General Biology I

This course is designed to provide an introduction to fundamental concepts of molecular and cellular biology.

Topics include chemical foundations of life; importance of water in supporting life; Cell- the structural and functional unit of life; prokaryotes; eukaryotes; cellular conversion of nutrients into usable energy; relationship between genotype and phenotype, practical applications of biotechnology and a spotlight on human form and function.

This course is appropriate for students interested in a refresher biology class, professionals in other disciplines considering a career change to the biological sciences, biology majors and pre-health professionals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Explain fundamental biology concepts and terms Outline the basic chemical processes and chemical composition of organisms Summarize the structure and functions of cellular components Explain the importance of cells in our understanding of biology Analyze transport across the plasma membrane Analyze energy flows in cells Explain the flow of genetic information from DNA, through RNA, to protein Analyze the structure of the DNA molecule in relation to its function of information storage Analyze control of genetic expression Analyze the use of molecular biology tools in different fields of biology and industry Relate animal form to function Apply knowledge to interpret and analyze environmental and medical case studies Synthesize and integrate knowledge to explain the molecular basis of diseases