Principles of Biology I -- Biology 1107             Faculty Index Page 
                                                    James K Adams,

     Biology 1107 is the first course of a two course sequence in General Biology.  Topics covered include:  chemistry and molecular biology, cells and cell division, energetics (including the dreaded cellular respiration and photosynthesis!), genetics and inheritance, gene function (how genes are expressed), genetic engineering (an ever-expanding field in which you can make lots of money!), and an introduction to evolution.  This course, as is true for most biology courses, has both lecture and laboratory components, and you must successfully complete (pass) both parts of the course to pass the class.

Syllabus, TR morning, Spring 2008           
Syllabus, MW afternoon, Spring 2008    

Worksheets/Lab exercises/Exam dates -- 
        Due dates for the worksheets (most worksheet assignments apply toward the laboratory component of your grade), lab exercises, and dates of exams

Review Sheets:
        Exam 1

                Chemistry Study Sheet Answers
        Exam 2
        Exam 3
        Exam 4 (and Final)    

Images used during Lecture
        Chemistry and Cellular Biology

Photosynthesis:        Leaf Cross section
        Light Dependent Reactions (Light Capturing Reactions -- involves electron transport)
                Non-cyclic and Cyclic Photophosphorylation
        Light "Independent" Reactions -- the Calvin Cycle.  Important as the Carbon Fixation reactions.
                C3 photosynthesis
        C4 and CAM photosynthesis

Cellular Respiration:
        Glycolysis and Fermentation
        Decarboxylation and Krebs' Cycle
        Oxidative Phosphorylation (electron transport chain)
        Net ATP Yield

Mitosis, Meiosis and the Cell Cycle
Mitosis and Meiosis

Structure and Replication
        Transcription and Translation
        Gene Regulation
        Genetic Engineering

Answers for Tests on File in the library:
        Exam 1 
        Exam 2 
        Exam 3 
        Exam 4 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Use biological terminology, including chemical terminology, in appropriate circumstances as it applies to different biological concepts.

2. Describe what it means to be "living", and how cells are central to this concept.

3. Describe, in general, the importance of photosynthesis and cellular respiration to organisms; and, in particular, how the processes are used to generate ATP.

4. Understand (in general) the how genes determine the characteristics of living organisms, and how this, therefore, applies to you!

5. Describe how the process of natural selection leads to adaptive evolution of organisms; discuss the ample evidence that supports the concept of evolution.

6. Better utilize critical thinking skills to assimilate and apply information in novel circumstances, hopefully both in biology and other disciplines.


This may be the first biology class in some time (perhaps ever for many of you). It is important that you keep a few things in mind so that you may more easily succeed in Biology 1107. First and foremost, if you have questions about any topic, ASK!! There is no better way to learn material that you are in any way confused by than to ask questions. Hopefully the book will provide you what you need, but I can clarify anything you wish to have clarified. Speaking of the book, another way to insure success is to stay ahead in the reading. In other words, come to class prepared. This way you will likely be able to sit back and listen when I lecture, as you will have already read something on the topics being covered.

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