Description:

This is an integrated lecture and laboratory course for biology majors and students planning to take additional courses in biology. Subjects covered include basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, Mendelian and molecular genetics, natural selection and evolution, cell physiology and development of plants and animals from the single-celled stage to the embryonic stage. 3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe basic biochemical molecules.
2. Identify cellular structures and know their functions.
3. Describe the basic principles of cellular metabolism.
4. Identify and explain the forms and processes of cell division.
5. Identify the basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics, and relate these
6. theories to Natural selection and evolution.
7. Explain the basic principles of cellular physiology.
8. Apply the Scientific Method in a laboratory setting.
9. Correctly use scientific equipment.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Basic Biochemical Molecules
   A. Distinguish between atoms and elements and list the six elements
that compose over 90% of living matter.
   B. Name the subatomic particles and relate the atom’s structure to its
chemical properties.
   C. Describe electron orbital configuration and how it affects an
element’s reactivity.
   D. Name the three types of chemical bonds and how each are formed.
   E. Describe the mechanism of enzymes as catalysts in chemical
reactions.
   F. Identify the four major groups of organic molecules and describe
their functions.

II. The Cellular Structures and Their Functions
   A. Describe the cell theory.
   B. Differentiate between prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells and
viruses.
   C. Describe the advantages of specialization in eukaryotic cells.
   D. Describe structure and function of a cell wall, plasma membrane, and
cytoskeleton.
   E. Name and explain the functions of organelles comprising eukaryotic
cells.
   F. Describe the fluid mosaic model.
  
III. The Basic Principles of Cellular Metabolism
   A. Define energy and the laws of thermodynamics
   B. Explain the role of ATP as an energy coupler.
   C. Outline the generalized formula for photosynthesis.
   D. Describe the light-dependent and light-independent pathways of
photosynthesis.
   E. Relate the structure and function of a chloroplast.
   F. Outline the generalized formula for aerobic respiration.
   G. Describe glycolysis, Kreb’s cycle and the electron transport chain.
   H. Relate the structure and function of a mitochondrion.
   I. Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

IV. The Forms of Cell Division
   A. Describe binary fission.
   B. List the stages of the cell cycle.
   C. Describe the phase of mitosis and meiosis.
   D. Compare the results of mitosis and meiosis.
   E. Differentiate between nuclear division and cytokinesis.
   F. Distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction.
   G. Describe reproduction and development in plants and animals.

V. The Basic Principles of Mendelian and Molecular Genetics
   A. Explain the Mendelian principles of heredity
   B. Relate the steps of meiosis to the Mendelian principles of
heredity.
   C. Describe inheritance patterns including dominance, incomplete
dominance, codominance, epistasis, and pleiotropy.
   D. Outline the steps in DNA replication.
   E. Describe transcription and translation.
   F. Describe the mechanisms that cause mutations.
   G. Explain how genes are regulated in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
   H. Explain the mechanisms of natural selection, and how new species are
formed.
   I. Identify the methods utilized in genetic engineering.

VI. The Basic Principles of Cellular Physiology
   A. List three types of neurons and their impulse pathways.
   B. Explain how a neural impulse is generated and conducted.
   C. Identify glands of the human endocrine system.
   D. List examples of hormones produced by glands.
   E. Explain how hormones travel through a human body, and how they are
recognized by target cells.
   F. Explain the sliding filament theory of muscular contraction.
   G. Describe the structure, and explain the functions of antibodies.
   H. Describe how B- and T-lymphocytes function in the specific immune
response.
   I. Describe the cohesion-tension theory and pressure-flow hypothesis
for plants.

VII. Apply the Scientific Method in a Laboratory Setting
   A. Construct testable hypotheses
   B. Perform experiments
   C. Analyze experimental results

VIII. Demonstration of the Proper Use of Scientific Equipment
   A. Use microscopes
   B. Make wet mounts for use in microscopes studies
   C. Make measurements using the metric system
   D. Use computer software simulation program

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Tests from lectures and labs             75% 
Homework from lectures and labs          25% 
                                         100%

Grade will be based on a percentage of the 850 total points as follows:
   A = 90% - 100%
   B = 80% -  89%
   C = 70% -  79%
   D = 60% -  69%
   F = 59% or less

Computer Literacy Expectations: Students will need basic word processing
and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises
and projects.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.