This course is the first in a series of two biology courses designed for students to develop foundational knowledge they will build on throughout the Health Science program. In Biology 1, students are introduced to biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to understand how living organisms function at the cellular level and to prepare students to study biology at the organism, population, and ecosystem level. This course includes a classroom component as well as a virtual lab component.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Classify the structure and properties of biological molecules in order to better understand biological determinants of health.
2. Explain cell organization and functions in order to better understand biological determinants of health.
3. Explain how genetic information is encoded in DNA and transmitted in order to better understand biological determinants of health.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to central themes in Biology

Week 2: Unit 2 – Biological Macromolecules

Week 3: Unit 3 – Cell Structure and Membranes

Week 4: Unit 4 – Metabolism

Week 5: Unit 5 – Cell Communication

Week 6: Unit 6 – Cell Division

Week 7: Unit 7 – Principles of Genetics

Week 8: Unit 8 – Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to central themes in Biology

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
● Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
● Read the Virtual Lab technical guidelines
● Complete and document the Virtual Laboratory Activity (Lesson)
● Submit Virtual Lab assignment
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Biological Macromolecules

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Make entries to the Assignment Activity
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Cell Structure and Membranes

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
● Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
● Complete and document the Virtual Laboratory Activity (Lesson)
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz
● Take and submit the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Metabolism

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Make entries to the Assignment Activity
● Complete and document the Virtual Laboratory Activity (Lesson)
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Cell Communication

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Make entries to the Assignment Activity
● Complete and document the Virtual Laboratory Activity (Lesson)
● Submit the Virtual Lab Assignment
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Cell Division

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
● Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
● Submit Virtual Lab assignment observations for Unit 3, 4, & 5
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz
● Take and submit the Graded Quiz

 Unit 7: Principles of Genetics

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Complete and document the Virtual Laboratory Activity (Lesson)
● Make entries to the Assignment Activity
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Molecular Basis of Inheritance

● Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
● Complete and document the Virtual Laboratory Activity (Lesson)
● Submit the Virtual Lab Assignment observations for Unit 7, & 8
● Take and submit the Self-Quiz
● Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
● Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

● Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
● Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
● The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor