of energy and matter;
- apply the basic principles of genetics to predict inheritance patterns;
- identify the basic principles of biochemistry including the structure and functions of macromolecules;
- describe cell structures and their functions;
- differentiate the types and stages of cellular reproduction; and
- explain the processes of molecular genetics.
IV. COURSE OUTLINE OF TOPICS:
Content Outline
- Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry
- Basic Chemistry
- Properties of Water
- Macromolecules
- Cell Function and Structure
- Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
- Membrane Transport
- The Cell Cycle
- Meiosis
- Energy & Metabolism
- Cellular Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Genetics
- Molecular Genetics
Labs
- Chemistry of Life
- Microscopy
- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells
- Cellular Transport
- Cellular Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Mitosis
- Meiosis
- Pedigree
V. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT:
Chapter Tests -25%
Labs/Quizzes/Assignments/Discussions-20%
Midterm Project-20%
Comprehensive Final Exam-35%
Grades will be based upon A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, and F=below 60%
Assignment Deadlines
Assignment deadlines are always on Sunday night at 11:59 pm. It is your responsibility to leave enough time to deal with possible technical or personal issues that may arise. I will always post/open assignments 7 days prior to when they are due and I will close assignments 7 days after the due date. With this in mind, please plan accordingly and sign-in/check Canvas at least twice a week.
Extra Credit
I may occasionally grant extra credit opportunities to the entire class. I do not offer/give extra on an individual basis.