Principles of Biology

Course Number:

BI 212

Transcript Title:

Principles of Biology

Created:

Jul 26, 2022

Updated:

Jul 26, 2022

Total Credits:

5

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

40

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

Yes

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)

Major

2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)

Major

3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)

Not Addressed

4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)

Minor

5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

• Open-ended essay questions and multiple-choice exams.
• Scientific papers that follow standard scientific format presenting independent investigations and may include peer-review(s).
• Oral presentations of biological information, informed positions on contemporary issues, and/or laboratory results.
• Classroom assessments, such as, quizzes, one minute summaries, pre-test/post-tests, etc.
• Major independent projects, such as, experiential learning plus journals, botany collections with ecosystem reports, library research term papers, and field journals.
• Scientific article critiques.
• Laboratory practical exams.
• Small projects and homework assignments.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Themes and Concepts include:

1. Introduction to genetics including Mendelian genetics
2. The chromosomal basis of inheritance
3. The molecular basis of inheritance
4. The transcription and translation of genes
5. Evolution by natural selection
6. Population genetics and microevolution
7. Speciation
8. Macroevolution and phylogenetic reconstruction
9. Early Earth and the origin of life
10. Survey of biodiversity: prokaryotes
11. Survey of biodiversity: origins of eukaryotic diversity
12. Survey of biodiversity: plants colonize land
13. Survey of biodiversity: evolutionary significance of fungi
14. Survey of biodiversity: invertebrate animals and the origin of animal diversity
15. Survey of biodiversity: vertebrate phylogeny
16. Genetics of viruses and bacteria (optional)
17. Gene expression in eukaryotes (optional)
18. DNA Technology (optional)

Issues:

Biology 212 is relevant to many contemporary issues that may be discussed and explored during the course, such as, effects of pollution in aquatic systems, applications of gene therapy, dwindling biodiversity, primate evolution, global warming, acid rain, overpopulation, unknown impacts of genetically modified organisms, etc.

Competencies and Skills:

• Read scientific literature
• Apply the scientific method
• Use laboratory techniques and equipment
• Locate and access biological information
• Think critically
• Collaborate with peers -- work effectively in groups
• Articulate scientific processes in written and oral format
• Present data in papers using the scientific format
• Present conclusions logically

Department Notes

Columbia Gorge Community College Science Department stands by the following statement about regarding science instruction:

Science is a fundamentally nondogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. Theories (such as biological evolution and geologic time scale) are developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance. As such, scientific theories can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation. “Creation science", “Intelligent design” or similar beliefs are not considered legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).

The Science Department at Columbia Gorge Community College, therefore stands with organizations such as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula except to reference and/or clarify its invalidity.