Introductory Biology

15-30

Integrated lecture and lab

Private four-year institution, primarily undergraduate

This course is intended to provide non-science majors with an understanding of life processes of living organisms. It will also provide an understanding of the human genome. It will provide an insight into the unity and diversity that exists within the spectrum of life.

This course is a basic study of chemical, cellular, and macroscopic foundations of life with some attention given to humans. This course is an examination of the cell and cell processes, including respiration cell division and inheritance. This is a course for non-science majors.

By the time a student finishes this course, he or she will be able to:
1. Explain the molecules and components of a cell, movements across the cell membrane, photosynthesis and respiration.

2. Explain the patterns of inheritance to include Mendelian and non Mendelian genetics.

3. Explain the techniques used in biotechnology and DNA fingerprinting.

Students complete a lab activity or assignment that applies the material studied to the students' lives. For example, when we discuss the molecules of the cell we cover molecules needed for good nutrition.

Students demonstrate an understanding of the concepts by demonstrating their skills and understanding in the laboratory. Students complete activities that allow them to gather data and work with the data. They show their results and write a conclusion. These allow me to assess their understanding of the concepts.

Syllabus (Microsoft Word 164kB May2 19)

Discover Biology
It is an introductory biology course. It has many examples of science in the news which is helpful for teaching and applying the course.
I use handouts for lab.
N/A
I use journal articles on topics of choice.