BIOL 104 Biology I is a course designed for those students who require first year Majors biology in their program of study or who wish to go on to further study in biology. The course includes cell biology, biochemistry, and an examination of the processes of life in the plant and animal body. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, a scientific research proposal, and laboratory analysis.
Prerequisites: Biology 12 and Chemistry 11 both with a minimum grade of 60%.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Predict the behaviour of biological molecules in various environments
- Analyze how cell structures affect cellular processes
- Describe how cellular respiration extracts energy from molecules and describe how photosynthesis produces molecules with high potential energy
- Describe how the structure of various animal organ systems relate to their function at the cellular and organ level
- Describe how the structures of the plant body allow it to extract and utilize nutrients for growth and development
- Analyze how various signals act on the plant and animal cell to maintain homeostasis via feedback mechanisms
- Apply laboratory techniques common in biology
- Interpret laboratory results
- Retrieve and assess scientific sources of information
- Prepare a scientific research proposal using the scientific method
- Write a scientific research proposal with academic integrity
- Make an oral presentation
- Complete laboratory assignments independently and collaboratively
- Solve unfamiliar problems using scientific reasoning skills
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course introduces concepts by using a combination of lectures, problem-solving vignettes, discussions, and
case studies in which students will work in small groups to solve problems. Students are expected to utilize the
textbook, lecture materials, and Moodle quizzes to study independently outside of scheduled class meetings.
In addition, the laboratory component of this course provides opportunities to develop practical biological skills
and to learn content that is complimentary to, but different from, the content introduced in the classroom.
Students will also develop skills in oral and written communication in the sciences.
Lecture slides, laboratory resources, videos, and other supplemental materials will be posted on Moodle
(learn.selkirk.ca).
Learning Resources
Required textbooks:
Freeman S, Quillin K, Allison L, Black M, Podgorski G, Taylor E, Carmichael J, Harrington M, Sharp J. 2024.
Biological Science, 4th Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson. (eTextbook available at pearson.com)
BIOL 104 Laboratory Manual (available for purchase in the Bookstore)
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Introduction to Biology
2. 2. Chemical Basis of Life Proteins
3. 3. Nucleic Acids, Carbohydrates, & Lipids
4. 4. Cell Structure & Function
5. 5. Energy and Enzymes
6. 6. Cellular Respiration & Fermentation
7. 7. Photosynthesis
8. 8. Plant Structure & Function
9. 9. Plant Nutrition & Signalling
10. 10. Plant Reproduction
11. 11. TBD
12. 12. Homeostasis, Circulation & Respiration
13. 13. Animal Sensation & Movement
14. 14. Animal Nutrition & Immunology
15. 15. Final Exam Period
Assessment
| Title |
Learning Outcomes |
Value |
| Classroom Assignments and Moodle Quizzes |
1-6 & 14 |
10% |
| Quiz 1 |
1 & 2 |
2% |
| Midterm Test 1 |
1, 2 & 14 |
12% |
| Quiz 2 |
3 & 5 |
2% |
| Midterm Test 2 |
2, 3, 5 & 14 |
12% |
| Laboratory Assignments |
1-14 |
25% |
| Scientific Communication Lab Project |
8-14 |
15% |
| Final Exam |
1-6 & 14 |
22% |
| Total |
100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.