Alters, S., & Alters, B. (2006). Biology: Understanding life. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Cycles in Life Biology Lab Kit, Edutype, 0-936095-8-0.

BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology (4) (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement. Not open to students who have completed BIOL 101 or BIOL 102. Laboratory activities are to be performed both online and at home. Purchase of a lab kit and various other common household and food items is required.) An introduction to the concepts underlying the structure and function of living organisms. The organization, chemical foundations, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and interdependence of living organisms are explored. The scientific method is used to emphasize these topics through laboratory activities. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL103, BIOL105, BSCI105, or BIOL101 and BIOL102

• 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 characteristics common to living organisms
• state the principles of chemistry and physics upon which living organisms are based
• describe how energy is acquired and how it is transferred among the members of a biological system
• describe the structure of atoms and explain the role 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 and 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
• state the principles of evolution, including the value and necessity of evolution in populations
• explain the interactive role 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, both with each other and with their environments
• describe the influence of modern human technologies and activities on the environment
• develop the ability to form sound scientific questions and answer them using the scientific method

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, nonliving units to large, living cells and even larger multicellular organisms, recognizing that the large cannot exist without the small. In the laboratory portion of the course, you will learn the underlying organization and interrelationships of living organisms through hands-on activities. Throughout the course, we will touch on 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 blocksatoms, 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 that living things need to grow, move, work, think, and develop. We will then discuss the power and elegance of DNA and genes and their role in inheritance, human diseases, biodiversity, and evolution.

We will 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 will also look at the way living things interact with one another and with the nonliving parts of their environment. These interactions play a major role in the overall health of populations, ecosystems, and planet Earth.

Class Participation  15%

Quizzes                   15%

Projects                  25%

Laboratories           25%

Final Exam              20%

Total                      100% 

Grading  Scale:

A= 90- 100 pts

B= 80- 89 pts

C= 70- 79 pts

D= 60- 69 pts

F=   Below 60

Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include:

• General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class
• Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers
• Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs)
• Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork, writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics)
• Optional activities such as study groups

Include all assignments, such as tests, quizzes, papers, reports. It would also be advantageous to include a rubric addressing your standards for class participation here

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

Topic 1: The Scientific Method

Topic 2:  Basic Chemistry

Topic 3: Cells and Cell Processes  

Topic 4: Metabolism

Topic 5: Exploring Enzymes

Topic 6: Mitosis

Topic 7: Meiosis  

Topic 8: Genetics

Topic 9: DNA/RNA/Protein Synthesis

Topic 10: The Nature of Mutation

Topic 11: Biotechnology  

Topic 12: Microevolution

Topic 13: Classification

Topic 14: Taxonomy

Topic 15: Shared Characteristics of Organisms

Topic 16: Evolution

Topic 17: Genes in Populations  

Topic 18: Human Behavior

Topic 19: Ecology

Topic 20: Biodiversity in Human-Altered Environments