Course title

Advanced Biology

Pre-requisite

Biology

Course description

Advanced Biology
Semester 1

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function; particularly at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Cell components and their duties are investigated; as well as the locations of cellular functions within the cell. The importance of the membrane is studied; particularly its roles in controlling movement of ions and molecules and in energy production. The effect of genetic information on the cell is followed through the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein. Co-requisite: BIO-181L.

TOPICS; OBJECTIVES; AND ASSIGNMENTS
Topics and Objectives – Week 1
Topic 1: Introduction to Science and Chemistry: The Cell
Review the scientific method.
Review selected chemistry basics; particularly molecular bonding.
List properties of biologically important macromolecules.
Readings – Week 1
Introduction to Science and Chemistry: The Cell
Read chapter 1 (sections 1.3 -1.4); chapter 2 (sections 2.3 -2.4); chapter 3 (sections 3.1-3.2); chapter 4 (sections 4.2-4.3) and chapter 5.
Read “An Introduction to Organic Chemistry; A Beginner’s Guide to the Chemistry of Carbon Compounds” by Tal; located on The KryssTal website.
http://www.krysstal.com/organic.html
View "Introducing the Cell". http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Read Lecture 1.
Assignments – Week 1
None
Readings – Week 2
Refer to Study Guide 1 when preparing for your quiz.
Week 2 - Assignments
Chemistry and Macromolecules Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 1 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.

Topic and Objectives -Week 3
Topic 2: The Cell and Membranes
Investigate the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Explain the cellular components and the functions and intracellular relationships of each.
Define components of membrane structure.
Readings – Week 3
Read chapters 6-7.
Read "Plant; Animal and Bacteria Cell Models;" located on the Cells Alive website.
http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/3dcell.htm

Read “The Cell Cycle;” located on the Cells Alive website. http://www.cellsalive.com/cell_cycle.htm
View “Introduction to the Cell”. Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this week’s topic.
http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...

Read Lecture 2.
Assignments – Week 3
None

Readings – Week 4
Refer to Study Guide 2 when preparing for your quiz.
Assignments – Week 4
The Cell and Membranes Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 2 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.
Exam 1
Complete and submit Exam 1 as directed by the instructor.

Topics and Objectives - Week 5
Topic 3: Metabolism
Explain the concepts of free energy and the laws of thermodynamics.
Explain the principles of enzyme activity.
Distinguish between the activity and location of metabolic pathways.
Readings – Week 5
Read chapters 8-9.
Review “The Cell Cycle;” located on the Cells Alive website. http://www.cellsalive.com/cell_cycle.htm
Read Lecture 3.
Assignments – Week 5
None
Readings – Week 6
Refer to Study Guide 3 when preparing for your quiz.
Assignments – Week 6
Metabolism Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 3 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.

Topics and Objectives - Week 7
Topic 4: Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Describe the principles of cell communication and signal cascades.
Define the phases of the cell cycle and the steps of cell division.
Follow the sexual process of chromosome reduction in meiosis and examine sexual life cycles.
Readings - Week 7
Read chapters 11; 12; and 13 (sections 13.1 thru 13.3).
Review “The Cell Cycle;” located on the Cells Alive website. http://www.cellsalive.com/cell_cycle.htm
Read “How Cells Divide;” by Groleau; located on the NOVA Online website. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/baby/divi_flash.html
View “Cell Cycle/M-Phase.” Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this week’s topic.
http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Review “Cell Cycle/S-Phase.” Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this week’s topic.
http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Read Lecture 4.
Assignments - Week 7
None
Readings - Week 8
Refer to Study Guide 4 when preparing for your quiz.
Assignments – Week 8
Cell Cycle and Cell Division Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 4 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.
Exam 2
Complete the Exam as directed by the instructor.

Topics and Objectives - Week 9
Topic 5: Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance
Explain how Mendelian genetics principles may be used to predict reproduction outcomes.
Relate the molecular basis of inheritance (i.e.; chromosomes) to Mendelian genetics.
Readings - Week 9
Mendelian Genetics
Read chapters 14-15.
Read “DNA From the Beginning;” located on the DNA Learning Center website. http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
Review “Cell Cycle /M-Phase.” Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this week’s topic.
http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Read Lecture 5.
Assignments – Week 9
None
Readings - Week 10
Refer to Study Guide 5 when preparing for your quiz.
Assignments - Week 10
Quiz 5
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
To assist you in preparing for the quiz refer to Study Guide 5.

Topics and Objectives - Week 11
Topic 6: DNA Replication and Gene Expression
Describe DNA structure and explain how it is replicated for reproduction.
Trace the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein and discuss the levels of control possible throughout the process.
Readings - Week 11
Read chapters 16-17.
Review “DNA From the Beginning;” located on the DNA Learning Center website. http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
Review “How Cells Divide;” by Groleau; located on the NOVA Online website. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/baby/divi_flash.html
Review “Cell Cycle /S-Phase." Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams hat apply to this week’s topic.
http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Read Lecture 6.
Assignments - Week 11
None
Readings - Week 12
Refer to Study Guide 6 when preparing for your quiz.
Assignments - Week 12
DNA Replication and Gene Expression Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 6 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.
Exam 3
Complete the Exam as directed by the instructor.

Topics and Objectives Week 13
Topic 7: Regulation of Gene Expression and Development
Use knowledge of the previous genetics information to investigate the genetic basis of development.
Describe animal development.
Readings - Week 13
Regulation of Gene Expression; Development
Read chapters 18; chapter 19 (sections 19.1 thru 19.2); chapter 27 (section 27.2) and chapter 47 (sections 47.1; and 47.11 thru 47.23).
Explore “Human Genomics Project Information;” located on the United States Department of Energy Office of Science website. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/education/images.shtml
Read “Gene Splicing – Alternative Splicing;” located on the Net Industries website. http://science.jrank.org/pages/2950/Gene-Splicing-Alternative-splicing.html
Read Lecture 7.
Assignments - Week 13
Collaborative Learning Community: Biology Presentation
Refer to the Biology Presentation Guidelines for complete directions.
While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment; solid academic writing is expected; and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines; which can be found in the APA Style Guide; located in the Student Success Center.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.
Readings -Week 14
Refer to Study Guide 7 when preparing for your quiz.
Assignments - Week 14
Regulation of Gene Expression and Development Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 7 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.

Topics and Objectives - Week 15
Topic 8: Bacteria; Viruses; and Biotechnology
Clarify the importance of viral and bacterial organisms to the study of genetics.
Describe the replication/reproduction strategies of bacteria and viruses.
Describe some of the tools and processes of DNA technology and their use in genomics.
Week 15 - Readings
Bacterial and Viral Genetics
Read chapter 19 (sections19.1 and 19.2); chapter 20; and chapter 27 (section 27.2).
Read Lecture 8.
Refer to Study Guide 8 when preparing for your quiz.
Week 15 - Assignments
Bacteria; Viruses; and Biotechnology Quiz
Complete the Quiz as directed by the instructor.
Refer to Study Guide 7 to assist you in preparing for the quiz.
Exam 4
Complete the Exam as directed by the instructor.
Advanced Biology Lab Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in Advanced Biology through experiments and activities which complement and enhance understanding of macromolecules; cell membrane properties; cellular components; and their contribution to cell structure and function. Assignments are designed to relate cellular processes such as metabolism; cell division; and the flow of genetic information to cell structure.
Topic 1: Introduction to Science and Chemistry - The Cell
Objectives
Formulate hypotheses that can be tested.
Identify and describe the usage of components of the microscope.
Estimate the sizes of microscopic organisms and structures.
Readings
Biology
Read chapters 2-6.
H2O: The Mystery; Art; & Science of Water
Read “H2O: The Mystery; Art; & Science of Water;” located on the Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe website at http://witcombe.sbc.edu/water/index.html
Hypothesis Testing Experiment
Refer to the Hypothesis Testing Experiment for lab guidelines.
Activity 1: Chemical Bonding
Refer to the Activity 1: Chemical Bonding for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments -
Lab Safety Quiz and Waiver
In order to participate in labs; you must first complete the Lab Safety Training and sign the Laboratory Waiver. To complete training; access: http://lc.gcumedia.com/mediaElement/lab-safety-quizzes-and-waivers/lab-s...
Review the training materials. When ready; complete the specialized lab safety quiz for your course. Note: In order to pass; you must receive a 100%. If needed; you will have multiple chances to take the quiz.
Once the quiz has been passed; complete the Laboratory Waiver and submit it.
Instructors will be notified of completion of the quiz and waiver.
Hypothesis Testing/Chemical Bonding Lab
When completing the laboratory assignments for this course; students are required to record their observations; results; and documentation in a spiral-bound notebook. Students are responsible for purchasing a suitable notebook to serve as their laboratory notebook for this course.
Science addresses questions that can be tested to find answers. All scientists use the scientific method to learn information.
Recall from the Readings (including the lecture) that the scientific method consists of five steps: observation; question; hypothesis; testing; and explanation.
Identify which of the following statements is testable using the scientific method. Of those that are; which could be supported or rejected using the scientific method?
1. Toast always falls with the buttered side down.
2. My dog is cuter than any other dog.
3. Leaves are green because they contain the pigment chlorophyll.
4. Smokers get lung cancer more often than non-smokers.
5. Blue cars drive faster than red cars.
Perform the lab according to the instructions in “Hypothesis Testing Experiment;” and as directed by the instructor. Begin the experiment early in the to allow adequate time for completing the assignment.
Complete “Activity 1: Chemical Bonding” and document in your laboratory notebook.
The instructor will provide additional instructions.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.
Readings - 2
Microscopy and Size Estimation
Refer to the Microscopy and Size Estimation document for lab guidelines.
Activity 2: Macromolecules
Refer to the Activity 2: Macromolecules document for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 2
Microscope/Macromolecules Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Microscopy and Size Estimation;” and as directed by the instructor.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “Microscopy and Size Estimation.”
Complete “Activity 2: Macromolecules” and document in your laboratory notebook
The instructor will provide additional instructions.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Topic 2: Membranes and Cell Permeability
Objectives
Explain the concept; components; and properties of membranes.
Apply concepts of diffusion and cell transport.
Readings – 3
Biology
Read chapter 7.
Plant; Animal and Bacteria Cell Models
Read “Plant; Animal and Bacteria Cell Models;” located on the Cells alive! website at http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/3dcell.htm.
The Cell Tour (Overview of the Organelles)
Review the media resource “The Cell Tour (Overview of the Organelles)." Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this ’s topic. http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Diffusion
Refer to the Diffusion document for lab guidelines.
Activity 3: Cell Structures and Organelles
Refer to the Activity 3: Cell Structures and Organelles for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 3
Diffusion Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Diffusion;” and as directed by the instructor. Begin the experiment early in the to allow adequate time for completing the assignment.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “Diffusion.”
Complete “Activity 3: Cell Structures and Organelles” and document in your laboratory notebook.
The instructor will provide additional instructions.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.
Readings - 4
Membrane and Cell Permeability Experiment
Refer to the Membrane and Cell Permeability Experiment for lab guidelines.
Activity 4: Membranes and Transport
Refer to the Activity 4: Membranes and Transport for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments - 4
Membranes; Dialysis; Elodea Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Membrane and Cell Permeability Experiment;” and as directed by the instructor. Begin the experiment early in the to allow adequate time for completing the assignment.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “Membrane and Cell Permeability Experiment.”
Complete “Activity 4: Membranes and Transport” and document in your laboratory notebook.
The instructor will provide additional instructions.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Topic 3: Metabolism and Homeostasis
Objectives
Distinguish between the activity and location of metabolic pathways.
Relate surrounding conditions to metabolic activity.
Readings – 5
Biology
Read chapter 40.
Earthworm Heart Rate
Refer to the Earthworm Heart Rate document for lab guidelines.
Activity 5: Energy and Metabolism
Refer to the Activity 5: Energy and Metabolism for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments - 5
Earthworm/Metabolism Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Earthworm Heart Rate;” and as directed by the instructor.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “Earthworm Heart Rate.”
Complete “Activity 5: Energy and Metabolism” and document in your laboratory notebook.
The instructor will provide additional instructions.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.
Readings – 6
Cricket Respiration
Refer to the Cricket Respiration document for lab guidelines.
Activity 6: Cellular Respiration
Refer to the Activity 6: Cellular Respiration for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 6
Cricket Respiration Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Cricket Respiration;” and as directed by the instructor.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “Cricket Respiration.”
Complete “Activity 6: Cellular Respiration” and document in your laboratory notebook.
The instructor will provide additional instructions.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Topic 4: Enzymes and Cell Division
Objectives
Explain the concepts of free energy and the laws of thermodynamics.
Explain the principles of enzyme activity.
Define the phases of the cell cycle and the steps of cell division.
Identify the sexual process of chromosome reduction in meiosis and examine sexual life cycles.
Readings – 7
Biology
Read chapters 12-13.
DNA from the Beginning
Explore the DNA from the Beginning website at http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
How Cells Divide
Review “How Cells Divide;” located on the PBS website at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/baby/divi_flash.html
Cell Cycle – M Phase (Mitosis – Meiosis)
Review the media resource “Cell Cycle – M Phase (Mitosis – Meiosis)." Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this ’s topic. http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Enzymes Experiment Procedure and Report
Refer to the Enzymes Experiment Procedure and Report for lab guidelines.
Activity 7: Enzymes
Refer to the Activity 7: Enzymes for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 7
Enzymes Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Enzymes Experiment Procedure and Report;” and as directed by the instructor. Begin the experiment early in the to allow adequate time for completing the assignment.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “Enzymes Experiment Procedure and Report.”
Complete “Activity 7: Enzymes” and document in your laboratory notebook.
Additional instructions will be provided by the instructor.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.
Readings - 8
Mitosis Worksheet
Refer to the Mitosis Worksheet for lab guidelines.
Activity 8: Mitosis and Meiosis
Refer to the Activity 8: Mitosis and Meiosis for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 8
Mitosis/Meiosis Lab
Perform this lab according to the instructions in the “Mitosis Worksheet;” and as directed by the instructor. Begin the experiment early in the to allow adequate time for completing the assignment.
Find and identify stages of mitosis/meiosis using microscope slides and models.
Use the images provided to complete the assignment.
Find and identify various stages of mitosis in cells of allium (onion) root tip and in cells of whitefish blastula.
Use “overall” slides of allium cells (Figures 1-3) to find cells at various stages. Do the same with “overall” slides of whitefish cells (Figures 17-20). Images provided in activity 8.
Compare with Figures 12.6 and 12.10 of the textbook.
Examine remaining figures (with certain cells indicated) and identify the stage of the cell at the end of the pointer.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in the “Mitosis Worksheet.”
Make drawings or notes as needed for review for lab exam.
Complete “Activity 8: Mitosis and Meiosis” and document in your laboratory notebook.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Topic 5: Genetics I
Objectives
Explain how Mendelian genetics principles may be used to predict reproduction outcomes.
Relate the molecular basis of inheritance (i.e.; chromosomes) to Mendelian genetics.
Readings - 9
Biology
Read chapters 13-15.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Explore the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory website (“DNA From the Beginning”) at http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
Cell Cycle – M Phase (Mitosis – Meiosis)
Review the media resource “Cell Cycle – M Phase (Mitosis – Meiosis)." Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this ’s topic. http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Cell Cycle – S Phase (Cyclin Dependent Kinase)
Review the media resource “Cell Cycle – S Phase (Cyclin Dependent Kinase)." Specifically focus on the videos; models; and diagrams that apply to this ’s topic. http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/bio457_introducing...
Assignments – 9
Lab Midterm Exam
Complete the lab midterm as directed by the instructor.
Readings – 10
Genetics – Reebop Experiment
Refer to the Genetics – Reebop Experiment for lab guidelines.
Activity 9: Genetics Worksheet
Refer to the Activity 9: Genetics Worksheet for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 10
Genetics Reebop Experiment
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “Genetics – Reebop Experiment;” and as directed by the instructor.
Solve the problems in “Activity 9: Genetics Worksheet;” for genetic inheritance. Identify if a Punnet square or Branch diagram was used for each problem.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin; unless otherwise directed by your instructor. If so directed; refer to the Student Success Center for directions. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

Topic 6: DNA Extraction and Fingerprinting
Objectives
Describe DNA structure and explain how it is replicated for reproduction.
Trace the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein and discuss the levels of control possible throughout the process.
Describe some of the tools and processes of DNA technology and their use in genomics.
Apply knowledge of DNA technology and the previous genetics information to investigate the genetic basis of development.
Readings – 11
Biology
Read chapters 18-20.
Rehydrate DNA Samples and Restriction Enzymes
Read “Rehydrate DNA Samples and Restriction Enzymes;” located on the Bio-Rad Laboratories website at http://www.bio-rad.com/cmc_upload/Products/-18636/KitChartForensic.pdf
Human Genomics Project Information
Explore “Human Genomics Project Information.” http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/education/images.shtml
DNA Extraction
Refer to the DNA Extraction document for lab guidelines.
Activity 10: DNA Replication
Refer to the Activity 10: DNA Replication for completion of the lab assignment.
Assignments – 11
DNA Extraction/DNA Digest Step 1
Perform this lab according to the instructions in “DNA Extraction;” and as directed by the instructor. Begin the experiment early in the to allow adequate time for completing the assignment.
Record your observations; results; and documentation in your laboratory notebook using the structure presented in “DNA Extraction.”
Complete “Activity 10: DNA Replication” and document in your laboratory notebook.
Additional instructions will be provided by the instructor.
GCU style is not required; but solid academic writing is expected.
You

School country

United States

School state

Arizona

School city

Tucson

High school

Andrada Polytechnic

School / district Address

12960 S Houghton Rd

School zip code

85747

Requested competency code

Lab Science

Date submitted

Approved

Yes

Approved competency code

  • LBIO
  • Biology

Approved date

Online / Virtual

No