12/21/2024 8:25:02 AM	BIO 16 Course Outline as of Fall 2018	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  BIO 16	Title:  NON MAJOR BIOLOGY
Full Title:  Introduction to Biology For Non-Majors
Last Reviewed:10/23/2023

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	4.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	4.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		8 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	6.00			Contact Total	105.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 210.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

An introduction for non-majors to the core concepts of biology by studying current issues in modern biology with an emphasis on the scientific method and scientific literacy.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

An introduction for non-majors to the core concepts of biology by studying current issues in modern biology with an emphasis on the scientific method and scientific literacy.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:	Fall 2014	Inactive:
Area:	C	Natural Sciences
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
	B2	Life Science		Fall 2014
	B3	Laboratory Activity
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
	5B	Biological Sciences		Fall 2014
	5C	Fulfills Lab Requirement
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2014	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2014	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.  Apply the scientific method to investigating and evaluating biological phenomena.

2.  Explain the application of the core concepts of biology to current issues.

3.  Evaluate the scientific background of and debate on current biological issues.

4.  Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory and field biology techniques, including microscopy.

 

Objectives:

During the course students will:

1. Explain the scientific method and assess information about current scientific issues using this

    methodology

2. Compare and contrast science and pseudoscience

3. Assess the role of science in society

4. Demonstrate knowledge of each of the following core concepts: evolution, structure and

    function, flow of information, flow of matter, systems biology

5. Apply core concepts to specific current issues in modern biology

6. Analyze and critically evaluate a current issue in biology and current events using the

    principles of the scientific method

7. Apply the steps in the scientific method for problem solving and biological investigation

8. Apply laboratory techniques, including proper microscope use, to observing and

    experimenting with biological phenomena

Topics and Scope

I. Science and the Scientific Method

     A. Science and the scientific process

     B. Science versus pseudoscience

    C. Science's role in and influence on society

    D. Assessment of the quality of scientific research

    E. The scientific method

         1. experimental design

         2. hypothesis testing

         3. science writing

II. Core Concepts of Biology

    A. Evolution

         1. natural selection

         2. speciation

    B. Structure and function

         1. relationship of anatomy and physiology

         2. role of natural selection

          3. examples in cell biology, organismal biology, evolutionary biology

    C. Flow of information

         1.  molecular genetics

         2.  Mendelian genetics

    D. Flow of energy and matter

         1. metabolism

         2. physiology

         3. biogeochemical cycles

         4. energy movement in ecosystems

    E. Systems Biology: levels of biological organization

    F. Applications of core concepts to current issues in biology

III. Laboratory Exercises

    A. Compound and dissecting microscope use

    B. Scientific method

    C. Experimental design

    D. Hypothesis testing

    E. Enzyme structure and function

    F. Properties of water

    G. Molecular genetics

    H. Mendelian genetics

     I. Eukaryotic biodiversity

Assignments:

Lecture-Related Assignments:

1. Assigned reading from text and instructor prepared material (10-30 pages/week)

2. Response papers (2-4) analyzing current issues in the context of the biological knowledge

    gained in the course (2-4 pages each)

3. Oral report on biological topics and their relationship to current events

4. Quizzes (5-10) on lecture and reading material

 

Lecture- and Lab-Related Assignments:

1. Written lecture exams (3-4) and lab exams (1-2) covering biological content and applications

    to current issues in biology

 

Lab-Related Assignments:

1. Participation in class exercises, analysis of case studies, and discussions relating to specific

    current biological topics and their relationship to current events

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 10 - 30%
Response papers
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 5 - 10%
Analysis of case studies
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 40 - 60%
Lecture exams: Multiple choice, Matching items, Completion, Short answer, Essay; Quizzes; Laboratory Exams
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 15 - 25%
Oral report, attendance and participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology. 5th Ed. Simon, Eric and Dickey, Jean and Reece, Jane. Pearson. 2015

ebook: Principles of Biology. Nature Publishing Group. 2012 (classic)

Instructor prepared materials

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