PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I

BIO 103, 4 Credit Hours

Instructor: Casey Smith
Office: Center for Science Room 236
On Campus: Tuesday and Thursday 10-3
Office Phone: 256 -352-7361
E-mail: [email protected]
Prerequisite
Regular admission status
Required Text Book, Lab Manual and Laboratory Materials

Text: Biology11th Edition, by Mader

Lab Manual:
Biology, 11th Edition, by Mader. Customized for WSCC.
Lab Materials: All lab materials will be furnished by WSCC.
Power Points Manual (not required but highly recommended)

Catalogue Course Description

This is an introductory course for both science and non-science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and
biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through a study of the
scientific method, cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics,
genetics, and evolution. Also included is an introduction to biodiversity, with a survey of the archaea,
bacteria, protists, and fungi.
The required laboratory will include experiments, demonstrations, and other activities related to the subject
matter being covered during lecture periods. The proper use and care of basic lab equipment (such as
microscopes) will be taught.
Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a basic foundation of biological knowledge. The
knowledge gained in this course will prepare the student for future courses in which biological principles
are essential.

Objectives and Outcomes

Introduction to Biology

List and explain the characteristics common to all living organisms.

Describe the basic organization of the biosphere.
Explain the basis for classifying and naming organisms.
Explain the steps of the Scientific Method.
Describe the nature of science and what sets it aside from other fields of study.

Chemical Basis of Life

Describe the relationships among matter, atoms, elements, and molecules.

Explain how molecular and structural formulas symbolize the composition of compounds.
Describe the primary types of chemical bonds and the energy relationship found in those
bonds.
List the chemical and physical properties of water and explain how they contribute to life.
Explain ionization of solutes and how it relates to pH.
Define/compare inorganic molecules and organic molecules
List the four major groups of organic molecules, explain their primary functions, and describe
their chemical composition.

Cell Structure and Function

Explain how prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells differ.
Describe and identify the major structures found in cells and explain their functions.
Describe the structure and function of a plasma membrane.
Explain/describe the ways molecules move across a plasma membrane.
Describe the different types of cell junctions.
Cell Energy

Explain the definition of energy and describe the two laws of thermodynamics.
Distinguish between the different types of metabolic reactions.
Describe how cells access energy for their activities.
Explain how enzymes control metabolic activities.
Explain the definition of photosynthesis, and list the products of photosynthesis.
Describe the characteristics of radiant energy as it relates to photosynthesis.
Describe the major steps involved in photosynthesis.
Describe the general steps of carbohydrate metabolism.
Explain how the reactions of cellular respiration release chemical energy.

Cell Reproduction

Describe the steps of the cell cycle.

Define the terms chromosome, diploid, haploid, and homologue, and explain their relationship
to eukaryotic cell division.
Describe the five phases of mitosis.
Describe the steps in prokaryotic cell division.
Describe the overview of the phases of meiosis.
Explain how genetic variation is brought about during meiosis and sexual reproduction.
Compare/contrast meiosis and mitosis.
Describe the human life cycle.

Explain the theoretical basis of Mendelian genetics.

Describe the major human genetic disorders and give an example of each.
Describe the patterns of inheritance which go beyond basic Mendelian genetics.
Explain the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance and related definitions.
Describe the major human chromosome disorders and give an example of each.

Genetics

DNA and Gene Activity

Describe the structure of a DNA molecule.

Explain the steps DNA replication.
Describe the One Gene-One Polypeptide Theory.
Describe the structure of an RNA molecule.
Describe the different types of RNA and their function in gene activity.
Explain the steps of Gene Expression.

Evolution and Diversity

Describe the change in evolutionary thought from the 1700s through today, with emphasis on
Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace.
Explain the concept and various definitions of organic evolution.
List and explain the modern evidences for evolution.
State the Hardy-Weinberg Law and the conditions which must be met.
List the factors which cause allele frequency changes (thus evolution) in a population.
Describe the concept of Natural Selection.
Explain now genetic adaptation results in micro and macroevolution.
Describe the theoretical events involved in the formation of the earth, the development of an
atmosphere, and the origin of life.
Describe the concept of Geological Time, and the major events which happened in the various
Eras and Periods.
Describe the major factors which have influenced evolution.
Explain the basis for classifying and naming organisms.
Explain how to construct phylogenetic trees and describe how they are used to classify
organisms.
Define phylogeny and systematics, and describe Cladistics.
Describe the basic characteristics and phylogeny of Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Protists, and
Fungi, and give an example of each.

Classroom Procedures
Class will begin promptly at the appointed time unless specifically indicated by me.
The primary mode of instruction will be lectures supported by laboratory exercises, the on-line resources
mentioned below, and various multimedia.
Assessments will consist of lecture exams, lab exercises, and lab exams.
Essential study materials are located on the textbook web site: www.mhhe.com/maderbiology10 . This
site, which is free and totally accessible, provides chapter outlines, tutorials, quizzes, animations, study
guides, flash cards, and other related study tools.
This is Blackboard enhanced class. Blackboard is a classroom management system designed for on-line
classes. Although I will not be giving assignments or exams via Blackboard, I will be posting grades and
placing my personal lecture presentations, syllabus, class schedule, handouts, and other materials. Access
to this tool is not mandatory, but extremely useful. You will have your own password for access. If you

do not have a home computer with high speed internet and appropriate software (Power Point), Wallace
State has several computer labs you can use, including one on the second floor of the Science Building.
Grading Procedures
Grades in this course will be based on the following assignments/exams:
5 major grades will be given on the following topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Introduction and Chemistry

Cell Structure, Function, and Energy
Cell Reproduction, Genetics, and Gene Activity
Evolution
Systematics, Survey of Archaea, Bacteria, Protists, & Fung

If all five tests are attempted, the lowest test score will be dropped to determine the
final grade. If a test is missed, a zero will be given and this will count as your drop grade. Also, if after the
first four tests are completed, and the student is satisfied with his/her grade point average, the fifth exam
can be taken as the drop grade. Lab exercises will count for a percentage of each test. Lab questions will be
included on each test. This eliminates the need for lab practicals/exams.
Wallace State is on a Ten Point Scale:
90-100: A

80-89: B

70-79: C

60-69: D

<60: F

Course Policies
Attendance
Class attendance is required, but will not be the determining factor in your grade, only the results of
lecture exams and lab exams. Daily attendance will be taken. If you miss a lecture, several resources
are available for you to obtain the required information. These include the text book as well as the online resources mentioned above.
Lab attendance is required. Labs cannot be made up, and you will not be given credit for completion
of that lab. Remember, lab exercises count a percentage of your grade. Lab absences due to official
school activities will be handled on an individual basis. With advance permission, you may come to a
lab other than at your scheduled time.
No make up exams will be given. See the section above concerning grading procedures. Under
certain circumstances you may take the exam with another class. Missed exams due to official school
functions will be handled individually.
All exams will be taken during your regularly scheduled class/lab time unless prior permission is
granted. Exams will begin promptly at the beginning of the class period.
If you decide to drop the class you must go to the admissions office and fill out the required
paperwork. Failure to do so will result in an F. Please refer to the college calendar for the last day to
drop.
Food and Drinks in the Classroom

No food or drinks (including water) are allowed in the classroom/lab at any time, including the
time prior to class starting. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE TABLE DRAWERS EXCEPT
BOOKS. Please throw any trash you generate during class in the garbage can.
Electronic Devices
Cell phones, pagers, or other such electronic devices are prohibited from class. Leave them in your
car or keep them in your purse, pocket, or backpack (turned OFF). This is a WSCC school
policy, as well. Small tape recorders are allowed.

Miscellaneous
Remember this is a college class. You, and only you, are responsible for your actions or inactions.
You are expected to conduct yourself as college students at all times. Sleeping, inattention, or
excessive talking will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave the classroom and, under some
circumstances, be asked to withdraw from the class.
You are encouraged to read the college catalogue, college handbook, and other campus sources for
additional school policies and procedures.
Cheating, or assisting another person to cheat will result in expulsion from the class.
Special Accommodations
You are encouraged to make me aware of any special accommodations you might need to be successful in
this class. If I cannot satisfactorily solve your problem, see Mrs. Lisa Harris, Director of Special
Populations.
On a separate page is a statement that you have received, read, and understand this syllabus, along with an
Academic Integrity Pledge. You will sign and return this page to me.