Course Syllabus

BIOL 1010 General Biology

Course Description

General Biology introduces the student to fundamental concepts of life, including the scientific process, molecular and cellular structures and functions, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Students will explore the flow of information and energy in different biological systems and humanity's role in the biosphere.

Justification

General Biology (BIOL 1010) provides non-life science majors with a broad understanding of biology and scientific reasoning. The course fulfills the Life Science GE requirement and aligns with similar courses at other USHE institutions. It is designed to transfer to other schools in the state to fulfill Biology General Education (GE) requirements. It is required for some majors at the four-year colleges and universities.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. This course will address the role science plays in historical and contemporary issues. Biologists have and will help answer questions of global concern. The course may include discussion on ethics, honesty, safety, and social responsibility.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will encounter a variety of information in this course, whether in the form of academic journals, popular press articles, textbooks, media, or even anecdotes. One emphasis of this course will be to equip students with the necessary skills to assess the credibility of information and analyze and interpret information in a useful way.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Although the course focuses on biological concepts and issues, students will see that they can apply the scientific method to a variety of complex problems. Tools of scientific inquiry include collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; presenting findings; and using information to answer questions.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. This course will cover key biological concepts. Students will learn to think critically, interpret data, evaluate information, and communicate clearly about life in their world.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the application of scientific methods and tools of scientific inquiry by actively and directly collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; presenting findings; and using information to answer questions.  Students will demonstrate the application of scientific methods and tools of scientific inquiry by actively and directly collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; presenting findings; and using information to answer questions.
2. UNDERSTAND: Demonstrate understanding of matter, energy, and their influence on biological systems. This course will include biological concepts of matter and energy, and may include topics such as trophic levels, nutrient cycling, and metabolic pathways.
3. APPLY KNOWLEDGE: Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and diversity of life. This course will include biological concepts such as mitosis, meiosis, reproduction, genetics, evolution, and/or phylogenetics.
4. EXPLAIN: Explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange in living organisms or eco-systems. This course will cover ideas and concepts central to Simple Genetics, Central Dogma, Speciation, Evolution, and Ecology. Students will understand information storage and expression on the molecular, organismal, and ecological levels.
5. REFLECT: Reflect on the relevance of life sciences in a broader context.  A primary purpose of this course is to give students a strong conceptual understanding of biological principles and to teach them how to use the scientific method to deepen their knowledge of the natural world and apply that knowledge in broader contexts.

Course Content

Content: The course will introduce many core biology concepts and may include topics such as: • Scientific method• Simple chemistry• Structure and function.• The flow, exchange, and storage of information.• Metabolic pathways and transformations of energy and mater • Evolution and population genetics.• Phylogenetics and systematics.• Ecology Students examine how scientists develop and test hypotheses using the scientific method and how the organization of life extends from molecules and cells to complex ecosystems. The course emphasizes the nature of science, scientific inquiry, scientific literacy and reasoning, ethics, and the role of biology in society.