| 12/21/2024 6:34:44 AM |
| Reinstated Course |
| CATALOG INFORMATION
|
| Discipline and Nbr:
BIO 14 | Title:
CURRENT ISSUES IN BIO |
|
| Full Title:
Current Issues in Biology |
| Last Reviewed:5/9/2022 |
| Units | Course Hours per Week | | Nbr of Weeks | Course Hours Total |
| Maximum | 3.00 | Lecture Scheduled | 3.00 | 17.5 max. | Lecture Scheduled | 52.50 |
| Minimum | 3.00 | Lab Scheduled | 0 | 6 min. | Lab Scheduled | 0 |
| | Contact DHR | 0 | | Contact DHR | 0 |
| | Contact Total | 3.00 | | Contact Total | 52.50 |
| |
| | Non-contact DHR | 0 | | Non-contact DHR Total | 0 |
| | Total Out of Class Hours: 105.00 | Total 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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An introduction for non-majors to the core principles of biology through the study of current issues in modern biology. Topics include ecology, evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, molecular, and cell biology.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Limits on Enrollment:
Schedule of Classes Information
Description:
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An introduction for non-majors to the core principles of biology through the study of current issues in modern biology. Topics include ecology, evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, 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: |
| | B2 | Life Science | Fall 2018 | |
| | B2 | Life Science | Fall 2006 | Spring 2010 |
| |
| IGETC: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
| | 5B | Biological Sciences | Fall 2018 | |
| | 5B | Biological Sciences | Fall 2006 | Spring 2010 |
| |
| CSU Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 2018 | Inactive: | |
| |
| UC Transfer: | Transferable | Effective: | Fall 2018 | 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:
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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:
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Upon successful completion of the course, students will 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, 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 each of the above 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 midterm 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, Midterm exams, Comprehensive final exam | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
0 - 10% |
| Attendance and participation | |
Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Principles of Biology. Brooker, Robert and Widmaier, Eric and Graham, Linda. McGraw Hill. 2015
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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