Last Revision: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS
BIO 103 Principles of Biology I
4 Semester Credit Hours - A 5 Contact Hours
I. Course Description
This is an introductory course for science and non-science majors. It covers physical,
chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are
explained through a study of cell+ structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic
biochemistry, cell energetics, and process of photosynthesis and Mendelian and
molecular genetics. Also included are the scientific method basic principles of evolution
and an overview of the diversity of life with emphasis on viruses, prokaryotes and
protists. A 120 minute lab is required.
II. Prerequisite
None
III. Course Textbook, Lab Manuals, or Other Required Materials
A. Mader, Sylvia. Biology. 12th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill Publishing Co., 2015.
B. Wachtmeister, Scott. Encounters with Life. 7th ed. Boston: Morton Publishing,
2006.
IV. Course Learning Outcomes
A. The student will develop an understanding of the functional processes of life.
B. The student will develop an understanding of the Scientific Method and its role in
broadening our knowledge base.
C. The student will develop an appreciation for the organization of life
D. The student will develop an understanding of the production and transfer of
energy on the organismic and molecular levels.
E. The student will develop an understanding of the diversity and classification of
organisms.
F. The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of genetics and
be able to use this knowledge to explain basic inheritance patterns.
G. The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of biochemistry
and their application to organisms.
H. The student will develop an understanding of cell structure function and
reproduction common to all organisms.
I. The student will develop basic laboratory techniques relative to the study of living
things.
V. Outline of Course Topics
A. Lecture Topics
1. Introduction to Biology-This includes a historical perspective, scientific
method, characteristics of life, species diversity and evolution, levels of
organization, and classification.
2. A survey of viruses, prokaryotes, protests, and fungi.
3. Chemical basis of life-This includes atomic structure, chemical bonding,
the importance of water in biological systems, ionization, and inorganic
and organic compounds including a study of carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, and nucleic acids.
4. Cell structure and function-This includes the cell theory, a study of
eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, cell structures and their functions, and
biological membranes and cellular transport.
5. Cell energetics- This includes a study of thermodynamics, energy
transformations and metabolism, a study of ATP, cellular respiration, and
photosynthesis.
6. Cell reproduction-This includes a study of chromosomes, mitosis, and
meiosis.
7. Genetics-This includes a study of Mendel’s experiments and laws, genetic
crosses, basic genetic phenomena, and molecular genetics.
8. Nucleic acids-This includes a study of DNA structure and replication and
RNA structure and protein synthesis.
B. Laboratory Topics
1. Introduction to lab
2. Overview of the diversity of life
3. Natural selection and taxonomy
4. Viruses, prokaryotes, protests, and fungi
5. Introduction to biochemistry
6. Introduction to the cell
7. Diffusion, osmosis, and membranes
8. Enzymes
9. Cell respiration
10. Photosynthesis
11. Mitosis
12. Meiosis
13. Genetics
VI. Methods of Instruction
A. Lecture/Discussion
B. Biology laboratory
C. Power Point Presentations
D. Blackboard (tutorial/practice)
E. Individual instruction (instructor and tutors)
VII. Evaluation and Assessment
A. The course grade will be determined by the following methods:
1. Written and oral quizzes
2. Written exams
3. Oral presentations (individual and/or group)
4. Homework
5. Class participation
6. Projects
7. Comprehensive final exam
B. The individual instructor and/or department will determine grades based upon the
following: A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, and F=below 60%.
VIII. Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are
unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should
withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to
achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility
for federal financial aid.
IX. Statement on Discrimination/Harassment
Northeast Alabama Community College and the Alabama State Board of Education are
committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of
harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion,
national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of
Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination
will not be tolerated.
X. Statement of Adherence to ADA Guidelines
Instructors will adhere to the Americans With Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act (1973) and will publish the following statement on course outlines
given to students at the beginning of each semester: “Any individual who qualifies for
reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act or Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act (1973) should notify the instructor immediately.”
