Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
PLNS-0091
Organization's ID:
PLNS-0091
Organization:
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
12 -- 15 weeks (102.9 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Introduction to Biology or Non-Majors Introduction to Biology
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to present the key areas of biology at an introductory post-secondary level for non-majors. Students are introduced to the core disciplines of the chemistry of life, cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain basic biology concepts and terms
  • Outline the basic chemical processes and chemical composition of organisms
  • Explain the importance of cells in our understanding of biology
  • Analyze transport across the plasma membrane
  • Compare cell division in eukaryotes and prokaryotes
  • Explain the flow of genetic information from DNA, through RNA, to protein
  • Explain control of genetic expression
  • Analyze the inheritance of genetic disorders
  • Summarize evidence that supports evolutionary theory
  • Explain the mechanisms of evolution
  • Explain how biodiversity is gained and lost
  • Describe the diversity of life
  • Analyze concepts in ecology
  • Analyze the basic principles of community ecology
  • Analyze the use of molecular biology tools in different fields of biology and industry
  • Summarize the functions of cellular components
  • Analyze energy flows in cells
  • Summarize the differences between the two types of cellular division in eukaryotes
  • Describe the structure of the human genome
  • Analyze the structure of the DNA molecule in relation to its function of information storage
  • Analyze different patterns of genetic inheritance
  • Analyze the relationship between biodiversity and evolution
  • Explain how units of biodiversity are classified
  • Analyze the basic principles of population ecology

General Topics:

  • What is biology?
  • The chemistry of life
  • Basic component of life: the cell
  • Energy and membrane transport in cells
  • Cellular reproduction
  • DNA: the molecule of life
  • Patterns of inheritance
  • Evolution
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecology
  • Population and community ecology
  • Biotechnology
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Computer Based Training

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes
  • Written Papers

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials