Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title BIOL 1101: Elements of Biology

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 4 (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 3/Natural Sciences, Goal 9/Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Course Description

A one-semester course for non-science majors that blends traditional and contemporary biological concepts for understanding life in today’s world. Science and the scientific method, the nature of life, cell structure and function, cell reproduction, genetic inheritance, human genetic analysis, biotechnology, and evolution are covered. Students will evaluate ethical issues of some biological, genetic, and biotechnology applications. This course will serve as an introduction to cellular biology to prepare for further study in biology-related or health-related fields. Lab attendance is mandatory.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Scientific Method
  2. Scientific theory, hypothesis, facts
  3. Characteristics of scientific experiments
  4. Peer-review
  5. Identifying pseudoscience
  6. Cell Biology
  7. Basic chemical principles
  8. Molecules of life
  9. Cells-basic unit of life
  10. Molecular transport
  11. Cell metabolism
  12. Mitosis and the cell cycle
  13. Principles of Inheritance
  14. Meiosis
  15. Sexual reproduction in plants and animals
  16. Mendelian inheritance
  17. Pedigree analysis
  18. Human Genetics
  19. Genetics of human conditions
  20. Inheritance problem solving
  21. Applications for diagnostics and treatments
  22. Current issues in the use of the technology of human genetic analysis
  23. Examine, articulate and apply their own ethical views to situations involving information about genetic conditions.
  24. Analysis of the ethical dimensions of the use of the knowledge, and applications of an individual’s genetic information with respect to political, economic and sociological consequences.
  25. Molecular Biology
  26. DNA structure and function
  27. Gene expression (from DNA to protein)
  28. Biotechnology
  29. Processes and purposes
  30. Issues, controversies
  31. Principles of Evolution
  32. Population genetics
  33. Variation and natural selection
  34. Topics in Environmental Biology-optional by instructor

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Define and apply the vocabulary of science and biological systems.
  2. Explain and apply the principles of the chemistry of life.
  3. Compare, contrast, and describe the basic principles of cell structure and function.
  4. Explain how cells and organisms reproduce, both sexually and asexually.
  5. Differentiate and compare the principles of information transfer at the cellular level, from DNA to protein, and at the population level, from one generation to the next.
  6. Describe and explain the principles of genetic inheritance and apply these to the genetics of human conditions
  7. Know and define the processes, applications, and issues involved in the field of biotechnology.
  8. Develop an understanding based in knowledge of one’s own values with regard to biological issues.
  9. Explain and describe the principles of evolution and its underlying causes.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 3/Natural Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
  2. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth, student’s laboratory experience in the collection of data, it’s statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.
  3. Evaluate societal issues from a natural science perspective, ask questions about the evidence presented, and make informed judgments about science-related topics and policies.
Goal 9/Ethical and Civic Responsibility

The student will be able to:

  1. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
  2. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
  3. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None