SCI 101 Intro to Biology

Campbell, Neil A., Reece, Jane B. Biology (12th edition)
2021, published by Pearson
ISBN-10: 0321558235
ISBN-13: 9780321558237

Students can obtain this text book from the following source:
1) https://www.pearson.com/store/p/campbell-biology/P100002940947/9780135988046

http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Biology-10th-Edition-Reece/dp/0321775651
All reading and (optional) homework assignments referenced in this syllabus refer to this text

2) In addition, it is recommended that students have access to Mastering Biology®, by Pearson. This can be accessed here: https://www.pearson.com/store/p/campbell-biology/P100002940947/9780135988046

3) The following study guide will be made available upon enrollment:
PowerPoint Presentation for
Campbell, Neil A., Reece, Jane B. Biology (12th edition)

Lesson Overview:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Biology
Read Chapters 1-2

This lesson explores the basic themes and concepts of biology, with emphasis on the core theme of evolution. It also introduces students to the thinking of scientists. We discuss the chemical context of life including the role of carbon in biological systems we discuss the structure and function of large biological molecules as an introduction to cellular activity which will be discussed in the next lesson.

Lesson 2: Molecular Structure
Read Chapters 3-5

In this lesson we learn about the relationship between elements and atoms. We discuss the structure of atoms, including the three subatomic particles and the characteristics of each. We define isotopes and explain what causes some isotopes to be radioactive and how people may be helped or harmed by radioactivity. We explain how atoms form molecules and explain why carbon is important in biological molecules. We learn about dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis and explain the roles they play in forming and breaking down large biological molecules. We explore the molecular structure, physical properties, and biological functions of the major groups of carbohydrates and include examples of each. We learn about the molecular structure, physical properties, and biological functions of the major groups of lipids and include examples of each.

Lesson 3: The Cell
Read Chapters 6-9

In this lesson we are introduced to the cell and learn about the structure and function of the cell membrane. We are introduced to the ideas of metabolism, respiration, and fermentation. We learn about the endomembrane system and explain how they are interconnected. We explore the structure and function of both the surface and the internal features of bacterial cells. We describe the components, structure, and function of cell membranes and explain how different components contribute to membrane functions. We learn the basic concepts of diffusion and osmosis.

Lesson 4: Energy and the Cell
Read Chapters 10-12

In this lesson we learn about photosynthesis and the conversion of solar energy to ATP energy. We discuss ATP powers and enzyme regulation. We discuss the Calvin cycle and the uses conversion of ATP energy to sugar. We learn about catabolic pathways and glycolysis. We explore the cell cycle and cell division. We learn about the mitotic phase and the eukaryotic cell cycle and how it is regulated.

Lesson 5: Genetics
Read Chapters 13-19

In this lesson we explore idea of genetics and chromosomal behavior. We learn about meiosis and the sexual life cycles. We discuss inheritance patterns and standard chromosome theory. We learn about gene transcription and translation into proteins. We discuss gene expression in bacteria and multicellular organisms.

Lesson 6: Viruses and Biotechnology
Read Chapters 20-21

In this lesson we learn about virus and their structure. We look at how viruses act as midable pathogens in animals and plants. We look at biotechnology and DNA cloning. We discuss stem cell research and its implications and applications. We learn about genomes and their evolution. We explore how scientists use bioinformatics to analyze genomes and their functions.

Lesson 7: Mechanisms of Evolution
Read Chapters 22-25

In this lesson we discuss Darwin and the theory of evolution. We look at the origin of species and the history of life on earth.

Lesson 8: The Evolutionary History of Biological Diversity
Read Chapters 26-31

In this lesson we discuss phylogeny and the tree of life. We look at bacteria, archaea, and protists. We discuss plant diversity and how plants colonize land. We look at the evolution of seed plants fungi.

Lesson 9: Animal Diversity
Read Chapters 32-34

In this lesson we learn about animals as multicellular, heterotrophic eukaryotes with tissues that develop from embryonic layers. We learn about basic invertebrates such as sponges, cnidarians and lophotrochozoans. We look at the origin and evolution of vertebrates. We look at the differences between chordates and cranites. We learn about Gnathotomes, tetrapods, and amniotes as well as more advanced mammalian forms.

Lesson 10: Plant Structure, Growth, and Development
Read Chapter 35-37

In this lesson we learn about plant structure, growth, and development. We discuss growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation. We look at different mechanisms of transport and rates of transpiration. We learn about soil concepts and plant nutrition.

Lesson 11: Plant Reproduction and Biotechnology
Read Chapters 38-39

In this lesson we discuss angiosperm reproduction and the role of flowers, fruits, and double fertilization. We discuss signal transduction pathways and the role of hormones and light for plant growth.

Lesson 12: Animal Form and Function
Read chapters 40-45

In this lesson we learn about basic principles of animal form and function. We discuss animal nutrition, circulations, and gas exchange. We look at the immune system, osmoregulation, and excretion. We learn about the endocrine system and the role of hormones.

Lesson 13: Animal Reproduction and Development
Read Chapters 46-51

We learn about animal reproduction and development. We discuss the nervous system and explore neurons, synapses, and signaling as well as sensory and motor mechanisms. We learn about animal behavior and mechanisms that stimulate both simple and complex behaviors. We discuss animal learning and ask if experience leads to evolution of behavior.

Lesson 14: Ecology
Read Chapters 52-56

In this lesson we get an introduction to the science of ecology and learn about the biosphere. We discuss the difference between population ecology and community ecology. We learn about ecosystems and their relationship to restoration ecology. We explore conservation biology and how to observe and interpret global changes.

The student’s final grade will be based on a final examination. Examination questions will cover all topics covered in the readings. Students will have two hours to complete the final examination. Students will be assigned a number grade from 0-100. A letter grade will also be issued in accordance with the following scale:

90-100 – A
80-89 – B
70-79 – C
0-69 – non passing