BIOLOGY 311C

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I

BIOLOGY 311D
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II

Introduction to structure & function, energy flow, and the

transmission & expression of genetic information in living systems.

Introduction to mechanisms of inheritance and evolution,

plant and animal physiology, and species interactions

BIG IDEA III

BIG IDEA I

structured at many interrelated levels.

2 Chemistry for Biology: The structure and

properties of chemicals determine the behavior and

functions of molecules in organisms.

3 Biological Molecules: Cell components and cells

and made up of biological molecules with specific
chemical properties.

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4 Origin of Life: The first living cells originated by

chemical evolution in pre-biotic earth.

5 Cell Structure: The structure of cells has evolved

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to perform a variety of essential functions.

6 Biological Membrane: Cell membranes are

selectively permeable barriers.

7 Cell Communication: Cells communicate with

each other and can convert environmental signals

to complex integrated responses within a cell.

BIG IDEA II

ENERGY IS TRANSFORMED
TO SUSTAIN LIVING SYSTEMS

Metabolism: Energy transfer and transformation

is critical to all aspects of biology from cells to
ecosystems.
Respiration: Organic molecules are broken down
in cellular respiration to make ATP.

10 Photosynthesis: Light energy is harnessed into

chemical bond energy of organic molecules in
photosynthesis.

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DNA Structure & Replication: DNA is the molecule

of heredity in all organisms.
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Transcription & Translation: Genetic information
flows from DNA to RNA to protein.

Gene Regulation: Cells can regulate gene

expression at many points during the process.

Recombinant DNA: Scientists utilize knowledge of

gene structure and regulation to express modified
genes.

Genetic information is transmitted from generation

to generation by mitosis, meiosis and fertilization.

CORE COMPETENCIES
CONTENT INDEPENDENT

Ability to apply the process of science, by

practicing observation, hypothesis testing,
and experimental design.

Ability to use quantitative reasoning, in data

analysis and interpretation.

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Microevolution produces changes in allele frequency

from one generation to the next. Adaptations are the
products of evolution by natural selection.

Evolutionary relationships can be depicted using

phylogenetic trees.

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Big Idea II 44- PHYSIOLOGY

STRUCTURE & FUNCTION

Organisms demonstrate a wide variety of distinct

evolutionary adaptations to physiological and
environmental challenges
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The evolution of multicellularity and cellular specialization

allowed organisms to survive in a range of environments

Differences between early embryonic cells lead to differential

gene expression and development of complex body plans.

Diverse life cycles and modes of reproduction maximize

reproductive success and reflect evolutionary tradeoffs.

Variations in abiotic and biotic environment determine

distributions of organisms and their adaptations.Populations are dynamic and limited, varying in size
and spatial distribution over time.

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Human activities have disrupted ecosystems and

accelerated the rate of species extinction.

COURSE
COMPETENCIES
CONTENT INDEPENDENT

Plants and animals evolved gas exchange systems to

maximize diffusion and to maintain optimal cellular conditions,
despite potential wide fluctuations in external environment

Ability to use quantitative reasoning, in

data analysis and interpretation.

Plants and animals have vascular systems to transport

materials from sites of exchange with the environment
to sites of exchange with cells.

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Ability to use modeling to describe interactions

and predict changes in complex systems.

Ability to understand the relationship

between science and society.

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Organisms detect, integrate, and coordinate responses

to environmental stimuli.

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Energy flows through ecosystems, and nutrients cycle

within ecosystems and between biotic and abiotic
components.

Diverse adaptations maximize ability to acquire energy,

exchange resources, and eliminate wastes.
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Ability to apply the process of science, by

practicing observation, hypothesis testing,
and experimental design.

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Ability to understand the relationship between

science and society.

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Biological community structure is shaped by diverse

Speciation bridges microevolution and macroevolution, occurs 16
interactions among species, including trophic interactions.
when populations become genetically isolated from one another.

Ability to use modeling and simulation in a

systems biology approach.
Ability to communicate and collaborate with
other disciplines.

Organisms evolve as a result of interactions

with one another and with their environment,
and these interactions change over time.

Phenotypes can be predicted based on Mendelian inheritance

and chromosome linkage, and as influenced by environment.

Cell Cycle: Mitosis is essential for growth,

development and reproduction of somatic cells.
Meiosis: Meiotic cell division leads to gamete
formation, generates genetic variability and
transmits alleles from one generation to the next.

Big Idea III - ECOLOGY

Organisms inherit genes, which are modified by

evolutionary processes over time, resulting in the
past and present diversity of life on Earth.

GENETIC INFORMATION IS
EXPRESSED AND TRANSMITTED

STRUCTURE RELATES TO FUNCTION

1 Biological Hierarchy: Biological systems are

Big Idea I - EVOLUTION & DIVERSITY

Cell communication and hormone systems serve to maintain

homeostatic environments and coordinate physiology.

Ability to communicate and collaborate

with other disciplines.