General Biology Lecture and Lab

Biology 110 presents basic biological concepts and issues for non-biology majors. This online version of the course also includes an online lab that will be presented as activities posted on four Modules in Blackboard.

Course Syllabus [pdf]

Download the course syllabus for full details about expectations, readings, assignments and more.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of Biology 110, students will be able to:

• Distinguish scientific inquiry from other legitimate methods of inquiry and to recognize the difference between scientifically legitimate inquiry and claims without a sound scientific basis.
• Critically evaluate the merits or failure of scientific hypotheses.
• Identify and describe the characteristics of the chemistry of elements common to all life.
• Describe the principle of cellular organization regulating critical cellular functions, including metabolism, gene expression, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
• Describe cell division in mitosis and meiosis.
• Describe the mechanism of DNA replication.
• Assess the methods by which extensive genetic information is generated by the permutation of a simple genetic code and the manner in which this variation is translated and integrated to form the whole organism.
• Discuss how the study of fundamental mechanisms such as gene replication and expression pioneered the development of modern DNA technologies and the practical applications of DNA technologies to human welfare.
• Assess ethical issues that arise through the application of DNA technology.
• Demonstrate recognition of the role of sound scientific information in policy and management issues.
• Describe the roles of evolutionary processes in generating the diversity of life on Earth.
• Apply statistical and quantitative approaches to analyze phenotypic ratios from different genetic experiments.
• Evaluate the role of genetic variation in contributing to human health welfare.
• Demonstrate the ability to infer the phenotypic composition of populations from its underlying genetic variation.
• Evaluate the evidence of evolution by common descent by interpreting patterns of biogeographic, genetic, morphological, and biochemical relationships among organisms.
• Distinguish the processes that control the assembly of species into communities and how the function of these communities contributes to human welfare.
• Assess the long-term consequences of human activities in altering ecosystem composition and services on local, regional, and global scales.
• Compare and contrast characteristics of organisms included in the Kingdoms Protista, Monera, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia; and describe connections these organisms have to humans and human history.