BIOL-1308 Biology Fundamentals

Ian Cheng

Credit Fall 2025

Section(s)

BIOL-1308-012 (19711)
LEC MW 1:30pm - 2:50pm RRC RRC3 3323.00

Course Requirements

Skills Requirements:

Simple reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

 

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. If you do not withdraw, the instructor will do it for you and you will lose your tuition for the course.

 

Course Prerequisite:

There is no prerequisite class needed for taking this class.

Readings

Textbooks and Materials                                                                                                                                 

Required:

Campbell Biology: Concepts and Connections by Jane Reece, Martha R. Taylor, Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey by Pearson Publishing. The 4th edition, ISBN: 9781323669648

Course Subjects

Course Description

This course was designed to provide 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 2304, Biol 2305, Biol 2404), and general biology courses (including Biol 1408 and Biol 1406).

 

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). It is recommended as preparation for the anatomy and physiology assessment tests.

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Goals and Expected Learning Outcomes

Course-Level:

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

  • Describe basic physicochemical 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

Office Hours

Office Hours

Published: 06/03/2025 12:31:19