1. QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The City University of New York
Lecture Outline
BI-110—Fundamentals of Life Science
Required Text:
Get Ready for A&P, 3rd
Edition – Pearson Publishers: Author: Lori K. Garrett
The object of this course is to provide the basic concepts of the life sciences including scientific
measurement, properties of matter & energy on which life is dependent & levels of organization.
Week # Topics________ ________ Text__
1
2.
3
4.
4. Test #1 – at the end of week 4.
5
6.
7
Introduction – study techniques, test taking; The Scientific Method;
differences between scientific theory, hypothesis and principle.
Math for the sciences review.
Garrett: Ch 1,
Ch 2, pp 49-73
Metric system. Tables and graphs.
Terminology ( language of science); Anatomical positions and terminology.
Planes of section. Human skeleton.
Garrett: Ch 2, pp 73-79
Ch 3
Garrett: Ch 5, pp 159-
174
Garrett: Ch 4
Garrett:
Ch 5, 189-194
Garrett: Ch 5, pp 175-
188, 201-204
Introduction to chemistry:
Matter - composition and phases of matter; density.
The Chemistry of life: Atoms-parts of the atom, elements, compounds,
Periodic Table, Isotopes. Major and minor elements.
Biologic Organization- What is Life? Levels of Organization- the basic unit-
the cell, tissues, organs, systems, the organism. Homeostasis/Self-regulation
of the internal environment.
Ions-Anions & Cations, Electronegativity; Polyatomic Ions
Chemical Bonding- Ionic, Covalent, Polar Covalent, Hydrogen Bonds;, Energy:
define energy, potential and kinetic energy, types of energy, heat, temperature,
calories, Law of conservation.
Chemical Reactions: making or breaking bonds. Molecules and Compounds.
Inorganic Molecules: Gases, Water, Oxides, Acids, Bases, Salts; Buffers.
pH: Acid and Base concentrations. Electrolytes
Introduction to organic molecules: Hydro-Carbons, Carbons Chains & Covalent
Bonding, Hydrocarbon Groups, Substituted Hydrocarbons.
Biochemistry-Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides,
Polysaccharides, B-Complex Vitamins. Major source of Carbohydrates.
Garrett:
Ch 5, 194-196
Supplement sheets

2. 8.
8. Test #2 – at the end of week 8
9.
10.
11. Replication, Transcription and Translation; Genetic Code; gene expression
11. Test #3 – at the end of week 11
12.
13.
14.
15 Test #4 – during Finals week.
This syllabus is merely a guide to the course. Instructor will determine the actual schedule.
Grading: 4 tests each 25% of the grade – 100%
Note:
1) No test results are dropped in computing the grade for any student
2) Grades are determined by the student’s average---there is no curving of marks in computing
grades.
3) Attendance will be taken at each class meeting, and the QCC requirements shall be enforced.
4) The use of electronic devices, including cell phones, is strictly prohibited at all times.
Garrett: Ch 5, 198-199
Supplement sheets
Garrett: Ch 5, 200-201
Supplement sheets
Garrett: Ch 5, 197
Supplement sheets
Biochemistry- Lipids: Fatty Acids, Glycerides, Triglycerides, Saturated, unsaturated
& polyunsaturated, Phospholipids, steroids. Major sources of Lipids
Biochemistry- Proteins: Amino acids the basic building blocks of
proteins, Peptide Bonds, Protein Structures, Denaturation, Protein
Functions, Protein Shapes Enzymes.
Biochemistry – Nucleic Acids: Nucleotides RNA, DNA, ATP revisited,
DNA Helix, Chromosomes.
Supplementary sheets
Cell Structure: Composite Cell: Cell membrane, cell nucleus, organelles.
Cell cycle.
.
Movement- Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated Diffusion, Filtration;
Garrett: Ch 6, 209-230,
243-249.
Garrett: Ch 6, 231-239
Active transport; endocytosis; exocytosis
Membrane channels, pores; Control of movement through gated channels.
(nervous system/muscle examples).
Garrett: Ch 6, 240-243