SRJC Course Outlines

12/8/2024 11:26:30 AMBIO 14 Course Outline as of Fall 2023

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  BIO 14Title:  CURRENT ISSUES IN BIO  
Full Title:  Current Issues in Biology
Last Reviewed:5/9/2022

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled06 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

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

Catalog Description:
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In this non-majors course students will be introduced to the core principles of biology through the study of current issues in modern biology. Topics include ecology, evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and molecular and cell biology.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
In this non-majors course students will be introduced to the core principles of biology through the study of current issues in modern biology. Topics include ecology, evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and molecular and cell biology.
(Grade or P/NP)

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 2018
Inactive: 
 Area:C
Natural Sciences
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 B2Life ScienceFall 2018
 B2Life ScienceFall 2006Spring 2010
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 5BBiological SciencesFall 2018
 5BBiological SciencesFall 2006Spring 2010
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2018Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2018Inactive:
 
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:
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1. Apply the scientific method to investigating and evaluating biological phenomena.
2. Explain the application of the core principles of biology to current issues.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the scientific method and critically evaluate 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 principles of biology: ecology, evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and molecular and cell biology.
5. Synthesize information from the core principles of biology and apply them to specific current issues in modern biology.

Topics and Scope
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I. Scientific Method Versus Other Methods of Decision-making
    A. What is science and how is the scientific process conducted?
    B. Science versus pseudoscience
    C. Science's role in and influence on society
II. Basic Principles of Ecology
    A. Flow of energy and matter
    B. Ecosystem structure and function
    C. Community structure and function
    D. Population structure, growth rates, and human population dynamics
III. Principles of Evolution
    A. Natural selection
    B. Speciation
    C. Relationship to biodiversity and extinction crises
IV. Structure and Function of Cells
    A. Prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells
    B. Molecular biology
    C. Relationship to anatomy and physiology, genetics, and evolution
V. Genetics and Inheritance
    A. Molecular genetics
    B. Mendelian genetics
    C. Relationship to cell biology, evolution, and populations
VI. Anatomy and Physiology of Plants and Animals
    A. Structure and function of specific selected tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms
    B. Relationship to ecology, evolution, genetics, and disease mechanisms
VII. Applications of the Above Topics to Current Events and Issues in Modern Biology

Assignments:
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1. Assigned reading from text and/or instructor prepared material (10-30 pages/week)
2. Case studies relating to specific biological topics and their relationship to current events
3. Response papers analyzing current biological issues (2-4 pages each)
4. Oral report on a current biological issue
5. Quizzes (3-10)
6. Objective examinations including unit exams (2-4) and a comprehensive final exam (including essay questions)

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
5 - 30%
Response papers
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
5 - 30%
Case studies
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 10%
Oral report
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
40 - 70%
Quizzes, unit exams, and comprehensive final exam
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
0 - 10%
Participation


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Principles of Biology. 3rd ed. Brooker, Robert, Widmaier, Eric, Graham, Linda and Stiling, Peter. McGraw Hill. 2021
Current Issues in Biology, Volume 6. Scientific American. Pearson. 2010 (classic)
Biology Today: An Issues Approach. 3rd ed. Minkoff, Eli and Baker, Pamela. Garland Science. 2003 (classic)
Instructor prepared materials

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