BIOL 1106 - Principles of Biology I

1. Understand, discuss, and apply knowledge of biochemistry, general cell structure and physiology, metabolism, genetics, and evolution.
2. Recall, explain and apply concepts, knowledge, and vocabulary of biology at the level necessary for success in upper-level biology courses for science majors.
3. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories in biology.
4. Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills at a level appropriate for upper-level biology courses.
5. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory experiments in biology that include the collection of data, statistical analysis, graphical presentation of results, and interpretation of sources of error and uncertainty.
6. Communicate experimental findings both orally and in writing.
7. Understand and apply knowledge of use of the microscope and other biological laboratory equipment.
8. Apply biological knowledge in the proper conduct and interpretation of laboratory investigations.
9. Link the relevance of biological concepts with global and societal issues.

1. Science as a process
   • observing, generating hypotheses, and prediction
   • ontrasting the scientific definition of theory with the colloquial definition of theory
   • application of experimental design
   • analyzing and reporting experimental findings
   • use of tools of biological investigation
2. Chemical context of life
   • characteristics of atoms, molecules, and bonding in living organisms
   • properties of aqueous solutions
   • the properties and categories of biological macromolecules
3. Cells
   • cell theory
   • prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
   • structure and generalized function of cells (cytoplasm, organelles, nucleus)
   • membrane structure and function
   • membrane transport, including osmosis, facilitated diffusion, and active transport
   • general themes of metabolism, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, enzyme function and control
4. Cell Division and Control
   • mitosis
   • meiosis
5. Inheritance
   • Mendelian patterns of inheritance
   • the chromosomal basis of heredity
   • genetic mechanisms
6. DNA
   • the nature of DNA
   • gene expression/protein synthesis
   • DNA technology
7. Evolution
   • the evidence for descent with modification
   • the process of natural selection