BIOL 1504 Principles of Biology Syllabus 020 Spring 2026

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Credit Hours 4.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 2
Type of Credit
Baccalaureate/Transfer
CIP Code
26.0101
Course Description
This biology survey course is intended for non-science majors to satisfy the general education laboratory science requirement. Course topics include scientific methodology, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. AAS: Life science (laboratory science) elective. IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites
Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
L1-900L
IAI Title
General Education Biology(lab)
General Education Outcomes

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:

  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Responsibility

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Kenneth Mager
Faculty Email
kmager@kcc.edu
Faculty Phone
815-802-8767
Faculty Office Number
R-203
Faculty Student Support Hours

Posted on Canvas course shell and on office door.

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method in conducting a basic investigation in the biological sciences.
  2. Identify basic chemical structures of the types of macromolecules found in living organisms.
  3. Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular structure.
  4. Compare and contrast the flow of energy through living organisms
  5. Demonstrate the ability to apply Mendelian genetics to interpret hereditary patterns.
  6. Describe the evidence for organic evolution and relate that evidence to the process.
  7. Describe how the taxonomic hierarchical system of classification reflects evolutionary patterns of descent.
  8. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem and describe how human interactions with these components may influence the biosphere.
  9. Examine the impact of biology in today’s society.
Topical Outline

1. Introduction to Life/ Scientific Method   
2. Basic Chemistry                                                                                   
3. Basic Organic Chemistry                                                           
4. Cellular Structure and Function                                        
5. Cellular Transport                                                
6. Cellular Metabolism and Enzymes                                   
7. Cellular Respiration                                                                              
8. Photosynthesis                                                                                     
9. Cell Division (mitosis and meiosis)                                   
10. Genetics (Mendelian and Human)                                     
11. Molecular Genetics (DNA and RNA)                                                                               
12. Evolution                                                                
13. Ecology                                                                                                            
14. Population Growth and Global concerns

Textbook/s and Course Materials

Text: Concepts of Biology from OpenStax College (Rice University) ISBN 1-938168-11-9

Free online at www.openstax.org/details/concepts-biology

Lab manual: Principles of Biology (Bio1504) (KCC Bookstore)

Pencil (#2) with eraser

Safety Goggles

Methods of Evaluation

6 Unit Exams (6x50) 300                                    A = 90%

Comprehensive Final Exam 100                         B = 80%

15 Lab Reports (15 out of 17) 75                        C = 70%

Total =475                                                            D = 60%

                                                                           F = <60%

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

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.

Course Calendar

Jan. 12 Introduction to Life/ Scientific Method Ch. 1 1-Use of the Microscope

Jan. 19 ML King Day – No school Monday

Basic Chemistry Ch. 2 2-Scientific Method

Basic Organic Chemistry

Jan. 26 Exam #1 (Intro and Chemistry)

Cellular Structure and Function Ch. 3 3-Chemicals of Life

Feb. 2 Cellular Structure and Function/ Transport Ch. 3 4-Structure of Cells

Feb. 9 Exam #2(Cells)

Cellular Metabolism and Enzymes Ch. 4 5-Diffusion and Osmosis

Feb. 16 Cellular Respiration Ch. 4 6-Enzyme Activity

Feb. 23 Photosynthesis Ch. 5 7-Photosynthesis and Respiration

Mar. 2 Exam #3(Enzymes and Energy) 8-Cell Division

Cell Division (mitosis and meiosis) Chs. 6 and 7

Mar. 9 Spring Break

Mar. 16 Genetics (Mendelian and Human) Ch. 8 9-Intro to Electrophoresis and Genetics

Mar. 23 Genetics/ Molecular Genetics Ch. 9 10-Genetics Problems

Mar. 30 Exam #4 (Division and Genetics) 11-DNA Isolation and “Secrets-Photo 51”

Molecular Genetics (DNA and RNA) Ch. 10

Apr. 6 Molecular/ Evolution Ch. 11 12a-DNA Fingerprinting

12b-Molecular Genetics

Apr. 13 Evolution Ch. 11 and 12 13-Video:”What Darwin Never Knew”

Apr. 20 Exam #5 (Molecular and Evolution)

Ecology Ch. 19 14-Evolution

Apr. 27 Ecology Ch. 20

May 4 Population Growth and Global concerns Ch. 21 15-Ecosystems Dynamics Exam #6 (Ecology) 16-Human Population

May 11-14 Final Exam (Intro – Pop. Concerns) The final exam will be May _____ at __________.

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

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. 

Resources

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.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer

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.