CCOG for BI 112 archive revision 202404
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- Effective Term:
- Fall 2024
- Course Number:
- BI 112
- Course Title:
- Cell Biology for Health Occupations
- Credit Hours:
- 5
- Lecture Hours:
- 40
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 30
Course Description
Addendum to Course Description
- To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, the Portland Community College Biology Departments stand by the following statements about what is science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory in the discipline of the biological sciences.
- Science is a fundamentally non-dogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither a guess, dogma, nor myth. The theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation.
- The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, creation “science” is neither self-examining nor investigatory. Creation “science” is not considered a legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).
- Biology instructors of Portland Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity of life. We, the Biology Subject Area Curriculum Committee at Portland Community College, therefore stand with such organizations as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:
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Effectively use scientific terminology (orally and in writing) to describe concepts and processes in cell biology.
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Use the fundamental concepts of biology and chemistry to explain cell structure and function.
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Describe the genetic foundations of life at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.
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Demonstrate laboratory skills (e.g., use and care of microscopes and other laboratory equipment, ability to follow written laboratory and safety protocols) and work collaboratively with peers to complete experiments and exercises in an on-campus laboratory space.
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Use the scientific method and critical thinking skills to organize and evaluate data and draw conclusions.
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Apply metacognitive practices in preparation for pre-health occupation coursework (e.g., Human Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology).
Quantitative Reasoning
Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to analyze questions or problems that impact the community and/or environment using quantitative information.
General education philosophy statement
Bi 112, Cell Biology for Health Occupations, is a condensed five-credit cellular biology class. It is one possible prerequisite for microbiology and the 200 level human anatomy and physiology series, which are required by many allied health programs (e.g., nursing, dental hygiene, x-ray technology).
Students practice the process of science in the classroom and laboratory. The bulk of Bi 112 is at the scale of the cell and its molecular components; emphasizing human physiology. The course explores topics such as how energy from our food is transformed so that it can drive cellular processes, and the mechanisms of gene expression and human heredity. The laboratory activities, in particular, promote quantitative skills as students must gather and interpret data. Students also engage with the scientific literature by finding and summarizing published scientific papers.
Course Activities and Design
The format for this course is a traditional lecture and laboratory presentation. Lecture will be presented utilizing a variety of multimedia and interactive presentations. Laboratory experiences will be largely hands-on, team based and collaborative utilizing a variety of resources including but not limited to: multimedia, prepared microscope slides, human and animal specimens.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
- tests/quizzes
- oral presentations
- papers
- journals/lab notebooks
- group projects
- practical exams
- case studies
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Themes and Concepts:
Scientific Method and Measurement
A. Scientific Method
B. Metric System
Basic Principles of Life
A. Levels of Biological Organization
B. Evolution
C. Structure Dictates Function
D. Homeostasis
E. Cell Theory
Chemistry
A. Atoms and Molecules
B. Chemical Reactions
C. Chemical Bonding
D. Hydrogen Bonding
E. pH, Acids, Bases, and Buffers
F. Properties of Water
G. Biological Macromolecules
H. Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
Cell Structure and Physiology
A. Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structures and Functions
B. Cell Membrane Structure, Transport, and Cell Signaling
C. Diffusion, Osmosis, and Concentration Gradients
D. Enzyme Structure, Activity, and Regulation
E. Cellular Metabolism (Cellular Respiration and Fermentation)
F. DNA and RNA Structure and Function
G. Gene Expression (Transcription and Translation)
Genetics
A. Mitosis and Meiosis
B. Mendelian Inheritance
C. Non-Mendelian Inheritance
Skills:
Microscope use and care
Follow published lab safety guidelines
Follow oral and written instructions and protocols
Measure mass, length, and volume using metric system units
Correctly use laboratory equipment and tools, including pipettes
Work collaboratively with peers to complete laboratory experiments and exercises in an on-campus laboratory space