BIL 101 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCE
Section AB: M-R 8:30
- 10:15 AM SA 217
Instructor: Dr. Dan DiResta, Cox Science Bldg., Rm 182, 284-2180, DiResta@miami.edu
Office Hours: Mon,Tues 10:30 - 11:00 or by appointment
Textbook: BioInquiry, Pruitt, Underwood and Surver
Course web site: http://fig.cox.miami.edu/courses.html
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 2 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:
May 16 Chapter 1
Purpose and orientation of course. The goal of
the course is to make the student scientifically aware of questions in biology
which 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 resistence, overpopulation, and environmental degradation will be
discussed.
May 17 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
May 21 Chapter 2
Evolution continued....
May 22 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.
May 23 Chapter 3
Inheritance and human diseases. How can Mendel's
discoveries be applied to human health and reproduction?
May 24 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?
OF INTEREST: Cells and Organelles
May 29 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.
OF INTEREST: Advances in Cancer Research
OF INTEREST: Genes and Cancer
May 30 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.
OF INTEREST: The Discoverers
of DNA: James Watson and Francis Crick
OF INTEREST: The Search for
the Genetic Material
May 31
Biotechnology, making designer genes and
treating genetic diseases. Bioethics...Balancing the advantages and
disadvantages of molecular advances.
June 4 Chapter 7
Population genetics. Populations, not
individuals, evolve. How are allele frequencies in populations affected by
natural selection?If sex wasn't so important, it wouldn't feel so good. What
role has sexual selection played in the evolution of higher processes in
humans?
OF INTEREST:Born Better?
(Do Black Athletes Have a Genetic Advantage?)(new link)
OF INTEREST:Human
Nature: Born or Made?
OF INTEREST:The Immoral Animal
June 5: Exam 1
(Chapters 1 - 7)
June 6 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.
June 7 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.
June 11 Chapter 10
Homeostasis and Physiological Systems - Why must
organisms maintain constant internal function when faced with changing internal
and external environments?
June 12 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.
June 13 Chapter 11
Acquiring nutrients and getting rid of wastes.
The coordinated functions of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory
and immune systems.
June 14 Chapter 11
Human reproduction and development. How does a
single, fertilized egg develop into a functioning organism? What happens when
things go wrong?
June 18 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?
June 19 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.
June 20 Chapter 15
The GAIA Hypothesis and Global change
June 21: Exam 2 (Chapters
8 - 11, 14, 15)