This course introduces science majors to the facts and concepts that describe how 
biological information is stored, used, and transmitted from one generation to the next 
as well has how changes in genetic information is closely associated with the evolution 
of natural populations over time.

Students will develop an ability to:
1) develop, evaluate, and use models (representations) of biological processes or 
systems, 
2) analyze and interpret data and figures, 
3) use available evidence to support or refute a claim, and 
4) use quantitative reasoning to answer questions in the context of the transfer and 
storage of biological information.

Environmental Awareness:
Human activity has dramatically affected the composition and flow of biological 
information in natural systems by such means as genetic engineering to alter 
information stored in DNA, the production of chemicals and pollutants that disrupt 
cellular and organismal communication, and by altering the environments and genetic 
diversity of populations changing the course of evolution. Examples and case studies 
that explore these topics will be embedded throughout the course.

•	Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids
•	Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
•	Genotype, Phenotype, Mutation, and Alleles
•	Cellular and Organismal Communication
•	Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis
•	Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
•	Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Genetics 
•	Population Genetics
•	Evolution and Speciation