eSACS

Introduces the basic concepts of life. Includes discussion of cellular and organismal biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and interaction among all living organisms. Addresses applications of biology in a global community.

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

1. Apply the scientific method to problems encountered in everyday life.
2. Provide examples of the historic development of current scientific thought.
3. Demonstrate basic skills of metric measuring, data collection, data interpretation, and microscope use.
4. Interpret simulations of biological systems and relate them to concrete applications.
5. Describe basic concepts in the field of chemistry and biochemistry.
6. Describe plant structures and functions including reproductive biology, development, and regulation of systems.
7. Identify the internal and external structures of both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and define the functions of each.
8. Recognize energy pathways such as photosynthesis, respiration, and overall cellular metabolism.
9. Describe the basic processes of mitosis and meiosis and relate them to the life cycle of organisms.
10. Summarize the mechanisms of inheritance and the processes by which protein and DNA are synthesized.
11. Describe the major principles of genetics and biotechnology.
12. Understand the mechanisms of natural selection and their impact on evolution.
13. Identify major ecological concepts such as communities, energy flow and nutrient cycling, and renewable and non-renewable resources.
14. Describe the general properties and characteristics of the biological kingdoms.
15. Survey the structure and functions of physiological systems of the animal kingdom.
16. Apply the scientific method and the knowledge gained from the course to global societal concerns.

COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -  

• Scientific method
• Basic inorganic and organic chemistry principles
• Animal biology
• Cell cycle and the mechanisms of molecular genetics
• Plant biology
• Natural selection and evolution
• Biotechnology
• Cell structure and function
• Genetics
• General process of energy transformation: enzyme function,
• Ecology
• photosynthesis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration
• Phylogeny
• World issues and their effects on the field of biology
• SUGGESTED LAB CONTENTS:
• Microscopy
• Metric system
• Osmosis
• Chemistry
• pH/Model building
• Cell structure
• Genetics Environmental
• Dichotomous Key
• Simulation of protein synthesis
• Enzyme activity
• Comparative anatomy
• Plant anatomy