Principles of Biology I

4 units

The course provides an introduction to cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. An understanding of cellular structure and mechanisms, and the properties of biological macromolecules are integrated with a discussion of the flow of genetic information within cells. Examples of how these concepts can be applied to selected areas in modern biology will be discussed. Weekly labs reinforce material from lectures and explore common laboratory techniques and computer-based resources. Completion of Chem 1601 or Chem 1701 and concurrent enrollment in Chem 1602 or Chem 1702 are strongly recommended but not required. The 48-student sections are taught in a flipped-classroom format and in active-learning classrooms (pending request). Students will be required to prepare for each class by watching a video and/or completing a short assignment, then will spend class time working in small groups on in-class activities. The 300-student sections will be taught in traditional lecture classrooms with both short lectures and in-class activities occurring during class time. All sections take the same exams and have the same accompanying lab.