BIO-118 Contemporary Biology I

An introductory biology course with laboratory designed for non-science majors. Topics covered include: the scientific process, cells, biochemistry, cellular metabolism, genetics, and biotechnology. The emphasis is on application of basic biological principles to contemporary issues and problems. Students will achieve basic scientific literacy with a goal of improved critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. This course carries SUNY General Education Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) credit.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Successful Completion of all Required Remedial Courses

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

2

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Science & Technology

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• Yes

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will describe and apply the basic principles of biology (biochemistry, the organization and energetics of the cell, genetics, and biotechnology) in relation to contemporary issues
2. Students will apply the methods and process of science, and be able to critically evaluate scientific articles in the popular press
3. Students will access information needed to make informed scientific decisions as necessary in their personal life as well as their role as educated citizens

View Course Outline

BIO 118: Contemporary Biology I

Department

Science and Technology

Course Description

An introductory biology course with laboratory designed for non-science majors. Topics covered include: the scientific process, cells, biochemistry, cellular metabolism, genetics, and biotechnology. The emphasis is on application of basic biological principles to contemporary issues and problems. Students will achieve basic scientific literacy with a goal of improved critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. This course carries SUNY General Education Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) credit.

Credit Hours

4

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	2
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Prerequisites

Successful Completion of all Required Remedial Courses

SUNY General Education Course

• Natural Science and Scientific Reasoning

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will describe and apply the basic principles of biology (biochemistry, the organization and energetics of the cell, genetics, and biotechnology) in relation to contemporary issues
2. Students will apply the methods and process of science, and be able to critically evaluate scientific articles in the popular press
3. Students will access information needed to make informed scientific decisions as necessary in their personal life as well as their role as educated citizens

Topic Outline

1. Theme 1: The Scientific Process
   1. The Scientific Method
   2. Pseudo-Science
2. Theme 2: Building Blocks of Life
   1. Characteristics of Life
   2. Cells
   3. Biological Macromolecules
   4. Nutrition
3. Theme 3: Energy of Life
   1. Diffusion, Osmosis, and Active Transport
   2. Enzymes
   3. Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
4. Theme 4: Genetics
   1. DNA Structure
   2. Mitosis and Meiosis
   3. Cancer
   4. Classical Genetics
   5. Gene Expression
5. Theme 5: Biotechnology
   1. DNA Profiling
   2. Genetically Modified Organisms
   3. Stem Cells