BIO104

Fundamentals of Cell Biology

Introduces basic chemistry, the structure, function, and biochemistry of cells, and the scientific method. Laboratory exercises develop skills including use of binocular microscopes and measuring. This is a preparatory course, for students with little or no recent experience in biology and chemistry, who plan on taking additional biology courses. Two class hours, two lab hours. Prerequisite: Completion of the Genesee Community College reading requirement and completion of the Genesee Community College math requirement or concurrent enrollment in MAT 108 or MAT 092. Students planning to enroll in Physical Therapist Assistant or a Math or Natural Science program should choose MAT092. Not open to students with credit in BIO 115, BIO 152 or higher. (Not for credit in Math/Science curriculum)

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Use the process of science to solve biological problems.
2. Describe basic concepts of chemistry.
3. Describe structure and function of inorganic molecules relevant to biology.
4. Describe characteristics of the major biological molecules.
5. Describe structures and functions of cells.
6. Describe how structure determines function of cellular components.
7. Compare and contrast the different ways substances may cross cellular membranes.
8. Predict movement of water or solute molecules given solute concentrations on each side of a phospholipid membrane.
9. Describe how enzymes catalyze chemical reactions.
10. Predict how regulatory processes, or changes to environmental conditions or cofactors affect enzyme activity.
11. Describe the processes by which cells transform energy.
12. Describe the storage and flow of information during gene expression.
13. Describe how genetic information is copied and transmitted to the next generation of cells.
14. Demonstrate proper use of laboratory equipment, including a compound light microscope.

Effective Term: Fall 2020

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