C190A_Introduction_Biology

Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through three modules and nine units. Engaging with this material will build foundational knowledge of the science of biology. You will explore overarching theories of life from biological research. You will study key concepts and principles of the study of living organisms. You will look at how life evolves and adapts to the environment—and so much more.

Throughout the course, you will find readings and a variety of interactive elements. These include virtual labs and knowledge checks to help deepen your understanding of the content. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

The graduate analyzes the characteristics and classifications of living organisms.
The graduate analyzes the basic chemical composition of cells and the basic processes that happen at the cellular level.
The graduate analyzes different types of cells based on their structures and biological functions.
The graduate analyzes the biological basis for and patterns of heredity and gene expression.
The graduate analyzes inter-dependencies of organisms and their environments.

Assessment

You will have two attempts to pass each quiz. The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

3 Quizzes

1 Final Exam

3 Competency Units

Course Outline

Module	Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Foundations
Unit 1: What is Life?	Classify items as biotic or abiotic. Identify the levels of organization from atom to biome. Apply the process of scientific inquiry. Relate experimental design to scientific inquiry.
Unit 2: Macromolecules	Describe the subatomic particles that comprise an atom. Identify different types of chemical bonds. Identify the special properties of water. Describe the major characteristics of organic molecules. Identify carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Compare and contrast RNA and DNA.
Unit 3: The Cell	Compare and contrast animal and plant cells. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Describe the function of organelles. Describe how the cell membrane functions. Describe the different membrane transport mechanisms. Describe homeostasis.
Cell Replication
Unit 1: Metabolism	Identify ATP as the major carrier for cells. Analyze cellular respiration. Analyze photosynthesis. Describe fermentation as an anaerobic process.
Unit 2: Cell Division	Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis. Describe chromosomes. Describe the phases of the cell cycle. Describe the phases of mitosis. Describe the phases of meiosis.
Unit 3: Classical Genetics	Describe the Law of Independent Assortment. Interpret the results of dihybrid and monohybrid crosses. Describe the Law of Segregation. Distinguish between genotype and phenotype. Identify patterns of inheritance. Identify how changes in chromosome number lead to disorders.
DNA to Ecosystems
Unit 1: Molecular Genetics	Describe the process of DNA replication. Identify how a change in the DNA code may affect phenotype. Identify translation. Identify transcription. Describe the flow of information between DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Unit 2: Evolution	Analyze natural selection. Describe microevolution. Recognize the process of creating new forms of species. Describe the evidence for evolution.
Unit 3: Ecology	Identify the levels of organization important to the study of ecology. Compare and contrast relationships between species. Describe how an ecosystem functions. Identify human activities that impact the environment. Recognize the importance of biodiversity.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

For other details about the technology you'll need, review the Computer System and Technology Requirements. If you have questions about your setup, contact support@academy.wgu.edu.

Key Contacts

Course Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.