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Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Describe the structure of atoms, molecules, and biological polymers, and relate their significance to cell structure and function, anatomy, physiology, genetics and evolution.
2. Relate knowledge of enzyme reactions to cellular functions, metabolism, cell respiration and organ function.
3. Examine structures and function of cell membranes.
4. Compare and contrast methods of cellular reproduction (mitosis and meiosis) and their significance.
5. Explain how DNA codes for proteins, how the code is translated by the cell, and the relationship of genes to specific traits and inheritance.
6. Compare and contrast the different inheritance patterns observed in human traits, and analyze these patterns using pedigree analysis.
7. Compare and contrast the structures and functions of human tissues, organs, and systems.
8. Describe the mechanisms of evolution, adaptation, and speciation.
9. Relate the principles of genetics to the processes of evolution.
10. Evaluate the impacts of human population growth and resource use, as a whole and by country, on the environment and the human species.
11. Describe and objectively analyze current news and research on some aspect of human biology.
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Topics will include but not be limited to:
I. Cell biology
A. Cell chemistry
1. atomic structure
2. molecular bonding
3. acids/bases/pH
4. macromolecule structure and function
5. enzymes: structure and function
B. Cell structure and ultra structure
1. eukaryotic cell organelles and their functions
2. cell membrane structure and transport functions
C. Cell respiration
1. glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, electron transport chain
2. importance of ATP
3. aerobic vs. anaerobic respiration
D. Cellular reproduction
1. mitosis
2. meiosis including sources of genetic variation
II. Molecular genetics
A. DNA replication
B. protein synthesis, genetic code
C. mutations and mutagens
D. changes in chromosome number and chromosome structure
III. Transmission genetics
A. Mendelian genetics:
1. monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
2. autosomal and sex-linked human genetic disorders
B. Post-Mendelian genetics
1. incomplete dominance and co-dominance
2. polygenic inheritance
3. autosomal and sex linkage
C. Effects of environment on genetic expression
IV. Human organ systems
A. Tissues
1. structure and function
2. organization of organs
B. Digestive system
1. structure and function
2. diet and nutrition
C. Respiratory system
1. structure and function
2. effects of smoking
D. Cardiovascular system.
1. structure and function
2. heart and degenerative vascular diseases
E. Lymphatic system
1. circulation of lymph
2. infectious disease, including AIDS
3. immunization
F. Muscular and skeletal systems
1. muscle structure and function
2. bone growth and development
3. joint structure and function, arthritis
G. Nervous system
H. Urinary system
I. Endocrine system
J. Reproductive system
1. structure and function
2. contraception
3. sexually transmitted diseases
V. Human evolution
A. Mechanisms of evolution
1. natural selection
2. genetic drift and gene flow
3. mutation
4. non-random mating
B. Speciation
C. Evidence for evolution
1. the fossil record
2. comparative anatomy and physiology
3. molecular and biochemical evidence
VI. Human Population
A. Exponential growth
B. Carrying capacity and limiting factors
C. Resource use and ecological footprint
D. Environmental change and its affect on human well-being
VII. Current research topics in human biology
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Human Biology by Starr, C. and McMillan, B. Brooks/Cole: 2010
Human Biology by Chiras, D., Jones and Bartlett: 2008
Human Biology by Mader, S., McGraw Hill: 2010