UMUC-Europe Syllabus

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) (For students not majoring in a science.) An introduction to living things in light of our knowledge of physical, chemical and biological principles. The organization, processes, interdependence, and variety of living organisms are explored. Emphasis is on understanding the impact of biological knowledge on human societies. Consideration is given to current events that involve biological systems. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 101, BIOL 105, or BSCI 105.

Course Goals/Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to do the following: * explain the relevance of the basic concepts of biology in everyday life * explain the utility of the scientific method and apply it when evaluating current scientific discoveries * describe the characteristic features common to living organisms * state the principles of chemistry and physics upon which living organisms are based * explain the concepts of energy and entropy and the role they play in biological systems * describe the structure of atoms, and explain the role that these structures play in determining the chemical properties of atoms and molecules * describe the functions and properties of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids * describe the structure and function of cells, as well as the role they play in the overall structure and function of living organisms * explain the significance of DNA in determining the composition, characteristics, reproduction, and behavior of an organism * explain the mechanisms through which information is stored, replicated, and transmitted in DNA and RNA molecules * describe current advances in genetic technology, their impact on individuals and social systems, and their role in medicine, agriculture, criminal justice, global economics, and society * state the principles of evolution, including the value and necessity of evolution in populations * explain the interacting roles that genes, the environment, and population dynamics play in evolution * explain the structure and value of ecosystems and biodiversity * explain the various ways in which living organisms are interdependent with each other and with their environment * describe the influence of modern human technologies and activities on the environment

Course Introduction:

This course is an introductory and comprehensive study of the unifying themes and concepts in biology. Biology is the study of living things. In this course, we will move from relatively small non-living units to large living cells and even larger multicellular organisms, recognizing that the large cannot exist without the small. Throughout the course we'll touch upon the scientific methods and practices, both historic and current, that have led to our understanding of living organisms. Living organisms are built from a very specific set of building blocks-atoms, molecules, and cells. We will begin with a study of these building blocks and their importance to living things. Next, we will examine the ways in which these building blocks interact to provide the energy living things need to grow, move, work, think, and develop. The power and elegance of DNA and genes will be discussed, as well as their role in inheritance, human diseases, biodiversity, and evolution. We'll look at plants and animals to understand how atoms, molecules, and cells work together in balanced, interrelated systems that are critical to the health and well-being of living organisms. Biodiversity and its importance will be discussed and contrasted with the common fundamental characteristics all living organisms share. We'll also look at the way living things interact with one another and with the non-living parts of their environment. These interactions play a major role in the overall health of populations, ecosystems, and planet earth.

Grading Information and Criteria:

Grades in this course will be determined as follows: Your final course grade will be determined as follows: 35% Quizzes 15% Writing Assignment 20% Research Project 30% Final Exam The grading scale in this course will be determined as follows: A = 90%-100% B = 80%-89% C = 70%-79% D = 60%-69% F = 0%-59%

Other Information:

None

Project Descriptions:

Quizzes Biweekly quizzes are required in this course. These quizzes are designed to assess your understanding of the basic principles of biology on an ongoing basis throughout the course. The questions may include those in the following formats: multiple choice, matching, short-answer, fill-in-the-blank, and problem solving. They will include material covered in the book Basic Concepts in Biology (BCB), lectures, and class discussions. Writing Assignment First, choose a short biology-related article from either a print-based or online news source. The article must be current, i.e. no more than 3 months old. Second, write a 3-4 page double spaced paper using the following guidelines and criteria. Imagine that your purpose in writing this piece is to summarize and explain the findings, meaning, significance, and implications of this article for someone that you are talking to in a social setting, such as a reception or party, and assume that this person is not a scientist. In your paper, be sure to: * State the general topic of the article and summarize the article in your own words. State the title and author of the article. Identify the source and include the appropriate and complete reference or citation for the original article/report. * Point out how the article relates to the material covered in class; discuss the issues of the article in the context of the material covered in class. * Include your own thoughts, opinions, reflections, and experiences as related to the topic of the article. Relate the points/conclusions of the article to another issue in your "everyday life". Research Project First choose a topic upon which to base your research project from the following list of potential topics: antibiotic resistance, bioremediation, biotechnology, cancer, cloning, emerging infectious diseases, gene therapy, genetic engineering, human genetic disorders, human genome project, stem cells, tissue engineering. Second, research this topic using a minimum of 4 references, all of which must have been published within the last year. Third, write a 5-6 page double-spaced paper in which you do the following things: * describe the general topic you have selected * explain why this is an interesting and important area of biology, and it potential impact on medicine, agriculture, economics, criminal justice, or society Final Exam A final exam is required in this course. This exam will include the topics and skills covered in the required readings, lectures, and class discussions.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Session 1 Topics: The Scientific Method & Organization in Nature Basic Concepts in Biology chapter 1 Session 2 Topics: Physical and Chemical Foundations of Living Organisms Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 2 and 3 Quiz 1 Session 3 Topics: Cell Structure and Function Basic Concepts in Biology chapter 4 Session 4 Topics: Chemical Reactions, Enzymes, and Metabolism Basic Concepts in Biology chapter 5 Quiz 2 Session 5 Topics: Metabolic Pathways and Energy Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 6 and 7 Session 6 Topics: Mitosis and Meiosis Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 8 and 9 Quiz 3 Session 7 Topics: Patterns of Inheritance Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 10 and 11 Session 8 Topics: DNA, RNA, and Proteins in Inheritance and Trait Determination Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 12 and 13 Quiz 4 Session 9 Topics: Controlling and Manipulating Genomes Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 14 and 15 Session 10 Topics: Evolution Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 16-18 Quiz 5 Session 11 Topics: Biodiversity - Origins of Life, Prokaryotes, Viruses, Protistans, Fungi, and Plants Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 19-22 Writing Assignment Due Session 12 Topics: Biodiversity - Invertebrate and Vertebrate Animals Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 23-25 Quiz 6 Session 13 Topics: Population Biology Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 27-29 Research Project Due Session 14 Topics: Ecosystems & The Biosphere Basic Concepts in Biology chapters 30-32 Quiz 7 Session 15 Review for Final Session 16 Final Exam (Comprehensive)