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                | BIO 104 - Introductory Biology w/lab Credits: 3Lecture Hours: 2
 Lab Hours: 2
 Practicum Hours: 0
 Work Experience: 0
 Course Type: Core
 Introduction to basic concepts in biology. Topics include the scientific method, cell structure and function, genetic inheritance, evolution, diversity of life at the organismal level, ecology and ecosystems. Biology as an experimental science and biotechnology will be explored through laboratory experiences.
 Competencies
 
 
	Act competently and safely  in the laboratory 
	
		Locate safety equipment in the laboratory Use safe behavioral practices when in the laboratoryUse laboratory equipment correctlyDemonstrate competence in the use of microscopesUtilize the metric systemDescribe how the scientific process is used to investigate scientific questions.
	
		List the stages of the scientific process.Recognize the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.Understand the limitations of science.Gain exposure to current scientific issuesExplain the characteristics found in all living things.
	
		Describe the organization and chemistry of lifeDiscuss biology’s unifying principlesCorrelate cell structure and function
	
		Identify plant and animal cell structure and explain the functionsDifferentiate how plants and animals obtain their energyExplain the cell theoryCompare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellsList evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theoryAssess the role of the cell membrane in cell regulation
	
		Compare and contrast ways molecules pass in and out of the cell.Describe the membrane’s roles in cell communication and cell recognition.Summarize the stages and the events that occur in the cell cycle
	
		Identify cell cycle checkpointsCompare and contrast mitosis, meiosis and binary fission.Appraise the roles of genes in inheritance
	
		Apply Mendel’s laws to find solutions to various genetic problems.Recognize non-Mendelian inheritance patternsDescribe chromosome structure and karyotypingDifferentiate sex-linked inheritance from autosomal inheritance.Distinguish gene linkage from independent gene assortment.Discuss the importance of biotechnology to society
	
		List the steps involved in cloning a gene.Explain the impact of the Human Genome Project.Give specific examples of biotechnology in medical and agricultural applicationsExplain how biotechnology relates to gene therapy, vaccine development and other areas of medicineDiscuss inheritance at the molecular level starting with the central dogma of molecular biology.
	
		Describe DNA structure and how it relates to its function as the genetic code.Explain DNA replication as a semiconservative processList the roles of RNA in protein synthesisDefine gene mutations and list various types of mutationsDiscuss the theory of evolution.
	
		Give specific examples of evidence supporting the theory of evolution.Explain Darwin’s contributions of Natural Selection to understanding of evolution.Recognize the roles of genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow to evolutionDescribe the mechanisms which lead to the development of new species.Explain the relationship between microevolution, macroevolution and adaptation.Appraise the diversity of life
	
		Distinguish characteristics of viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, plants and animals.Explain the evolutionary development of plants and animals from primitive life to complex advanced multicellular organismsConsider ecology and its impact
	
		Discuss population, community and ecosystem ecology.Explore the ecological impact of humans and technology.Discuss evidence and issues associated with Climate ChangeUnderstand community interactions, including keystone and invasive speciesExplain the process of nutrient cycles within ecosystemsDescribe the flow of energy through ecosystems 
 
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