Course Information p.4
Bio 1012 Course Expectations & Rules
Major Course Objectives:
Biology 1011/1012 studies the structure and function of representative prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
By the end of this course you will:
• have a basic understanding of the chemical composition of cells, the principles of enzyme-catalyzed
reactions, and energy-producing and biosynthetic reactions
In lab, students will develop their understanding in this area by examining the different responses of yeast to
specific sugars, examining what factors affect enzyme activity, determining the Vmax and Km for one substrate
of an enzyme, and separating the membrane-associated and cytoplasmic proteins of blood cells.
Students will be assessed in written lab reports for the yeast and enzyme labs and a workup with graph for the
protein lab. Understanding concepts, calculations, and approaches will also be accessed in a practical exam.
• know the structure and function of cellular membranes, organelles, the cytoskeleton, and have an
understanding of cell signaling and communication
In lab, students will supplement lecture material on membranes & membrane transport by learning about the
process of osmosis through a computer simulation to examine the osmotic responses of model cells. Our investi-
gation of cell size will also allow students to become more familiar with cell structure and the organelles as seen
in micrographs. Student will also work with isolated choroplasts and an important process in these organelles.
Students will be assessed in a written lab report for the photosyntheis lab and in a practical exam. A worksheet
for diffusion and osmosis concepts regarding movement of water and solutes across membrane is graded. Some
student teams may present on organelle sizes as part of their team project in cell measurements.
• gain experience in basic, bench-top laboratory skills in cell biology, know how to collect data and
represent it graphically, and be able to analyze data using statistical software.
Each week students will continue to examine cells and cell processes using laboratory approaches. Students will
collect cell size measurements using a variety of techniques and analyze the data sets produced using SPSS.
They will be introduced to and use basic techniques of measuring volumes, absorbance, masses, and
dimensions and of preparing reaction mixtures and solutions. Through instruction and worksheet assignments
students will learn about units and unit conversions. Students will construct graphs both on linear and logarithmic
axes and learn about the use of standard curves. Computer-assisted graphing and regression will also be
introduced through a tutorial for the enzyme lab. Students will be required to maintain a notebook record of their
results.
Students will be assessed in written lab reports, worksheet/graph assignments, a team presentation of their
statistical analysis for the cell size project, a notebook grade, and by practical exams. Students may be required
to individually demonstrate the use of equipment, collection of data, and ability to read a graph at the practical.
• know how to write a laboratory report in the form of a scientific paper, and have experience in
conducting and presenting an independent experiment as a team
In lab, students will be introduced to scientific format and will produce two written lab reports in scientific format.
Instruction in format is aided by providing a large manual appendix on reports and “pointsheets”. Pointsheets
provide structure and tips for construction of the report and provide a framework for instructor feedback about
what portions need improvement. Student teams will design and conduct their own experiment. Teams will work
together to produce a symposium abstract that will be displayed in a mini-symposium at the conclusion of the
semester.
Reports will be assessed by grading (grade reflects both format and content). Team abstracts will be graded for
a team grade.
