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.
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 shell and on office door.
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method in conducting a basic investigation in the biological sciences.
- Identify basic chemical structures of the types of macromolecules found in living organisms.
- Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular structure.
- Compare and contrast the flow of energy through living organisms
- Demonstrate the ability to apply Mendelian genetics to interpret hereditary patterns.
- Describe the evidence for organic evolution and relate that evidence to the process.
- Describe how the taxonomic hierarchical system of classification reflects evolutionary patterns of descent.
- Distinguish between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem and describe how human interactions with these components may influence the biosphere.
- Examine the impact of biology in today’s society.
1. Introduction to Life/ Scientific Method
2. Basic Chemistry
3. Basic Organic Chemistry
4. Cellular Structure & Function
5. Cellular Transport
6. Cellular Metabolism & Enzymes
7. Cellular Respiration
8. Photosynthesis
9. Cell Division (mitosis & meiosis)
10. Genetics (Mendelian & Human)
11. Molecular Genetics (DNA & RNA)
12. Evolution
13. Ecology
14. Population Growth & Global concerns
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
5 Unit Exams 250 A = 90%
Comprehensive Final Exam 100 B = 80%
15 Lab Reports (15 out of 17) 75 C = 70%
Total =425 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 of: Lecture Topic Readings Lab (On Tuesdays)
June 1 Introduction to Life/ Scientific Method Ch. 1 1-Use of the Microscope
June 3 Basic Chemistry Ch. 2 2-Scientific Method
Basic Organic Chemistry
June 8 Exam #1 (Intro and Chemistry)
Cellular Structure & Function Ch. 3 3-Chemicals of Life
June 10 Cellular Structure & Function/ Transport Ch. 3 4-Structure of Cells
June 15 Exam #2(Cells)
Cellular Metabolism & Enzymes Ch. 4 5-Diffusion & Osmosis
June 17 Cellular Respiration Ch. 4 6-Enzyme Activity
June 19 Juneteenth – No school
June 22 Photosynthesis Ch. 5 7-Photosynthesis & Respiration
June 24 Exam #3(Enzymes & Energy) 8-Cell Division
Cell Division (mitosis & meiosis) Chs. 6 & 7
June 29 Genetics (Mendelian & Human) Ch. 8 & 9 9-Intro to Electrophoresis & Genetics
10-Genetics Problems
July 1 Molecular Genetics (DNA & RNA) Ch. 10 11-DNA Isolation & “Secrets-Photo 51”
July 4 No School – 4th of July
July 6 Exam #4 (Division & Genetics)
Molecular/ Evolution Ch. 11 12a-DNA Fingerprinting
12b-Molecular Genetics
July 8 Evolution Ch. 11 & 12 13-Video:”What Darwin Never Knew”
July 13 Exam #5 (Molecular & Evolution)
Ecology Ch. 19 14-Evolution
July 15 Ecology Ch. 20 15-Ecosystems Dynamics
July 20 Population Growth & Global concerns Ch. 21 16-Human Population
July 22 ComprehensiveFinal Exam (Intro – Pop. Concerns)
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.