Title: Course Information
Course: SkillsCom BI 102 17.0

BI 102 – General Biology

This is an introductory lab science course intended for majors in disciplines other than the biological sciences. The topics presented include biological molecules, cellular biology, genetics and inheritance, biotechnology, and evolutionary processes. Additionally, the course is designed to help you discover the applications of science in your everyday life, as well as provide elements of critical thinking.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

1. Explain how natural selection drives evolution.
2. Express how changes in the genome can affect the phenotype or traits within a population.
3. Be able to describe the patterns of inheritance.
4. Be able describe selected key cell processes.
5. Distinguish between the groups of biomolecules.

Credit Unit 1: (Google Doc) Atoms, Molecules, and Cells

In Credit Unit 1, you will explore the first three levels of biological organization with a focus on how biologically relevant molecules are created, organized, and utilized to support life sustaining processes. Additionally, you will explore the inner workings of the cell by comparing and contrasting plant and animal cells.

Credit Unit 2: (Google Doc) Exploring Eukaryotes

In Credit Unit 2, you will look at some major cellular processes that drive life at a cellular level. You will explore how a cell regulates movement in and out of the cell, how enzymes act as catalysts to essential chemical processes, and how the cell creates, stores, and harvests energy.

Credit Unit 3: (Google Doc) Cell Reproduction, DNA, and Biotechnology

In Credit Unit 3, you will discover how a cell reproduces itself and how this relates to growth and reproduction of an organism. Within the process of cellular reproduction, you will gain perspective on how DNA plays a vital role in this process and discover how science and industry use biotechnology to enhance human life.

Credit Unit 4: (Google Doc) Genetics and Evolution

In Credit Unit 4, you will learn about the relationship between DNA, genes, and inheritance patterns. With an emphasis on human heredity, you will learn how traits are passed onto offspring, and how to predict the expression of these traits. You will also explore the concept of evolution, be presented with evidence that supports the theory of natural selection and decent with modification, and how populations evolve over time.

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MODULE COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS:

Introductory Information

The first page of each Module gives you an overview of what will be covered within that Module. It will also list Module Outcomes or Course Outcomes.

Readings

Each Module has 2 or more sections from the online textbook. All assigned Readings are linked to the Pearson My Lab and Mastering webpages. Please read the materials thoroughly and take notes as appropriate as you will be responsible for this material in the Self-checks, Competency Assessments, and Credit Unit Assessments.

Lecture Materials

Lecture Materials include a PowerPoint slideshow and Lecture guide. You may choose to view the slideshow from Google, or you may choose to download the slideshow for more viewing options. You will also find a study guide in this section. The study guide is meant to be a study tool to help focus your attention to the most important aspects of the information presented and give you practice applying concepts introduced in the Module. The study guide should be printed out or downloaded and filled out as you read the assigned text and view the Lecture. The study guide will not be submitted, but please view and explore the materials thoroughly and take notes as appropriate as you will be responsible for this material in the Self-checks, Competency Assessments, and Credit Unit Assessments.

Self-checks

Once you have completed the study guide, reviewed the assigned Reading, and understand the concepts presented in the Lecture, you will take a Self-check to test your understanding of the basic concepts and vocabulary in the Module. This is considered practice. Therefore, you may take it as many times as needed to gain mastery of the materials. Once you have scored at least 75% on the Self-check, you are ready to move on and apply what you have learned in real world applications and scenarios.

Additional Learning Materials

This section includes Activities that are real-world applications of topics, considered a stepping stone from the Lecture to the Lab and Competency Assessment for the Module. These Activities may include a worksheet or problem set, mini experiments, or interactive online web based exercises. These supplements are meant to bring you a deeper understanding of the concepts within the Module. These Activities are not to be turned in or graded, but there are questions in the Credit Unit Assessments specifically addressing themes and information presented in these Activities. Since the Credit Unit Assessments are the basis of your grade in this class, it is in your best interest to complete these Activities.

Videos

These Videos are meant to bring you a deeper understanding of the concepts within the Modules.

Labs

There are two types of Labs that you will participate in throughout this course. Many of these Labs are virtual, interactive programs that allow you to experience a wide range of activities, many of which go well beyond what can be accomplished in a traditional "brick and mortar" lab science class. In the "real world", performing experiments to test inheritance patterns, manipulate DNA to test effects of mutations, or perform experiments on biological tissue or live animals would be either cost prohibitive, ethically problematic, or both. However, through the use of robust computer models, we can easily study these types of phenomena in a controlled manner, safely, with no harm to environment or inhabitants of an ecosystem.

As robust and valuable as the virtual lab experience is, sometimes nothing beats getting down in the dirt and experiencing scientific inquiry first hand! There are several tabletop Labs that involve performing experiments, collecting data, and gaining hands-on experience applying the concepts within the course Modules. In some cases this will require you to come up with supplies at home. A full list of any at home supplies needed is provided in the introduction page of each Module.

After completing the Labs you will take a Self-check. Once you score at least 75% on the Self-check you will be prepared to move on to the Competency Assessment for that Module.

Competency Assessments

This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and will be used to assess your mastery of the Course and Module Outcomes. You must complete and prove competency in all Modules of the Credit Unit before gaining access to the Credit Unit Assessment.

Credit Unit Assessments

Credit Unit Assessments are the only time you will need a Proctor. At the end of each Credit Unit, once you have completed all Modules within that unit, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your comprehension of all concepts, vocabulary, and processes covered in the unit. These assessments will be the basis for your grade in this course.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

- You will need a webcam and a microphone for proctoring purposes when you take your Credit Unit Assessments.
- Writing style requirements - APA Style (Webpage) except in a few select courses.
- File Uploads - File upload directions (Google Doc)

Lab Software - Please download the following:

- SimBio Lab Software - Installation (Google Doc)
- Froguts Labs Directions - found on individual Lab pages