Introduction to Life Science

Required Text
Postlethwait, J. H., & Hopson, J. L. (2011). LIFE (1st ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Course Description
This course gives the student a broad overview of the following biological processes and topics: the anatomy of the cell,
cell division, species diversity, and species classification. This course attempts to relate the subject matter to everyday
occurrences.
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course you will be able to:

Apply the scientific method to solving problems.

Describe the basic structure and function of atoms.
Recognize different molecular structures of organic molecules.
Identify the components of cells and know their functions.
Define cell division and its role in genetics.
Describe the concepts of evolution and natural selections.
Appreciate the complex relationships in an ecosystem and the effects of altering the ecosystem.
Distinguish the difference between instinctive and learned behavior.
Recognize basic anatomy and physiology of the human body.

Tentative Schedule
Module 1: The Study of Life
Module 2: Tour of the Cell
Module 3: Mitosis and Meiosis
Module 4: Genes and Heredity
Discussion Forum: The Scientific Method
Written Assignment: Properties of Life
Quiz 1
Discussion Forum: Cell Organelles
Written Assignment: Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic
Cells
Quiz 2
Discussion Forum: Cell Cycle and Cancer;
Diploid Cells
Written Assignment: Genetic Counseling
Quiz 3
Discussion Forum: The Double Helix
 Written Assignment: DNA and RNA
Quiz 4
Discussion Forums: Reproduction and Animal
Behavior
Module 5: Viruses and Biotechnology Written Assignment: Genetic Drift and the
Founder Effect
Quiz 5
Discussion Forums: Sharks versus Dolphins
Module 6: Animal Reproduction, Development,
Written Assignment: Similarities and Differences
and Behavior
Quiz 6
Discussion Forums: Flowering Plants
Module 7: Ecology and Ecosystems Written Assignment: Phylum Arthropoda
Quiz 7
Discussion Forum: Reflection
Module 8: Animal Form, Function, and Nutrition Final Project
Online Course Survey
Work must be submitted by 11:59 PM E.S.T. on the due date

Grading Policy
Assignment Percentage
Discussions 35%
Assignments 25%
Quizzes 20%
Final 20%

Expected Student Workload

The following table outlines the academic effort required for you to be successful in this course. While the times in the
table are approximate, it is presented to help with your time management. If you have any questions or concerns, please
direct them to your instructor or student advisor.

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 3.2

1 Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 1.0
 Readings 0.6

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 10.7

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 1.0

2 Readings 1.6

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 8.8

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 1.0

3 Readings 1.4

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 6.3

Online Discussions 3.0

4
Assignments 1.0

Preparation Readings 1.2

 Discussions 2.0

Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 9.1

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 1.0

5 Readings 1.4

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 9.7

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 1.0

6 Readings 1.2

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 10.3

Online Discussions 3.0

7 Assignments 1.0

Readings 2.0
Preparation
Discussions 2.0
 Assignments 7.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Estimated Hours
Week Type of Activity Activity
Required

Readings/Lectures 8.7

Online Discussions 3.0

Assignments 1.0

8 Readings 1.4

Discussions 2.0
Preparation
Assignments 25.0

Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

** The numbers listed in the chart above are rounded to the nearest whole