COURSE ANNOUNCEMENTS
 

Nov 30, 2000

Scores For EXAM 3 Are Posted On EASY.

EXAM 3 KEY

BIL 101 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Section J: M,W 5:00 - 6:15 PM,  LC 130

Fall 2000

Instructor:
Dr. Dan DiResta
Cox Science Bldg.
Rm 182, 284-2180
DiResta@miami.edu
Office Hours:
Mon,Tues 10:00 - 11:00 AM or by appointment
Textbook:
BioInquiry, Pruitt, Underwood and Surver
Course Description: This is an introductory course for students majoring in an area other than science. The course material is presented within the context of the human experience and covers cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology and the interaction of humankind with the environment. The success of this course depends on both of us - me, by providing the opportunity for your involvement, and you, by your active participation in the process. 
Class Attendance: Attendance is a matter of individual choice in this class. However, a strong association exists between attendance and grades. Students who miss regularly rarely do well in the course. There will be unannounced quizzes and assignments given with no make-ups, so it is in your best interest to attend class. 
Examinations: There will be 3 regular multiple choice and short essay exams each worth 100 points, and several unannounced quizzes and assignments covering lectures and readings. The final course grade will be determined by the percentage of points out of the total. There will be no cumulative final. 
Honor Code: Follow it. Those caught cheating on exams, improperly referencing published written or electronic material, or submitting work that is not your own will fail the course. 

Lecture Schedule

Aug 23 Chapter 1
Purpose and orientation of course. The goal of the course is to make the student scientifically aware of questions in biology that have an impact on society and health. The relevance of biological science in devising solutions to world problems such as AIDS, cancer, heart disease, antibiotic resistance, overpopulation, and environmental degradation will be discussed.
 
Aug 28 Chapter 2
Evolution. Darwin's observations and an idea that revolutionized scientific thought. Populations, not individuals, evolve. Natural selection is a driving force for evolution and genetic variation provides the raw material.

OF INTEREST: Darwin’s Revolutionary Idea
OF INTEREST: The Argument Against Creationism
 

Aug 30 Chapter 2
Evolution continued....
 

Sept 6 Chapter 3
Mendelian Genetics. How are traits inherited? Mendel's discovery of inheritance patterns explains the source of variation in individuals. Mendel's concept of "units of inheritance" being responsible for transmitting traits from generation to generation comes long before the discovery of chromosomes and genes.
 

Sept 11 Chapter 3
Inheritance and human diseases. How can Mendel's discoveries be applied to human health and reproduction? Now that the human genome has been sequenced, what’s next?

OF INTEREST: Genes and Disease
OF INTEREST: Blazing a Genetic Trail
 

Sept 13 Chapter 4
The dynamic cell - how does it do what it does? Simple organic compounds are the building blocks of the complex biological molecules that make up cells. Cell structure, function and processes. Similarities and differences among viruses. bacteria, plant and animal cells. Are viruses alive?
 

Sept 18 Chapter 4
Cells continued......
 

Sept 20 Chapter 5
What are genes and how are they transmitted? The cell cycle and cancer. Meiosis, gamete production and genetic variability. How are traits inherited? Genes, alleles and their expression. Inheritance of genes that are on the same chromosome. How is sex determined? What are some of the key experiments that led to the discovery of the genetic material.
 

Sept 25 Review for 1st Exam  (click here for practice exam questions)
 

Sept 27 Exam 1 (Chapters 1 - 5)

 

Oct 2 Chapter 6

The molecular basis of inheritance. How is information coded in the DNA molecule? How is the information contained in DNA used? How is gene expression controlled in different tissues and during different developmental stages.
 

Oct 4 Biotechnology, making designer genes and treating genetic diseases.
OF INTEREST: A Clone in Sheep's Clothing
 

Oct 9 Bioethics...Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of molecular advances.
OF INTEREST: TestTube Babies as Spare Parts
 

Oct 11 Chapter 7
Population genetics. Populations, not individuals, evolve. How are allele frequencies in populations affected by natural selection?

OF INTEREST: Born Better? (Do Black Athletes Have a Genetic Advantage?)

 
Oct 16 Chapter 8
Why does life exist on Earth? How did life evolve? Has life evolved elsewhere in the universe? Life is discussed in terms of its chemical and physical properties. A brief look at the evolution of biodiversity.
 

Oct 18 Chapter 9
Bioenergetics. How is chemical energy used to do biological work? Glycolysis, fermentation and respiration are processes involved in converting chemical energy into work. What is the ultimate source of all biological energy? Photosynthesis traps solar energy and converts it to chemical energy.

Oct 23 Chapter 9
Bioenergetics continued...
 

Oct 25 Review for 2nd Exam  (click here for practice exam questions)
 
 

Oct 30 Exam 2 (Chapters 6-9)


Nov 1 Chapter 10
Homeostasis and Physiological Systems - Why must organisms maintain constant internal function when faced with changing internal and external environments?
 

Nov 6 Chapter 11
How does the body coordinate functions? Organization of the vertebrate nervous system and its role in internal and external monitoring, information processing and initiating responses. Along with the nervous system, hormones help coordinate body functions. Major hormonal systems involved in regulating metabolism, homeostasis and physiological change.
 

Nov 8 Chapter 11
Acquiring nutrients and getting rid of wastes. The coordinated functions of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory and immune systems.
 

Nov 13 Chapter 11
Human reproduction and development. How does a single, fertilized egg develop into a functioning organism? What happens when things go wrong?
 

Nov 15 Chapter 14
We are rapidly approaching the ability of the Earth to support the human population. What limits population growth? What effects does overcrowding have on the environment? The human effect. How has technology enabled us to alter energy flow through the environment?
 

Nov 20 Chapter 15
The Biodiversity Crisis...How do populations interact with other populations and with the environment? The Tragedy of the Commons. Energy flow and nutrient recycling are important ecosystem functions.
 

Nov 22 - Thanksgiving Break - No Class
 

Nov 27Review for 3rd Exam
 

Nov 29: Exam 3 (Chapters 10, 11, 14, 15)