BIO 1203 Biosciences I Syllabus - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Biosciences I syllabus and related course components.

Prerequisite

A course or requirement that must be completed before enrolling in BIO 1203 (e.g., STA 1053, MAT 1023, or MAT 1073).

Corequisite

A course that must be taken at the same time as BIO 1203 (BIO 1201 is required for biology majors).

Biosciences I

The first course in a two-part introduction to biology for biology majors or pre-health students; topics include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology.

Biochemistry

The chemistry of life; the study of chemical processes within living organisms.

Biomolecules

Molecules essential to life, including water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Water

A biomolecule and universal solvent fundamental to life and biochemical reactions.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules that provide energy and structural support in living organisms.

Lipids

Biomolecules that store energy and form cellular membranes.

Proteins

Biomolecules with diverse roles, including catalysis, structure, signaling, and transport.

Nucleic Acids

DNA and RNA; molecules that store, transmit, and express genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material that stores hereditary information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; conveys genetic information from DNA to protein synthesis.

Central Dogma

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation).

Gene

A unit of heredity that codes for a trait or function within genetic material.

Inheritance

Patterns of trait transmission and the storage, expression, and variation of genetic information.

Evolution

Process by which life displays unity and diversity through genetic change and natural selection.

Mitosis

Cell division yielding two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.

Meiosis

Cell division producing four genetically diverse haploid cells; basis of sexual reproduction.

Cellular Respiration

Process by which cells convert nutrients into ATP energy.

Photosynthesis

Process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy (carbohydrates).

Genome/Genetic Information Flow

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein; part of central dogma.

Inheritence vs. Variation

Study of how traits are passed down and how genetic variation contributes to diversity.

iClicker

Student response system used in class for real-time questions and engagement.

Gradescope

Online grading platform used for exams and assignments; often involves bubble sheets.

Bubble Sheet

Printed form for marking multiple-choice responses, scanned for grading.

McGraw Hill Connect

Online platform with assignments, activities, and integrated resources tied to the textbook.

Smartbook

McGraw Hill online reading with built-in practice and assignments.

E-book

Digital version of the textbook required for this course.

Module

A course unit containing several chapters and an associated module exam.

Module Exam

In-module assessment that measures understanding for a specific module.

Final Exam

Comprehensive exam covering material from all course units.

Academic Integrity

Policy prohibiting cheating; violations can result in a zero and disciplinary actions.

Make-Up Exam Policy

Policy outlining when make-up exams are allowed (with prior approval for valid reasons).

FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; protects student privacy and informs recording guidelines.

Intellectual Property

Course materials and lectures are the property of the instructor and may not be reproduced without permission.

Academic Freedom

Faculty freedom in teaching with responsibility to ensure content relevance and integrity.

Guided Notes

Optional note-taking templates to accompany lectures, available in Canvas.

Virtual Lab

Online laboratory activities used to reinforce concepts outside of in-person class.

Textbook

Biology (McGraw Hill) by Raven, Johnson, Mason, Losos, Duncan (ISBN 9781265128845).