BIOL 105H - Biology I - Molecular and Cellular Processes (Honors)

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and be able to apply it to a given problem.
2. Describe the chemical elements pertinent to biology.
3. Understand enzyme activity and basic cell metabolism.
4. Discuss the role of biological membranes as applied to cellular respiration.
5. Describe the process of photosynthesis in plant cells.
6. Understand cellular interactions and the processes of cellular reproduction.
7. Describe DNA replication and processes of transcription and translation in gene expression.
8. Describe the structure and function of chromosomes and genes.
9. Understand the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
10. Predict patterns of inheritance according to the rules of Mendelian genetics.
11. Describe the role of the environment in determining gene inheritance.
12. Understand how processes of natural selection lead to evolutionary changes.
13. Describe processes of speciation and their relation to macroevolution.
14. Develop and demonstrate laboratory skills related to general biology including data recording, observation and measurement. 
15. Present scientific data orally and in written lab reports to demonstrate the ability to draw evidence-based conclusions.
16. Identify and evaluate reliable primary sources of information and be able to write scientific literature reviews.
17. Demonstrate advanced skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (at a higher level than the general student population) as demonstrated through assessment. Students will evaluate and analyze data gathered from experiments conducted in the lab, keep a working lab notebook and data book which will be evaluated at the end of the semester for content and organization.
18. Be able to conduct comprehensive research that demonstrates an advanced understanding of research methodologies. In the recitation section of the course, students will be required to present material from research on historical experiments imperative to the advancement of the field.
19. Engage with complex issues that expose them to diverse ideas, peoples, and to interdisciplinary ways of thinking that develop/enhance their critical thinking skills and promote continuous learning outside the classroom.  Students will be introduced to primary literature, where they will be required to describe the research question, hypothesis, methods, results, and conclusions for at least two articles during the course.

• Chromosomes
• Mendelian inheritance
• Genes
• Chromosomal inheritance
• Mitosis
• Genetics and the environment
• Meiosis
• Evolution of populations
• Evolution
• Cell signaling systems
• Phylogeny
• Natural Selection
• Origin of species
• Macroevolution
• Prokaryotes
• Eukaryotes
• Cell cycle
• Macromolecules
• Membranes
• Cell structure and function
• Photosynthesis
• Cellular respiration
• Cell signaling
• DNA structure and function
• Transcription
• Translation
• Gene regulation
• DNA technology
• Atoms and molecules

 
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)