Naugatuck Valley Community College

Division of Mathematics and Science 

COURSE TITLE:  Bio*H121 - General Biology I (Cellular Biology) Integrated Lecture/Laboratory - 4 credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The general principles of biology are taught integrating lectures, laboratory experiments, computer simulations, discussions, and other activities to help students gain an understanding of the essential biological concepts. The foci of this course are scientific method, cell biology, viruses, prokaryotic organisms, protists, basic cell chemistry, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, mitosis & meiosis, genetics, and biotechnology (plant tissue culture, genetic transformation). Cooperative learning, critical thinking, library research, as well as presentation skills are utilized culminating in a team project that includes a written paper and a short presentation. This course is one part of a two semester sequence in general biology primarily for students seeking transfer into a four-year degree program. Biology-H121 and H122 can be taken in any order and are transferable. This course satisfies the common core science requirement. (3 hours lecture & 3 hours lab)

COURSE PREREQUISITES: None.

COURSE OUTLINE and OUTCOMES:

• Realize, through experience, that all scientific knowledge is based upon the scientific method and that many scientific investigations led to the current understanding of cellular biology.

• Understand how the process of science works by applying the scientific method to an investigation.

• Develop science process skills while carrying out laboratory investigations, participating in discussions, and preparing a semester research presentation.

• Utilize microcomputers as a scientific tool to investigate, to simulate experiments, to analyze scientific problems, and to present experimental results.

• Critically review media information to recognize the distinctions between scientific fact, misleading statements, and media sensationalism.

• Collaboratively work in student research teams to independently explore a biological problem or issue of interest and to produce a meaningful presentation to the class.

• Understand that all life shares the same basic characteristics.

• Comprehend how the cell is the basic unit of function and structure for all life.

• Comprehend how life is a continuum from zygote, through early development, to maturity.

• Know the chemical basis of life.

• Understand how the processes of photosynthesis and respiration sustain all life on this planet.

• Analyze the patterns of inheritance by applying the concepts of classical genetics.

• Explain the central concepts of molecular genetics.

• Recognize how biotechnology applies the concepts of modern genetics.

• Understand and perform experiments in biotechnology including plant tissue culture, gel electrophoresis, and genetic transformation.

• Function safely, productively, and independently in a biology laboratory.

• Become proficient in using standard laboratory equipment and tools (e.g. microscopes, pH meter, laminar flow hood, micropipettes, electronic balance, gel electrophoresis apparatus).

• Successfully carryout standard laboratory procedures such as aseptic techniques and the safe handling of various chemicals.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: "Students with physical disabilities who may require accommodations are encouraged to contact the College Health Office.  Students with learning disabilities who may require accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office for Students with Learning Disabilities.  After disclosing, students are urged to discuss their needs with individual instructors.  This should be done at the beginning of each semester.  Instructors in conjunction with appropriate college officials will provide assistance and/or accommodations only to those students who have completed this process."     —Official College Policy—

PLARGIARISM: “At NVCTC we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited inaccordance with the Board of Trustees’ Proscribed Conduct Policy in Section 5.2.1 of the BOT Policy Manual.  This policy prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other proscribed activities.  Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s idea(s) or phrase(s) and representing that/those idea(s) as your own, either intentionally or unintentionally.”     —Official College Policy—

CELL PHONES:  “Students are hereby notified that cellular phones and beepers are allowed in class only if they are turned off or turned to a silent mode.  Under no circumstances are telephones to be answered in class/lab or in the Library.  Students who ignore this policy may be asked to leave class/lab or the Library.  When there are extenuating circumstances that require that a student be available by phone or beeper, the students should speak to the instructor prior to class, so that together they can arrive at an agreement concerning the device.”

—Official College Policy—