Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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BI 102 - Cell Biology and Genetics

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
The objective of this course is to introduce students to cell biology and genetics. Topics include chemical bonds, macromolecules, cell structure and function, cellular respiration, cell signaling, cellular reproduction, and genetics. In the laboratory, students must demonstrate proficiency in the scientific process, and will gain proficiency in basic laboratory techniques, experimental design, data recording, and scientific report writing. (prereq: one year of high school chemistry)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Understand the general structure and correlate the chemical properties of atoms and molecules
  • Understand the structural and functional properties of the macromolecules found in living matter
  • List the structural components of mammalian cells and explain their function
  • List the types of transport processes occurring across the cell membranes and the energy sources for them
  • Explain the mechanisms of intercellular communication
  • Identify the enzyme’s structural domains important for the chemical kinetics
  • Describe the mechanisms of energy storage, transfer, release and use in cellular processes
  • Understand the processes of mitosis and meiosis and conditions under which they occur
  • Define the genetic terms and solve traditional genetic problems
  • Understand the processes of transcription and translation, including their regulation, and discuss their effect on the cell function
  • Explain how changes in genetic material can occur
  • Understand the major techniques involved in gene technology and describe specific uses of each technique
  • Design and perform a scientific experiment, including hypothesis generation and testing
  • Explain the use of statistical tests to interpret laboratory data
  • Write a scientific report in standardized format

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None

Course Topics
  • Chemical context of life and its environment
  • Structure and function of macromolecules
  • Cell structure, function, metabolism and communication
  • Cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis
  • Genetics and inheritance
  • Transcription, translation and their control
  • Altering the genetic message
  • Gene technology
  • Exams

Laboratory Topics
  • Computer usage for data collection and report writing
  • Experimental design and report writing
  • Microscopes and cell imaging
  • Enzymatic activity
  • Osmosis
  • Genetics

Coordinator
Dr. Eryn L. Hassemer



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