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BIO 140 General Biology

This course provides a survey of fundamental biological concepts.  Emphasis is placed on scientific literacy, basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecology and biodiversity.  Students will apply course content to make informed decisions about issues related to the natural, physical and social world as an individual and member of society.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

BIO 140 General Biology

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Wilmington
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202451

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

4 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course provides a survey of fundamental biological concepts.  Emphasis is placed on scientific literacy, basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecology and biodiversity.  Students will apply course content to make informed decisions about issues related to the natural, physical and social world as an individual and member of society.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Use the scientific framework to make decisions based on facts, data, and research as a consumer of information. (CCC 2, 5, 6)

  2. Explain basic chemical principles as they relate to cellular structure and processes. (CCC 2)

  3. Examine the flow of energy, energy transformations, and cycling of matter among living organisms and the abiotic environment. (CCC 2)

  4. Explain DNA replication, the central dogma, cell division, and discuss the implications of these processes on inheritance. (CCC 2)

  5. Differentiate between the taxonomic groups of life and nonliving matter. (CCC 2)

  6. Explain the role of evolution in population dynamics and integrate ecological principles to explain the impact of humans on the environment and biodiversity. (CCC 2)

  7. Apply scientific principles while using laboratory tools to collect and interpret data. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Use the scientific framework to make decisions based on facts, data, and research as a consumer of information. 

    1. Use the scientific method to evaluate experimental design.

    2. Use quantitative data and statistical analysis to draw conclusions. 

    3. Use primary and secondary literature to identify whether a claim is pseudoscience or real.

  2. Explain basic chemical principles as they relate to cellular structure and processes. 

    1. Classify the types of bonds used to form molecules.

    2. List the biologically important characteristics of water that are due to its high polarity and hydrogen bonding.

    3. Describe the four major classes of organic molecules used by cells, their function, and their building blocks.

    4. Explain active and passive transport methods.

    5. Describe the structure of membranes. 

    6. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

    7. Describe the functions of the cell’s organelles and cytoskeleton.

    8. Explain the endosymbiotic theory. 

  3. Examine the flow of energy, energy transformations, and cycling of matter among living organisms and the abiotic environment. 

    1. Explain the role of ATP in a cell.

    2. Describe the importance of enzymes in metabolic pathways.

    3. Explain the flow of energy through the stages of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

    4. Describe the possible fates of the end products of glycolysis.

    5. Chart the flow of energy and nutrients through a food chain.

    6. Explain the carbon, water, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.

    7. Differentiate between the greenhouse effect and global warming.

  4. Explain DNA replication, the central dogma, cell division, and discuss the implications of these processes on inheritance. 

    1. Explain the steps of binary fission, mitosis and meiosis.

    2. Describe the structure, function and replication of DNA.

    3. Explain the flow of information from DNA to protein and the effects from mutations.

    4. State Mendel’s first two laws of heredity. 

    5. Complete genetic crosses and interpret phenotypic ratios. 

    6. Describe complex inheritance patterns such as X-linked disorders. 

    7. Interpret a human pedigree.

    8. Explain the role of sex chromosomes in determining sex.

    9. Explain the events that transform a fertilized egg into an embryo.

    10. Explain fetal development during the trimesters of pregnancy.

    11. Describe how genetic engineering has impacted our lives.

  5. Differentiate between the taxonomic groups of life and nonliving matter. 

    1. List and describe the properties demonstrated by living things.

    2. Differentiate between viruses, bacteria and archaea.

    3. Identify the ecological role of protists and fungi and their impact, both positive and negative on humans.

    4. Differentiate between primitive plants, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms.

    5. Describe the structure of a flower and the adaptive significance of fruits.

    6. Classify members of the following Phyla: Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Rotifera, Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, Echinodermata.

    7. Differentiate amongst the following classes of phylum Chordata: Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia.

  6. Explain the role of evolution in population dynamics and integrate ecological principles to explain the impact of humans on the environment and biodiversity. 

    1. List the categories of evidence for evolution.

    2. Identify examples of artificial selection and natural selection, as well as the patterns of natural selection.

    3. Define speciation and the role of genetic divergence among populations in creating new species.  

    4. Describe processes that bring about changes in allele frequencies within a population.

    5. Discuss population dynamics for human and natural populations.

    6. Explain the concept of an ecological community and how it relates to ecological diversity.  

    7. Explain how the loss of biodiversity affects human life.

  7. Apply scientific principles while using laboratory tools to collect and interpret data.

    1. Use scientific reasoning to investigate observations. 

    2. Use scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.

    3. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.

    4. Communicate the results of scientific investigations effectively.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal