BIOL 106

BIOL 105
Biology for Health Science Majors (GE)

1. Catalog Entry

BIOL 106
Biology for Health Science Majors (GE)

Credit hours (3) Three hours lecture.
        
Intended for any student who is not a Biology major, but who needs to take human anatomy courses for their majors. Students who are not Biology majors must pass BIOL 106 prior to taking Human Structure and Function I or II (BIOL 310, BIOL 311). An introduction to the basic processes of life and science. Emphasis is on scientific investigation and processes common to most organisms including humans. Students who are not required to take upper-level Biology courses for their major program should instead take BIOL 103 or BIOL 104. Students who need laboratory credit should also register for BIOL 106, concurrently or after passing this course.

Note(s): Students whose degrees require both lecture and lab (BIOL 105 and BIOL 106) should take them concurrently whenever possible, as the materials in lab and lecture reinforce each other for a better total learning outcome.

2. Detailed Description of Course

Since BIOL 105 serves as a prerequisite for upper level courses, each time the course is taught the following major topics will be covered: Scientific problem solving; Basic chemistry and biological molecules; Cell structure and diversity; Cellular metabolism; The cell cycle and cell reproduction; DNA structure and replication and protein synthesis; Genetics and patterns of inheritance; Natural selection and evolution. Depending on the interests of the instructor and the students, specific topics may include, but are not limited to:

1. Scientific vs. nonscientific problem-solving and scientific communication
   1. Shared characteristics of the natural sciences
   2. Process of scientific inquiry
   3. Basic and applied science
   4. Clinical trials and case studies
   5. Scientific communication and public engagement
2.  Basic chemistry and biological molecules
   1.  Atoms, ions, isotopes and bonding
   2.  Molecular and structural formulas, isomers
   3. Organic molecules, synthesis and hydrolysis basics
   4. Enzymes
   5. Water: structure, chemical and physical properties
3. Cell structure and diversity
   1. Domains of life
   2. Prokaryotic cell structure
   3. Eukaryotic cell structure
   4. Organelle structure and function
   5. Basic membrane dynamics
   6. Viruses
4. Cellular metabolism
   1. Heterotrophy and autotrophy
   2. Metabolism, catabolism and anabolism
   3. Redox reactions
   4. Anaerobic respiration
   5. Aerobic respiration
5. Cell cycle and cell reproduction
   1. Chromosomes, genes and traits
   2. Stages of interphase
   3. Stages of mitosis and cytokinesis
   4. Meiotic cell division
   5. Regulatory control of the cell cycle
   6. Cancer biology
6. DNA replication and protein synthesis
   1. DNA and RNA structure
   2. DNA synthesis
   3. Central dogma of molecular biology
   4. Transcription
   5. Translation
   6. Mutations
   7. Gene expression
   8. Gene regulation
7. Genetics and patterns of inheritance
   1. Alleles, genotype and phenotype
   2. Mendelian genetics
   3. Extensions of Mendelian genetics
   4. Epigenetics
8. Natural selection and evolution
   1. Evolutionary patterns and processes
   2. Phylogenetics
   3. Unity of life and biodiversity
   4. Science of evolution
   5. Communicating evolution

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course will be taught in the lecture format. Lecture may include activities that promote synthesis, application, analysis, problem solving, and communication skills, and may be delivered via combinations of traditional and online formats. Readings may include textbook, lay and peer-reviewed articles, and other resources. Students may be asked to read, summarize and critique content, and engage in classroom discussions. Whenever possible, students will practice using basic mathematics and statistics.
 
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students will understand the methodologies of scientific inquiry, think critically about scientific problems, and apply principles of a scientific discipline to solve problems in the natural/physical world.
Students will be able to:

1. Distinguish between findings that are based upon empirical data and those that are not.
2. Apply scientific principles within the context of a specific scientific discipline to solve real world problems.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment measures will vary with the instructor, but will generally include lecture and a final exam. Continuing assessment may involve quizzes, class projects, and take-home exams. Students may be asked to do outside research and prepare written or oral presentations applying what they have learned. Students may be asked to argue, orally or in writing, for a particular position in areas where there is disagreement. 

1. Student understanding of the empirical nature of science will be assessed through targeted quiz and/or exam questions and/or summaries.
2. Student ability to apply scientific methods and to use scientific problem-solving may be assessed via critiques, discussions and/or presentations.

6. Other Course Information

Depending on enrollment, multiple instructors may teach the course in a given semester. Although instructors may use some different labs, they will coordinate as much as possible to minimize the effect on support services.

Review and Approval

March 2009

June 20, 2015

March 01, 2021

April 29, 2025