BIO 113 Introduction to Biology Lab
1 credit
Description:
Basic laboratory studies of structure, function and interactions of living organisms including cell theory, genetics, energetics, evolution and ecology.
Components: Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours)
Co-requisites:
BIO 112Competencies:
Upon completion of this course, the student can:
1. Analyze information using the Scientific Method.
2. Describe basic cellular functions that are essential to all life.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking about basic concepts of biology and to integrate that knowledge into a practical application for daily life.
4. Describe the evolutionary relationships that develop among organisms.
5. Describe the position of humans in the hierarchy of life and our relationship to the environment as a biological organism.
6. Describe the concept of heredity and how it is influenced on a genetic level.
Outline:
I. Lab Safety
A. General lab safety rules including proper lab procedures
B. Identify the locations of safety equipment in the laboratory
C. Proper use of safety equipment.
II. Scientific Method & Measurement
A. Scientific Method
B. Scientific Measurement
III. Use and Care of A Microscope
A How to handle a microscope
B. Parts and functions of the microscope
C. Magnifying Power
D. How to focus a microscope
IV. Cell Theory
A. Cell size in relation to surface area
B. Basic characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
C. Unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms.
V. Movement through a Membrane
A. Difference between passive and active transport through a membrane
B. Diffusion
C. Osmosis
VI. Molecular Biology
A. pH
B. Metabolism
C. Molecules of life
VII. Cell Division
A. Stages of the cell cycle
B. Comparison of plant and animal cell reproduction
C. Comparison of mitosis and meiosis
VIII. Molecular Genetics
A. Basic structure of DNA and RNA
B. DNA Replication
C. RNA synthesis
D. Synthesis of proteins
E. Mutations
IX. Heredity
A. Mendel’s principles of segregation and independent assortment
B. Difference between genotype and phenotype
C. Difference between recessive and dominance
D. Punnet squares
X. Evolution
A. Natural selection
B. Variation in a population
C. Evidence of evolution
XI. Taxonomy
A. Scientific nomenclature
B. Levels of classification
C. Major criteria for classifying organisms
D. Phylogeny
XII. Ecological Relationships
A. Interrelationships between producers and consumers
B. Interrelationships between abiotic and biotic factors in the environment
C. Energy flow through a community
D. Succession
E. Populations
XIII. Organismal Biology
A. Major external features of selected organisms
B. Major internal structures of selected organisms
C. Functions of major structures studied
Experiments/activities:
1. Laboratory Safety
2. Measurement and metric conversion
3. Scientific Method and applications
4. Microscope use and care
5. Lab techniques
6. Experimental design
7. Dissection
8. Classify and identify organisms
9. Comparison plant and animal cells
10. Cell division
11. Heredity
12. Ecology
13. Metabolism
Learning resources:
Revised:
May 2005