Biology 1111 Course Goals and Objectives

Successful students in Biology 1111 will be able to...

  1. The Chemistry of Life
    1. describe the basic structure of atoms and how it leads to the formation of molecules.
    2. connect the structure of atoms and molecules to the function of biological macromolecules.
    3. describe electronegativity and its role in the types of bonds and interactions present within and between molecules.
    4. define pH and buffers and explain their importance to cellular function and homeostasis.
    5. describe the properties of carbon and water and how they are necessary for life.
    6. describe the basic structural characteristics of the major classes of biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids).
    7. apply chemical principles to the analysis of the structure and function of macromolecules.
    8. explain the relationship between the structures of macromolecules and their general functions and biological importance.
  2. The Cell
    1. describe the structure and properties of the plasma membrane and its role in the cellular response to its environment (e.g., membrane transport, signal transduction).
    2. explain basic activities of the cell by relating structure and function of cellular components, organelles, and systems.
    3. compare and contrast prokaryotic, plant, and animal cells.
    4. outline representative mechanisms for how cells send, receive, and respond to signals.
    5. explain the forms of energy utilized in biological systems and the laws of thermodynamics that govern them.
    6. characterize enzymes, their functions, and the major mechanisms that control their activity.
    7. explain the transformations of energy and carbon involved in cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis (including orderly chemical transformations, the relevance of redox reactions, and electron/proton transport).
  3. Nature of biological science and society
    1. describe the development and evaluation of scientific explanations of natural phenomena.
    2. apply biological concepts in the assessment of contemporary issues.
    3. reflect on ethical implications of emerging biotechnology.
    4. explain how evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of life.
  4. Skills & Competencies
    1. Scientific Communication
      1. refer to primary literature articles using proper paraphrasing and citation (compare and contrast primary, secondary, etc).
      2. create properly formatted graphs, figures, and tables using data.
      3. analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
      4. identify plagiarism and avoid plagiarizing when writing.
    2. Literature
      1. evaluate the quality and accuracy of a written source.
      2. locate scholarly articles using electronic databases.
      3. distinguish between primary literature, secondary literature, and content created for mass media.
    3. Metacognition
      1. determine effective study strategies to better prepare for assessments.
      2. evaluate the effectiveness of study strategies and modify them as needed.