Course Outline for Biological Sciences 41
Fundamentals of Biology for Health Sciences

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 10/04/2021

Catalog Description:

BIOS 41 - Fundamentals of Biology for Health Sciences

4.00 Units

A course that explores basic principles of biology. Emphasis is placed on cell structure and function, cell division, cell metabolism, reproduction, genetics, taxonomy, the origin of life, evolution, animal tissues and development. The laboratory emphasizes the development of important laboratory skills, such as using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting data, preparing for and taking laboratory exams. Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills and experience that are needed to succeed in more advanced courses in biology. This course is intended for students who will study in health sciences fields including students intending to apply to schools of nursing , dental hygiene, and medical technologies. May not receive credit if BIOL 31 has been completed successfully.
Strongly Recommended: MTH 53, Eligibility for ENGL 1.
CB03: TOP Code 0401.00 - Biology, General
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Activity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Laboratory 1.00 54.00 0.00 54.00
Clinical 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Exp (Non-Paid) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Exp (Paid) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 4.00 108.00 108.00 216.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. describe and apply the scientific method and how it is used by scientists to further scientific knowledge;
  2. cite the characteristics and levels of organization exhibited by all living organisms;
  3. use the light microscope and dissecting scope;
  4. describe how cells/specialized cells are structured and function;
  5. describe basic cell metabolism;
  6. describe/contrast, mitosis and meiosis;
  7. describe structure, transmission and expression of genes;
  8. explain the Darwinian concept of evolution as modified by modern scientific knowledge;
  9. describe how the modern (binomial) system names and classifies organisms;
  10. demonstrate/explain basic principles of how to work in a biology laboratory following general lab safety practices.

Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Introduction – Exploring Life
    1. Characteristics of life
    2. Levels of organization
    3. Process of science
      1. Nature of biological inquiry
      2. Power of experimental tests
  2. Chemical Basis of Life
    1. Elements, atoms, molecules, ions
    2. Chemical bonds in biological molecules
    3. Properties of water
    4. pH and buffers
  3. Molecules of Life
    1. Molecules of life from structure to function
    2. Chemical reactions (synthesis and breakdown reactions)
    3. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
  4. Structure and function of the cell
    1. Introduction to the cell  - Prokaryotes - Eukaryotes
    2. Eukaryotes – Organelles
    3. Cell surface specializations and function
  5. Working Cell
    1. Membrane structure and function
    2. Enzyme structure and function
  6. Cellular Metabolism
    1. Energy cycling in ecosystems and trophic modes 
      1. Autotrophs
      2. Heterotrophs
      3. Decomposers 
    2. Cellular respiration and fermentation
      1. Types of fermentation
      2. Organic molecules as fuel for cellular respiration
      3. Stages of cellular respiration
      4. Structure of mitochondria and relationship to cellular respiration
      5. Molecules of cellular respiration and their functions
    3. Photosynthesis 
      1. Structure of pigments, chloroplasts and plant leaves
      2. Light dependent reactions
      3. Light independent reactions 
      4. Photosynthesis variants 
  7. How Cells Reproduce
    1. Nuclear and cell division mechanisms
    2. Eukaryotic cell cycle and mitosis
    3. Meiosis and sexual reproduction 
    4. Crossing over
    5. Alterations of chromosome number and structure
  8. Observing Patterns in Inherited Traits
    1. Mendelian genetics
    2. Non-mendelian genetics 
    3. Chromosomes/Human Genetics/Inherited Diseases
    4. Chromosomal basis of inheritance
    5. Sex chromosomes and sex linked genes
  9. DNA Structure and Function
    1. Discovery of DNA structure
    2. DNA replication and repair
  10. DNA to Proteins
    1. Control of gene expression
    2. How is RNA transcribed from DNA
    3. How pre-mRNA is processed to mRNA
    4. Translation of mRNA into protein
    5. Mutations and cancer
  11. Biotechnology
    1. Human uses of biotechnology 
    2. Bioethics
  12. Process of Evolution
    1. Theory of natural and selection
    2. Population genetics 
    3. Variation and natural selection
  13. Microevolution
    1. Hardy-weinberg concept
    2. Genetic drift and gene flow
  14. Macroevolution
    1. Concepts of species
    2. Reproductive barriers between species
    3. Mechanisms of speciation
  15. Origin and Early Evolution of Life
    1. Early earth and its environment
    2. Origin of the first cells
    3. Evolution of eukaryotes
    4. Timeline for evolution of life on earth
  16. Diversity of life 
    1. Domains of life and biological systematics
    2. Major groups of bacteria and significance to humans 
    3. Major groups of eukaryotes and significance to humans
      1. Eukaryotic supergroups and kingdoms
    4. Animal sexual reproduction and embryonic development
    5. Animal primary tissues and organ systems

 

Course Content (Laboratory):

  1. Laboratory Safety
    1. proper attire
    2. safe lab behavior
    3. biohazard identification
    4. proper disposal of wastes
    5. personal protective equipment
    6. safe use of lab equipment 
    7. lab maintenance
  2. Scientific inquiry and experimental design
    1. Measurement systems
    2. Experimental controls
    3. Data gathering through tools and technology
    4. Analysis and interpretation of data 
    5. Reporting of written and graphed data 
    6. Discussion and analysis of results
  3. Chemistry of food macromolecules
  4. Cell structure and specialization
    1. Microscopy
  5. Membrane transport and osmosis
  6. Enzyme function
  7. Energy processing in biological systems
  8. Cell division
  9. Mendelian genetics and chromosomes
  10. DNA structure, function and biotechnology
  11. Evolution and classification of life
  12. Diversity of prokaryotes 
  13. Diversity of eukaryotes 
    1. Eukaryotic supergroups
    2. Animal cells, tissues, organs and diversity

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Laboratory
  3. Distance Education
  4. Group Activities
  5. Laboratory exercises
  6. Written assignments

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Explain the four stages of cellular respirations by name, sub-cellular location, reactant and products of chemical reactions and the proteins/cofactors necessary to complete each stage.
  2. Measure carbon dioxide production in germinating peas at two different temperatures and collaborate with other groups to compare results.
  3. Describe the relationships between different trophic modes in an ecosystem.
  4. Write a laboratory report on the effects of two temperatures on carbon dioxide production by yeast.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Midterm Examinations (minimum of 2)
  2. Quizzes
  3. Laboratory practical exams
  4. Homework
  5. Final Examination
  6. Lab Activities
  7. Laboratory exercises
  8. Written assignments
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. apply the techniques of scientific inquiry to perform experiments, gather and evaluate data, and interpret their results;
  2. collaborate with peers in order to share information, ideas and responsibilities while preparing for lab, conducting lab, and safely managing laboratory equipment;
  3. apply biological principles to everyday occurrences, social issues, or novel situations.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Mader, S (2020). Inquiry Into Life (16th). McGraw Hill.
  1. Tsao, J. Biological Sciences 41 Laboratory Exercises. Chabot College Reprographics, .
Additional Materials:
  • Goggles (chemical safety compliant, can be borrowed from the biology lab)
  • Fluid resistant gloves (e.g. nitrile gloves)
  • Lab coat (dependent on laboratory performed, can be borrowed from the biology lab).
  • Protective medical procedure face masks
  • Color pencils

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

An introductory biology course that explores the basic principles of biology including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function. This course places emphasis on developing needed laboratory skills for success especially for the further health sciences courses at Chabot. For example, it is the prerequisite for Human Anatomy (BIOS 42). This course is intended for students who will study in health sciences fields including students intending to apply to schools of nursing , dental hygiene, and medical technologies. May not receive credit if BIOL 31 has been completed successfully.
Strongly Recommended: MTH 53, Eligibility for ENGL 1.

Discipline:
Biological Sciences*