2023-2024 Catalog 
    
    Nov 24, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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BIOL 122 - College Biology II

4 Credit: (3 lecture, 2 lab, 0 clinical) 5 Contact Hours: [BIOL 121 ]


This course (in conjunction with BIOL 121 ) provides students with an in-depth introduction to fundamental areas of biology.  BIOL122 emphasizes the scientific method, natural selection and evolutionary theory, diversity of life (bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), anatomy and physiology of life, and ecological principles. Laboratories will introduce basic biological techniques and reinforce lecture principles through hands-on exploration. Students will conduct an independent experiment and write a scientific lab report.
OFFERED: spring semesters

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1:  Explain biological diversity using the theory of evolution and mechanism of natural selection.

Objectives:

  1. List contributions leading up to the theory of evolution.
  2. Demonstrate how evolution is supported by scientific evidence.
  3. Describe the process of natural selection.
  4. Give examples of natural selection that have occurred in nature.
  5. Explain how natural selection leads to evolution.
  6. Describe how genetic variation occurs in populations.
  7. Explain the conditions necessary to maintain Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium.
  8. Compare microevolution and macroevolution.
  9. Explain mechanisms of speciation.
  10. Describe methods for naming and classifying species.
  11. Use phylogeny to explain or diagram evolutionary relationships.

Goal 2:  Explore the diversity of microorganisms including their characteristics, structures, and processes.

Objectives: 

  1. Compare the basic structures and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  2. Contrast the basic structures and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  3. Differentiate between the Domain Arachae and Domain Bacteria.
  4. Describe characteristics of Bacteria.
  5. Describe characteristics of microscopic eukaryotes (“protists”).
  6. Distinguish between clades of microscopic eukaryotes (“protists”).
  7. Identify selected organisms using the classification system.
  8. Describe the importance of microorganisms in relation to the human species and the natural world.

Goal 3:  Describe the characteristics, structures, and processes in the Plant and Fungi Kingdoms.

Objectives:

  1. Describe characteristics and adaptations of each kingdom.
  2. Differentiate between clades within each kingdom.
  3. Distinguish between fungi and plants.
  4. Distinguish between monocots and dicots.
  5. Identify selected organisms by their taxonomic classifications.
  6. Identify common structures of the plant root, stem, leaf, and flower.
  7. Describe the structure and function of plant tissue systems.
  8. Distinguish between different types of plant cells.
  9. Explain the processes of primary and secondary growth.
  10. Describe the major events occurring during Alternation of Generations.
  11. Explain the processes of pollination, fertilization, and germination.
  12. Describe transpiration of water and phloem transport of sugars.
  13. Explain the importance of nutrition to plant growth and health.
  14. Describe how plant hormones affect plant growth.
  15. Describe the importance of plants and fungi in relation to the human species and the natural world.

Goal 4:  Describe the characteristics, structures and processes in the Animal Kingdom.

Objectives:

  1. Describe characteristics of animals.
  2. Differentiate between major animal phyla and clades.
  3. Distinguish between invertebrates and vertebrates.
  4. Identify selected organisms by their taxonomic classifications.
  5. Relate structure to function using examples from the Animal Kingdom.
  6. Distinguish between learned and innate behavior.
  7. Contrast different types of learning.
  8. Explain the relationship between the development of behaviors and natural selection.
  9. Provide a scientific explanation for altruistic behaviors.

Goal 5:  Explain interactions of organisms with their environment using ecological principles.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the role climate has on organisms and biomes.
  2. Explain the difference between abiotic and biotic factors.
  3. Describe organism dispersion patterns.
  4. Compare exponential growth to limited (sustainable) growth.
  5. Describe interspecific interactions, including competition and predation.
  6. Explain the process of community succession.
  7. Explain how the organisms of a community are dependent on one another, using food webs and principles of energy flow to support your answer.
  8. Describe the terrestrial nitrogen cycle.
  9. Distinguish between different ecological levels (population, community, etc.).
  10. Discuss conservation issues, particularly those influenced by the human species (global warming, pollution, etc.).

Goal 6:  Apply the scientific method to experiments.

Objectives:

  1. Conduct experiments using the scientific method.
  2. Properly use laboratory tools, materials, and procedures.
  3. Properly format figures and tables.
  4. Identify variables and controls in an experiment.
  5. Analyze data and develop conclusions.
  6. Write a clear and concise lab report.
  7. Conduct a scientific experiment, modified or created by you and present results in a scientific format.

Goal 7:  Relate scientific concepts to current events.

Objectives:

  1. Conduct a search for primary scientific literature.
  2. Review primary scientific literature.
  3. Evaluate accuracy of scientific news.
  4. Inform others of the science behind a current event or occurring at a nearby location.



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