Faculty

BIOL-1308 Biology Fundamentals

Lakisha Barrett

Credit Fall 2024

Section(s)

BIOL-1308-029 (89139)
LEC MW 4:30pm - 5:50pm DIL DLS DIL

Course Requirements

Course Description:

An introduction to basic biological concepts including the metric system, physical and chemical properties of life, cell structure and function, cell reproduction, and metabolism. Critical thinking skills, study skills, and basic math skills are also included. This course is designed to prepare students to take the anatomy and physiology assessment tests, anatomy and physiology courses (BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2404, BIOL 2420), and general biology courses (including BIOL 1408 and BIOL 1406). This course is not part of the core curriculum. Generally, this course may not transfer to other colleges and universities for college credit.

This is a redesigned section of BIOL 1308 that combines interactive learning modules with strong support to increase success for students pursuing a career in the health professions. Regular attendance and student participation in all activities are encouraged.

Co-requisites:

None.

Skills and Prerequisites:

This course has skill prerequisite R which means you must have reading skills at ACC placement skill level 5 or above or you must have passed a state-approved assessment test (TASP or COMPASS) in reading or you must be exempt from assessment through transcript hours from another college or you must have appropriate ACT, SAT, TAKS, or TASS scores. For more details see http://www.austincc.edu/support/assessment/assessmenteligibility.php.

You do not have to bring proof of your skill levels—they are provided to the instructor during the first week of classes. If you do not have the skill prerequisite, you will have to withdraw from the class.

Readings

Biology Innovation Lab Web Page: http://www.austincc.edu/bioinnovation

Required Texts/Readings

Textbook

Textbook: Concepts of Biology. OpenStax (2013). Rice University. ISBN-10: 1-947172-03-4 Retrieved from https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology

Course Subjects

Module 1: Biological Hierarchy & Metric System

Module 2: Basic Chemistry

Module 3: Water & Acids and Bases

Module 4: Biomolecules

Module 5: Cell Structure and Function

Module 6: Cellular Metabolism

Module 7: DNA Replication & Gene Expression

Module 8: Cell Division

Module 9: Body Systems

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course-Level:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

· Describe basic physiochemical concepts that underlie the structure and function of cells

· Describe the structure and function of the four classes of biomolecules

· Describe the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and their organelles

· Describe the processes by which substances move into and out of cells

· Describe the structure and function of enzymes

· Discuss energy transfer in cells and the pathways of cellular respiration

· Describe DNA replication, protein synthesis, mitosis and meiosis

· Analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information

· Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods

General Education:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

· Demonstrating higher level critical thinking skills, solving problems, and following directions

· Directing their own learning activities to meet course objectives

Course Rationale:

This course was designed to provide the fundamentals of biology and critical thinking skills to prepare students for BIOL 2304 (Human Anatomy), BIOL 2305 (Human Physiology), BIOL 2404 (Intro to A&P), BIOL 1406 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and BIOL 1408 (Introductory Biology—Unity of Life). This course is recommended as preparation for the anatomy and physiology assessment tests.