BIOL 204 Introduction to Cell Biology*
Cell Biology is a study of biological principles with emphasis upon molecular cell biology - membranes, organelles, energy transfers, cell physiology, and molecular genetics. This course is for science majors.
BIOL 204Introduction to Cell Biology*
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
Credit Hours Narrative
4 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Semester Contact Hours Lab
45
Prerequisite Narrative
CHEM 102 or CHEM 111 and BIOL 202 or BIOL 250
Corequisite Narrative
BIOL 204L
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
Cell Biology is a study of biological principles with emphasis upon molecular cell biology - membranes, organelles, energy transfers, cell physiology, and molecular genetics. This course is for science majors.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of evolution - The diversity of life evolved over time by processes of mutation, selection, and genetic change.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Structure and Function - Basic units of structure define the function of living things
- Demonstrate an understanding of information flow, exchange and storage - The growth and behavior of organisms are activated through the expression of genetic information in context.
- Demonstrate an understanding of systems - Living systems are interconnected and interacting
- Demonstrate competence in the ability to apply the process of science - Biology is evidence based and grounded in the formal practices of observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.
- Demonstrate competence in the ability to apply the interdisciplinary nature of science - Biology is an interdisciplinary science
- Demonstrate competence in using modeling and simulation - Biology focuses on the study of complex systems.
- Demonstrate competence in the ability to understand the relationship between science and society - Biology is conducted in a societal context
- Demonstrate competence in communicating and collaborating scientific information - Biology is a collaborative scientific discipline
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Exams
3-4 written exams covering topics from both lecture and laboratories
4 in-lab skills assessments:
Micropipette Skills Assessment*
Agarose Gel Preparation Skills assessment
Agarose Gel Loading Skills assessment
Cellular Information Flow Skills assessment*
*These 2 skills assessments are considered keystone; if students do not pass one or the other, or both, of these then they will not pass the class
Required Text
Essential Cell Biology, Alberts et. al., most recent edition (as of this writing the 4th edition) Reading Primary Literature: A Guide to Evaluating Research Articles in Biology, C.M. Gillen
Required Materials
Laboratory materials as appropriate. Currently the instructor produces, and provides electronic copies, of all laboratory materials but many of the laboratory exercises are adapted from other sources including, but not limited to: DNA Science by Miklos & Freyer (1990), Genetic Science Learning Center, Genome British Columbia & UBC Let’s Talk Science, and Carolina Biological.
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
3-4 written exams covering topics from both lecture and laboratories
4 in-lab skills assessments:
Micropipette Skills Assessment*
Agarose Gel Preparation Skills assessment
Agarose Gel Loading Skills assessment
Cellular Information Flow Skills assessment*
*These 2 skills assessments are considered keystone; if students do not pass one or the other, or both, of these then they will not pass the class