Lecture: 4 hours/week
and
Lab: 3 hours/week
Classroom time may include a combination of lecture, group discussions, and other in-class activities. The course content is integrated with laboratory experiments, problem sets and textbook readings.
1. Genetics
- genes and chromosomes
- cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis
- mendelian inheritance
- extensions to Mendelian genetics: allele relationships, epistasis, multiple alleles, and polygenic inheritance
- sex and sex linkage
- mutations
2. Molecular and cellular basis of life
- structure and functions of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
- enzymes
- DNA replication, transcription and translation
- cell membrane structure and membrane transport
- structure and functions of the components of the cell
3. Energy and life
- cellular respiration
- role of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in energy metabolism
- fermentation
- role of energy metabolism in thermoregulation
- photosynthesis
- plant adaptations to dry environments
4. Reproduction and development
- asexual reproduction
- sexual life cycles in plants
- reproduction of flowering plants
- roles of hormones in plant growth, development and responses to the environment
- reproduction in animals
- fertilization and early development in animals
- genetics basis of cell differentiation during animal development
- cloning
5. Origin and evolution of life
- scientific theories about the origin of life
- origin of aerobic life and eukaryotic cells
- microevolution and macroevolution
- theory of evolution by natural selection
- gene flow and genetic drift
6. Laboratory skills
- microscopy
- biochemical tests
- enzyme activity assays
- chromatography
- identification and classification of reproductive structures in plants
- sex identification in flies
- collection, presentation and analysis of experimental data
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the processes of cell division in plants and animals, and explain their significance in development and reproduction;
- Predict the outcome of genetics crosses based on parental genotypes and deduce parental genotypes based on the outcome of crosses;
- Describe the chromosomal basis of sex;
- Describe the various types of mutations and their role in evolution;
- Describe the structure and functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates;
- Explain the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis;
- Explain the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation;
- Discuss how plants and animals reproduce and develop;
- Discuss the mechanisms of evolution and current theories about the origin of life;
- Use common laboratory equipment;
- Use microscopes to examine cells, tissues, and organisms;
- Use biochemical methods to determine the presence of substances and the activity of enzymes in biological samples;
- Interpret and present observations and results from lab experiments;
- Critically analyze scientific data and observations.
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. This is a letter-graded course.
Evaluation will be based on the following:
|
Quizzes and assignments |
15-25% |
|
Laboratory assignments |
5-15% |
|
Laboratory examination |
10-15% |
|
Term test(s) |
20-35% |
|
Final examination |
20-35% |
|
Total |
100% |
A minimum of 70% of the laboratory assignments must be completed to receive a final grade of D or higher in the course.
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Urry L. A. et al. (Current Edition). Campbell Biology. Pearson
Douglas College Biology 1210 Course Manual. Current edition
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