Bergen Community College
Division of Mathematics, Science, and Technology
Department of Biology and Horticulture
General Biology I (BIO-101)
General Course Syllabus
Course Title: General Biology I (BIO-101)
Course Description: This is the first course in a two-semester sequence in general
biology. The course introduces the fundamental principles of
biology and their relationships to society. Lecture topics include:
an introduction to science, basic chemistry, cell biology,
metabolism, genetics, and a survey of the Prokaryotae, Protists,
and Fungi. Laboratory exercises develop a proficiency in the use
of laboratory equipment and guide students in investigations of
biochemistry, cell biology and metabolism, genetics, microbiology,
protists, and fungi.
Prerequisites: None
General Education
Course: Yes
Course Credits: 4.0
Hours per week: 6.0: 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab
Course Coordinator: Robert Highley
Required Lecture
Textbook: Mason, K. A., T. Duncan, G. Johnson, J. B. Losos, and S. R.
Singer. 2018. Understanding Biology, 2nd Ed. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill Education, Inc. (M)
Required Laboratory
Manual: Highley, R. 2007. Exercises in Laboratory Biology I, 3rd Ed.
(ELB)
Revised 2017 Summer
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Student Learning Objectives-
Students will be able to:
1. describe the nature of science as it specifically applies to the discipline of biology. Students will
use the scientific method of inquiry. They will be evaluated by lecture and laboratory
examinations.
2. explain the process of evolution and the impact that Charles Darwin and other evolutionists had
on the explanation of the process. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations.
3. demonstrate the knowledge of the chemical basis of living organisms and how chemistry defines
a large part of the study of biology. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations.
4. define the characteristics of water, the medium on which all life on earth depends. Students will
be evaluated by lecture examinations.
5. be familiar with the nature of organic biocompounds (carbohydrates, proteins etc…) and their
importance as building blocks of living systems. Students will be evaluated by lecture
examinations.
6. identify the chemical and physical structure and diversity of living organisms and how they
interact with the environment. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations.
7. list the characteristics of living organisms. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations
and student projects.
8. explain the composition and function of biological membranes. Students will be evaluated by
lecture and laboratory examinations.
9. define passive transport- diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion and relate the changing
conditions inside and outside of cells to these definitions. Students will be evaluated by lecture
and laboratory examinations.
10. define active transport and relate the changing conditions inside and outside of cells to the need
for AT. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations.
11. explain the nature of free energy and the application of free energy to living systems, mainly in
the metabolism of cells. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations.
12. explain and describe the nature of enzymes and their critical importance to living systems.
Students will be evaluated by lecture and laboratory examinations.
13. follow the cell’s metabolic pathways and their energetic products in both phototrophic and
chemotrophic organisms. Students will be evaluated by lecture examinations.
14. explain the need for cellular reproduction and the different types carried out by selected
organisms. Students will be evaluated by lecture and laboratory examinations.
15. explain the nature of informational molecules (DNA and RNA) and the expression of this
information through the process of gene expression. Students will be evaluated by lecture and
lab examinations.
16. compare Mendelian and non-mendelian inheritance and describe the way living organisms pass
characteristics from one generation to the next. Students will be evaluated by lecture
examinations and student papers.
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17. understand the importance of the light microscope to the practice of biology. Students will be
evaluated in the laboratory regarding the proper use of the microscope during a laboratory
practical. Students’ laboratory participation may also be evaluated in the form of a student
laboratory project.
18. properly use the microscope to examine the difference between selected prokaryotic and
eukaryotic organisms. Students will be evaluated by laboratory observation and laboratory
exams.
19. make a wet-mount of selected biological material and properly use the microscope to view the
material. Students will be evaluated by laboratory observation and laboratory exams.
20. understand the importance of recording laboratory data in the form of a notebook or a laboratory
report. Student notebooks or laboratory reports will be evaluated by their instructors as part of
their final grade.
21. construct two different types of graphs (histogram and Cartesian), in various lab exercises, using a
commercial graphing program. They review each graph for general trends that appear upon the
analysis of the biological data. Students will be evaluated by lab examinations and or lab reports.
22. work as a member of a laboratory group and learn how to collect data or information as part of
this group. Students will be evaluated during the laboratory period and the participation will be
recorded as a component of their final grade. The evaluation may be in the form of a laboratory
presentation in addition to the class participation.
Student Assessment Tools:
The above student learning objectives will be generally assessed or evaluated by instructors using a
variety of assessment instruments including lecture exams, laboratory exams, quizzes, laboratory
reports, written reports, presentations, projects, etc. The decisions concerning the type or types and
number of instruments that are used in a specific section of the course will be left to the instructor of that
section. This information, when given by the instructor should be recorded by the student in the Student
Assessment Section of this document.
Course Content
Lecture Topics:
Chapter Title Text: K. Mason et al. Understanding Biology (M) page
Part I The Molecular Basis of Life
1 The Science of Biology (M): p. 1
The Diversity of Life is Overwhelming
Biology is the Science of Life
Science is Based on Both Observation and Reason
The Study of Evolution is a Good Example of Scientific Inquiry
A Few Important Ideas form the Core of Biology
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2 The Nature of Molecules and the Properties of water (M):p. 21
All Matter is Composed of Atoms
The Elements in Living Systems Have Low Atomic Masses
Molecules are Collections of Atoms held together by Chemical Bonds
The Properties of Water Result from Its Polar Nature
Water Molecules Can Dissociate into Ions
3 The Chemical Building Blocks of Life (M): p. 40
Carbon Provides the Framework of Biological Molecules
Carbohydrates Form both Structural and Energy-Storing Molecules
Proteins are the Tools of the Cell
Nucleic Acids Store and Express Genetic Information
Hydrophobic Lipids Form Fats and Membranes
4 Cell Structure (M): p. 66
All Living Organisms are Composed of Cells
Prokaryotic Cells lack Interior Organization
Eukaryotic Cells are Highly Compartmentalized
Membranes Organize the Cell Interior Functional Compartments
Mitochondria and Chloroplasts are Energy Processing Organelles
An Internal Skeleton Supports the Shape of Cells
Extracellular Structures Protect Cells
Cell to Cell Connections Determine How Adjacent Cells Interact
5 Membranes (M): p. 94
Membranes are Phospholipid Bilayers with Embedded Proteins
Phospholipids Provide a Membrane’s Structural Foundation
Membrane Proteins Enable a Broad Range of Interactions with the Environment
Passive Transport moves Molecules across Membranes by Diffusion
Active Transport Across Membranes Requires Energy
Bulky Materials Cross Membranes within Vesicles
6 Energy and Metabolism (M): p. 115
Energy Flows through Living Systems
The Laws of Thermodynamics Govern All Energy Changes
ATP is the Energy Currency of Cells
Enzymes Speed Chemical Reactions by Lowering Activation Energy
Metabolism is the Sum of a Cell’s Chemical Activities
7 How Cells Harvest Energy (M): p. 131
Cells Harvest Energy from Organic Compounds by Oxidation
Glycolysis Splits Glucose and Yields a Small Amount of ATP
The Krebs Cycle is the Oxidative Core of Cellular Respiration
Electrons Harvested by Oxidation Pass along an Electron Transport Chain
The Total Energy Yield Energy Yield of Aerobic Respiration far Exceeds that of
Glycolysis
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Aerobic Respiration is Regulated by Feedback Inhibition
Some forms of Energy Metabolism Do Not require O2
Carbohydrates are not the only Energy Source Used by Heterotrophs
8 Photosynthesis (M): p. 156
Photosynthesis Uses Sunlight to Power the Synthesis of Organic Molecules
Experiments Revealed that Photosynthesis is a Chemical Process
Pigments Capture Energy from Sunlight
Photosynthetic Pigments are Organized into Photosystems
Energy from Sunlight is used to Produce a Proton Gradient
Using ATP and NADPH from the Light Reactions, CO2 is incorporated into
Organic Molecules
Photorespiration Short-Circuits Photosynthesis
10 How Cells Divide (M): p. 198
Bacterial Cell Division is Clonal
Eukaryotes have Large Linear Chromosomes
The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle is Complex and Highly Organized
During Interphase, Cells Grow and Prepare for Mitosis
In Mitosis, Chromosome Segregate
Events of the Cell Cycle are Carefully Regulated
Cancer is a Failure of Cell-Cycle Control
11 Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis (M): p. 222
Sexual Reproduction Requires Meiosis
Meiosis features Two Divisions with One Round of DNA Replication
The Process of Meiosis Involves Intimate Interactions Between Homologues
Meiosis has Four Distinct Features
Genetic Variation is the Evolutionary Consequence of Sex
12 Patterns of Inheritance (M): p. 238
Experiments Carried Out by Mendel Explain Heredity
Mendel’s Principle of Segregation Accounts for 3:1 Phenotypic Ratios
Mendel’s Principle of Independent Assortment Asserts that Genes Segregate
Independently
Probability Allows us to Predict the Results of Crosses
Genotype Dictates Phenotype by Specifying Protein Sequences
Extending Mendel’s Model Provides a Clearer View of Genetics in Action
14 DNA: The Genetic Material (M): p. 280
DNA is theGenetic Material
The DNA Molecule is a Double Helix
Both Strands are copied during DNA Replication
Prokaryotes Organize the Enzymes used to Duplicate DNA
Eukaryotic Chromosomes are Large and Linear
Cells Repair Damaged DNA
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15 Genes and How They Work (M): p. 304
Experiments Have Revealed the Nature of Genes
The Genetic Code Relates Information in DNA and Protein
Prokaryotes Exhibit all the Basic Features of Transcription
Eukaryotes use Three Polymerases, and Extensively Modify Transcripts
Eukaryotic Genes May Contain Noncoding Sequences
The Ribosome is the Machine of Protein Synthesis
The Process of Translation is Complex and Energy Expensive
Mutations are Alterations in the Sequence, Number, or Position of Genes
16 Control of Gene Expression (Overview) (M): p. 332
17 Biotechnology (Optional) (M): p. 358
18 Genomics (Optional) (M): p. 383
22 Systematics and Phylogeny (M): p. 475
Systematics Reconstructs Evolutionary Relationships
Cladistics Focuses on Traits Derived from a Common ancestor
Classification is a Labeling Process, Not an Evolutionary Reconstruction
Taxonomy attempts to Classify Organisms in an Evolutionary Context
The Largest Taxa are Domains
23 Prokaryotes and Viruses (M): p. 497
Prokaryotes are the Most Ancient Organisms
Prokaryotes Have an Organized but Simple Structure
The Genetics of Prokaryotes Focuses on DNA Transfer
Prokaryotic Metabolism is Quite Diverse
Bacteria Cause Important Human Diseases
Viruses are not Organisms
Bacterial Viruses Infect by DNA Injection
Animal Viruses Infect by Endocytosis
24 Protists (M): p. 522
Protists, the First Eukaryotes, Arose by Endosymbiosis
Overview of Protists
The General Biology and Ecology of the Protists
25 Fungi (M): p. 548
Fungi Have Unique Reproductive and Nutritional Strategies
Fungi have an Enormous Ecological Impact
Fungi are Important Plant and Animal Pathogens
Fungi are Taxonomically Diverse
The General Biology and Ecology of the Fungi
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Laboratory Schedule:
Week Number Title Text: Exercises in Laboratory Biology I (ELB) Page
1. Scientific Investigation (Exercise 1) (ELB): p. 1
Questions Within Exercise (WE)
2. Scientific Measurement (2) (ELB): p. 11
Read: Unit Expression Factors Appendix A, p. 193
Read: Rules for Identifying Significant Figures Appendix B, p. 195
Questions WE and p. 15
3. Qualitative Tests for Biological Molecules (3) (ELB): p. 19
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids
Questions WE
Qualitative Analysis of Two Unknown Substances (4) (ELB): p. 33
Questions p. 34
4. Light Microscopy (5) (ELB): p. 37
Simple Microscopes Compound
Light Microscopes Using A
Compound Microscope
Dissecting Microscopes
Questions WE
5. Cells (6) (ELB): p. 51
Prokaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic Cells
Protists, Plant Cells, and Animal Cells
Questions WE
6. Membranes (ELB)
Read: Biological Mixtures Appendix C, p. 197
Diffusion through a Simulated Semi-permeable Membrane (7) p. 61
Tonicity of Red Blood Cells (8) p. 67
Plasmolysis in Plant Cells (9) p. 71
The Effects of Organic Substances on Cell Membranes (10) p. 73
Questions pp. 65, 69, 70, 72, and 76
7. Enzymes (12) (ELB): p. 83
The Effects of Temperature
The Effects of pH
Questions WE
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8. Energy Generating Pathways (ELB)
Mitochondrion and Chloroplast Structure (11) p. 79
Oxygen Uptake during Aerobic Respiration (13) p. 95
Fermentation (14) p. 103
Questions pp. 80, 98, 101, 105, and 106
9. Photosynthesis (ELB)
Separation of Plant Pigments (15) p. 107
A Qualitative Absorption Spectrum of Chlorophyll (16) p. 111
Carbon Dioxide Incorporation during Photosynthesis (17) p. 115
Questions pp. 108, 112, and 117
Mitotic Cell Division in Plants and Animals (18) (ELB): p. 119
The Onion Root Tip
Plant Cell Division
10. Animal Cell Division
Questions p. 123
11. Meiotic Cell Division in a Flowering Plant (19) (ELB): p. 125
The Flower
Meiotic Cell Division
Questions p. 129
12. Viruses and Bacteria (ELB)
Viruses (20) p. 131
Oil Immersion Microscopy (22) p. 141
Bacterial Morphology (23) p. 145
The Gram Stain (24) p. 149
Questions pp. 133, 139, 142, 146, and 154
13. The Algae (25) (ELB): p. 155
Introduction to the Algae
Euglenophyta, Dinophyta, Rhodophyta,
Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, and Phaeophyta
Questions WE
14. The Protozoa (26) (ELB): p. 169
Introduction to the Protozoa
Rhizopoda, Granuloreticulosa (Forams)
Actinopoda, Kinetoplastida, Apicomplexa, Ciliophora,
Myxomycota, Zoomastigota, and Archeoprotista
Questions WE
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15. The Fungi (27) (E LB): p. 183
Introduction to the Fungi
Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidomycota, and Deuteromycota
The Lichens
Questions WE
Student Assessment: Lecture Examinations %
Laboratory Component %
Student Project/Report %
Class Participation %
Other %
Total 100%
If you have a medical condition or develop a medical condition during this semester, which prevents
you from fulfilling the requirements of this course, you must notify your physician. You and your
physician must decide whether or not it is appropriate for you to remain in this course. If the
decision is to remain in this course, please obtain a letter from your physician indicating that your
continued participation in this course is appropriate and present it to the Department Chair.
Faculty Addenda: As per individual faculty member
Lecture Attendance: As per instructor;
Lab Attendance: As per instructor;
Policy Concerning Late Assignments: As per instructor;
Policy Concerning Make-Up Testing: As per instructor;
Safety Information: As per instructor and assigned exercise.
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College Policies:
These policies can be found in the Bergen Community College Smart Catalog.
Student Responsibility
Students will be held responsible for reading all pertinent information in college publications regarding
withdrawals, course drops, college deadlines, and tuition refunds. Students are responsible for compliance
with the rules and regulations as stated in college publications.
Absence of Instructor
Students are expected to wait twenty minutes for a faculty member to come to class. If at the end of twenty
minutes, the faculty member does not come, the students should sign an attendance sheet, which indicates
the course, date, and time. A student should deliver the attendance sheet to the divisional office (A304) if
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or to the Evening Office (C107) if before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m.
Students cannot be penalized by faculty for not waiting longer than twenty minutes.
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity – the honest, fair and continuing pursuit of
knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Students are responsible for their own work. Faculty and academic
support services staff will take appropriate measures to discourage academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is a
form of academic dishonesty and may be a violation of U.S. Copyright laws. Plagiarism is defined as the
act of taking someone else’s words, opinions, or ideas and claiming them as one’s own.
Consequences of Violations Academic Integrity
A. Instructor’s Sanctions for a Violation
The faculty member will determine the course of action to be followed. This may include:
• Assigning a failing grade on the assignment;
• Assigning a lower final course grade;
• Failing the student in the course
• Other penalties appropriate to the violation;
In all cases, the instructor shall notify the Vice President of Student Services of the violation and the
penalty imposed. The student has the right to appeal the decision of the instructor to the appropriate
department head.
B. Institutional Sanctions for Violations
When a violation of academic integrity has been reported regarding a student, the Vice President of
Student Services may impose disciplinary penalties beyond those imposed by the course instructor,
which may include suspension or dismissal from the College. The student shall have the right to a
hearing before the Vice President of Student Services or a designated judicial affairs committee.
Judicial procedures governing violations of academic integrity are contained in the student handbook.
Class Attendance
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are
registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each
section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will
be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Eating and Drinking
Eating or drinking in classrooms, lecture rooms, laboratories, gymnasium, swimming pool, or passageways
is forbidden. Covered beverages only are permitted in the library. Eating and drinking are permitted in
cafeteria and vending areas only.
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Learning Assistance
Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center
The Tutoring Center, English Language Resource Center, Math W alk-In Center and Writing Center are
collectively known as the Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center. The Cerullo Learning
Assistance Center is located in the Pitkin Education Building, in Room L-125. The telephone number is
(201) 447-7489. The Learning Assistance Center, staffed with peer and professional tutors, offers free
individual and group tutoring, supplemental instruction, and online tutoring for subjects offered at the
College. The Center provides alternative approaches to problem solving and organizational skills. Tutors
help clarify classroom lectures and textbooks and help students prepare for exams. These services build
student self-confidence and reduce fear of failure. The Center is equipped with the latest technology and
software, including tapes, books, review sheets, exercises and software.
Services for Students with Disabilities
The Office of Specialized Services/ Deaf Services, located in L-115 in the Pitkin Education Center provides
accommodations and auxiliary services to students with disabilities attending Bergen Community College.
Students are encouraged to submit documentation to OSS during the early stages of the admission
process. The suggested deadlines for submitting documentation are as follows: August 1st for fall
semesters, December 1st for spring semesters. For more information please contact our office at 201-612-
5270 or at [Link]/oss.
Sidney Silverman Library
Main Building, Pitkin Education Center, L-wing, 2nd Floor.
Paramus Library Hours: (201) 447-7131 or visit [Link]
Paramus Service Desk: (201) 447-7970
Meadowlands Location: 1280 Wall Street, Lyndhurst 2nd Floor
Meadowlands Library Hours: [Link]
Meadowlands Service Desk: (201) 301-9692
[Link]/library
Testing Services
The Bergen Community College Office of Testing Services (OTS) is located in Room S-127. OTS serves
the college community by identifying, developing, procuring, administering, processing, and/or evaluating
examinations, which meet a variety of administrative and instructional needs. To contact the OTS, please
call (201) 447-7203. The Office of Testing Services administers makeup tests as a service for students
who, for compelling and exceptional reasons, have missed a scheduled classroom examination. Students
must receive prior permission from and make arrangements with their course instructors to take these
examinations, under specific conditions, in the Office of Testing Services, Room S-127.
WebAdvisor
WebAdvisor is a web interface that allows students to access information contained in Datatel’s Colleague,
the administrative database used by Bergen Community College. Students may use WebAdvisor to register
for classes, to pay tuition and fees, to view their class schedules, to check grades, to check on progress
toward degree requirements, etc. WebAdvisor accounts are available for all students enrolled in credit
programs. New students are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person registration or advisement session
before using a W ebAdvisor account. Eligible students without WebAdvisor user names and passwords may
access their W ebAdvisor account by going to [Link] and selecting “I’m new to W ebAdvisor.” Then,
follow the on-screen directions. Check the WebAdvisor FAQ for answers to common questions, such as
how to reset your password. Students must have a valid e-mail address on file with the College to use
WebAdvisor 5/25
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