This course is intended for science majors. Topics include the philosophy of science, scientific method, chemical organization of life, cell biology, energy transformations, genetics, and evolution. In addition, basic laboratory skills and techniques are introduced. Note: The BIOL 1514 and BIOL 1524 sequence is recommended for students transferring to university programs requiring a full year of general biology. IAI: BIO 910 Biological Sciences. IAI: L1 910L.
Appropriate assessment score or completion of MATH 1424 with a grade of C or better, or STEM pathway of transitional math - Must be completed prior to taking this course.
Course Alignment
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Critical Thinking
- Responsibility
Faculty Contact Information
Posted on Canvas course page and on my office door - R 203.
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the "null hypothesis" by using Chi-square analysis to compare a collection of categorical data with some theoretical expected data.
- Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular structure.
- Identify basic chemical structures of the types of macromolecules found in living organisms.
- Relate the concepts of the laws of thermodynamics as they apply to physiological systems.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply Mendelian genetics to interpret hereditary patterns.
- List and describe the sequence of molecular level processes that comprise the central dogma of biology.
- Describe the evidence for organic evolution and relate that evidence to the process.
- Demonstrate the ability to use current techniques and instruments that enable the study of a diversity of organisms on the biochemical, microscopic, and macroscopic levels.
- Overview of Biology/Scientific Method
- Basic Chemistry
- Biological Macromolecules
- Cell Structure and Function
- Plasma Membrane and Cell Transport
- Metabolism
- Cellular Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Cell Division
- Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance
- DNA, Genes and Proteins
- Gene Expression
- Biotechnology and Genomics
- Evolution, Natural Selection and Speciation
- Evolution of populations
- Phylogenies
Text: Biology from OpenStax College (Rice University), ISBN 1-947172-51-4
Free online at https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e
Lab: General Biology I Lab Manual (Bio1514) (KCC Bookstore)
Pencil (#2) with eraser
Safety Goggles
6 Unit Exams (6x50) 300 A = 90%
Comprehensive Final Exam 100 B = 80%
14 Lab Reports (14 out of 16) 70 C = 70%
Total =470 D = 60%
F = <60%
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
Make-up policy: Labs are due at the end of the period. Due to lab schedules, students are not able to make up missed labs. Therefore, Canvas will drop the two lowest lab assignments of those assigned during the semester. Lecture exams and final exam taken after the assigned date and time, for any reason, will consist of short answer and essay questions. Make-up lecture exams must be taken within two weeks of the assigned test date and time during my office hours. The final exam must be completed by the end of the semester. If you are aware of a scheduling conflict, you may arrange to take an exam early during my office hours.
- Attendance: Attending class and being an active participant are crucial to your success in this course.
- Please turn off all electronic devices (cell phones, headphones, etc.) prior to the start of class/ lab to prevent class disruption.
- Safety goggles must be worn in labs while handling chemicals and specimens.
- Pencil (#2) must be used on all exams. None will be provided.
- Audio recordings: Students may make audio recordings of lecture and/ or lab for their own personal use while enrolled in this class. However, the student may not share and/ or distribute these recordings without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
- Students may review old exams during any office hours until the last lecture of the semester. Students may not copy or write anything down while reviewing the exams.
Grades are available on Canvas, our online course management system
Week Topic Chapter Lab
Jan. 12 The Study of Life Ch. 1 1 - Measurements
Jan. 19 ML King Day – Monday – No school
Basic Chemistry Ch. 2 2 – Molecules, buffers and dilutions
Jan. 26 Biological Macromolecules Ch. 3 3 – Organic Chemistry
Feb. 2 Lecture Exam #1 (Ch. 1-3)
Cell Structure Ch. 4 4 – Microscope and Cell Structure
Feb. 9 Membrane Structure and Function Ch. 5 5 – Diffusion and Osmosis
Feb. 16 Lecture Exam #2 (Ch. 4-5)
Metabolism Ch. 6 6 – Metabolism
Feb. 23 Cellular Respiration Ch. 7 7 – Cellular Respiration
Mar 2 Photosynthesis Ch. 8 8 – Photosynthesis
Mar. 9 Spring Break
Mar. 16 Lecture Exam #3 (Ch. 6-8)
Mitosis and Meiosis Ch. 10 and 11 9 – Mitosis and Meiosis
Mar. 23 Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance Ch. 12 and 13 10 – Mendelian Genetics
Mar. 30 Lecture Exam #4 (Ch. 10-13)
DNA, Genes and Proteins Ch. 14 and 15 11 – Human Genetics
Apr. 6 Gene Expression Ch. 16 12 – Biotechnology I
Apr. 13 Biotechnology and Genomics Ch. 17 13 – Biotechnology II
Lecture Exam #5 (Ch. 14-17)
Apr. 20 Evolution and Origin of Species Ch. 18 14 – Evidence for Evolution
Apr. 27 Evolution of Populations Ch. 19 15 – Natural Selection
May 4 Phylogenies and History of Life Ch. 20 16 – Phylogenetics
Lecture Exam #6 (Ch. 18-20)
May 11-14 Final Exam The Final Exam will be May ______at___________.
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.