BIOL 204 Introduction to Cell Biology*

Cell Biology is a study of biological principles with emphasis upon molecular cell biology - membranes, organelles, energy transfers, cell physiology, and molecular genetics. This course is for science majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 102 or CHEM 111 and BIOL 202 or BIOL 250. Corequisite: BIOL 204L

Credits

4

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

45

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

BIOL 204Introduction to Cell Biology*

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Biology

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

Credit Hours Narrative

4

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

45

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

Cell Biology is a study of biological principles with emphasis upon molecular cell biology - membranes, organelles, energy transfers, cell physiology, and molecular genetics. This course is for science majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 102 or CHEM 111 and BIOL 202 or BIOL 250. Corequisite: BIOL 204L

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of evolution.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between structure and function throughout the biological hierarchy.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of biological information flow, exchange and storage.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of biological systems
  • Demonstrate competence in the ability to apply the process of science
  • Demonstrate competence in the ability to apply the interdisciplinary nature of science
  • Demonstrate competence in the ability to communicate & collaborate scientific information
  • Demonstrate competence in the ability to understand the relationship between science and society
  • Demonstrate competence in the proper use and care of micropipettes
  • Demonstrate competence in the ability to make and load a minigel for electrophoresis
  • Demonstrate competence in the ability to apply the rules of information flow

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Exams

3-4 written exams covering topics from both lecture and laboratories 4 in-lab skills assessments: Micropipette Skills Assessment* Agarose Gel Preparation Skills assessment Agarose Gel Loading Skills assessment Cellular Information Flow Skills assessment* *These 2 skills assessments are considered keystone; if students do not pass one or the other, or both, of these then they will not pass the class

Required Text

Essential Cell Biology, Alberts et. al., most recent edition (as of this writing the 4th edition) Reading Primary Literature: A Guide to Evaluating Research Articles in Biology, C.M. Gillen

Required Materials

Laboratory materials as appropriate. Currently the instructor produces, and provides electronic copies, of all laboratory materials but many of the laboratory exercises are adapted from other sources including, but not limited to: DNA Science by Miklos & Freyer (1990), Genetic Science Learning Center, Genome British Columbia & UBC Let’s Talk Science, and Carolina Biological.

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

3-4 written exams covering topics from both lecture and laboratories 4 in-lab skills assessments: Micropipette Skills Assessment* Agarose Gel Preparation Skills assessment Agarose Gel Loading Skills assessment Cellular Information Flow Skills assessment* *These 2 skills assessments are considered keystone; if students do not pass one or the other, or both, of these then they will not pass the class