The content, assignments, and assessments for Biology for Majors I are aligned to the following learning outcomes. Click here for a more detailed list of outcomes.

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

Define biology and apply its principles

• List the defining characteristics of biological life
• Identify the different kinds of cells that make up different kinds of organisms
• Describe classification and organizational tools biologists use, including modern taxonomy
• Describe biology as a science and identify the key components of scientific inquiry

Module 2: Chemistry of Life

Identify the principles of chemistry that are integral to biology

• Identify the building blocks of matter
• Classify different types of atomic bonds
• Categorize molecules according to their functional group
• Demonstrate familiarity with the pH scale
• Understand basic chemical reactions
• Demonstrate familiarity with the first and second laws of thermodynamics

Module 3: Important Biological Macromolecules

Identify and describe the main features of the four main classes of important biological macromolecules

• Describe the structure and function of proteins
• Illustrate different types of lipids and relate their structure to their role in biological systems
• Summarize the roles carbohydrates play in biological systems
• Discuss nucleic acids and the role they play in DNA and RNA
• Discuss macromolecules and the differences between the four classes

Module 4: Cellular Structure

Identify and explain a variety of cellular components

• Understand why and how the light microscope and electron microscope are used in biology
• Identify membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells
• Demonstrate familiarity with various components of the cytoskeleton, including monomeric units
• Demonstrate familiarity with various cell surface specializations

Module 5: Cell Membranes

Describe and explain the structure and function of membranes

• Describe the structure and function of membranes, especially the phospholipid bilayer
• Distinguish between passive and active transport; explain how substances are directly transported across a membrane
• Describe the primary mechanisms by which cells import and export macromolecules

Module 6: Metabolic Pathways

Explain the metabolic pathways involved in the capture and release of energy in cells

• Understand the role movement of electrons plays in energy exchanges in cells
• Identify the basic components and steps of photosynthesis
• Identify the reactants and products of cellular respiration and where these reactions occur in a cell
• Illustrate the basic components and steps of fermentation

Module 7: Cell Communication

Identify the main components of a signal transduction pathway

• Differentiate between different types of signals
• Describe how a cell propagates a signal
• Describe how a cell responds to a signal
• Describe how a cell responds to a signal

Module 8: Cell Division

Describe and explain the various stages of cell division

• Understand chromosome structure and organization in eukaryotic cells
• Identify the stages of the cell cycle, by picture and by description of major milestones
• Identify and explain the important checkpoints that a cell passes through during the cell cycle
• Identify the stages of meiosis by picture and by description of major milestones; explain why meiosis involves two rounds of nuclear division
• Describe and explain a range of mechanisms for generating genetic diversity
• Examine karyotypes and identify the effects of significant changes in chromosome number

Module 9: DNA Structure and Replication

Relate DNA structure to the process of DNA replication

• Explain how DNA stores genetic information
• Explain the role of complementary base pairing in the precise replication process of DNA
• Recognize the impact of DNA mutations

Module 10: DNA Transcription and Translation

Describe the conversion of DNA to RNA to proteins

• Outline the process of genetic transcription
• Summarize the process of genetic translation
• Outline the process of prokaryotic transcription and translation
• Identify the central dogma of life

Module 11: Gene Expression

Explain the regulation of gene expression

• Define the term regulation as it applies to genes
• Discuss different components of prokaryotic gene regulation
• Discuss different components and types of epigenetic gene regulation

Module 12: Trait Inheritance

Complete monohybrid and dihybrid crosses and family pedigrees, and explain the inheritance of various traits

• Identify the impact of Gregor Mendel on the field of genetics and apply Mendel’s two laws of genetics
• Explain complications to the phenotypic expression of genotype, including mutations
• Explain the conventions of a family pedigree and predict whether a disease will be passed through a family in one of three modes
• Discuss the role environment plays on phenotypes

Module 13: Theory of Evolution

Explain the theory of evolution, which documents the change in the genetic makeup of a biological population over time

• Describe the work of Charles Darwin in the Galapagos Islands, especially his discovery of natural selection in finch populations
• Describe how the theory of evolution by natural selection is supported by evidence
• Recognize that mutations are the basis of microevolution; and that adaptations enhance the survival and reproduction of individuals in a population
• Read and analyze a phylogenetic tree that documents evolutionary relationships

Module 14: Modern Biology

Describe and discuss techniques used in modern biology

• List key technologies enabling modern uses of biology
• Identify societal uses of biotechnology
• Discuss the risks and benefits involved in applications of genetic and genomic science

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