Maui Community College
Course Outline
1.
Alpha and Number
BIOL 50
Course Title
Biology Topics
Credits
Three (3)
Date of Outline
February 25, 2001
2.
Course Description
Explores current issues and problems in
biology. Includes topics such as human
biology, diseases, nutrition, genetics, and
natural history of Hawai‘i.
3.
Contact Hours Per Week
3 lecture
4.
Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Recommended Preparation
None
Approved by________________________________________Date___________________
5.
General Course Objectives
Students will be able to describe and discuss current topics in biology related to
The human body, human diseases and disorders, nutrition, human genetics, and the
natural history of Hawai‘i.
6.
Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to
a. describe the general structure and function of human anatomical systems and
common disorders;
b. explain the germ theory of disease;
c. give examples of common diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and toxins;
d. explain the features of a balanced diet;
e. develop a balanced diet based on personal food preferences;
f. give examples of common dietary disorders;
g. describe basic laws of inheritance;
h. explain the causes of common human genetic disorders;
i. explain selected topics in biotechnology;
j. describe the geological evolution of the Hawaiian archipelago;
k. describe the features, locations, and typical plants and animals of the natural
habitats of Hawai‘i; and
l. explain and give examples of threats to native Hawaiian plants and animals.
7.
Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to # 6. Student Learning Outcomes.
3-4 weeks
Structure, functions, and disorders of human systems including
skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, circulatory, excretory,
reproductive, and endocrine (a)
1-2 weeks
Causes and treatments of common infectious diseases (b, c)
Current serious global and local infectious diseases (b)
1-2 weeks
Basic essentials of human nutrition and a balanced diet (d, e)
Dietary disorders (f)
1-2 weeks
Basic laws of inheritance (g)
Human genetic disorders (h)
1 week
Current applications of genetics, such as genetic engineering, gene
therapy, forensics, agriculture, cloning (i)
8.
1 week
Geological evolution of the Hawaiian archipelago (j)
1-2 weeks
Native habitats of Hawai‘i (k)
Typical plants and animals of Hawai‘i (k)
1 week
Threats to native Hawaiian plants and animals (l)
Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered
from those currently available in the field. Examples include
Biology: Concepts & Connections by Campbell, Mitchell & Reece, or any other
current, up-to-date, general biology text.
Many books and videos are available for reference in the Biology office and in the
MCC Library. Students will prepare a project using library, Internet, and
community resources. Videos, personal slides, field trips, guest speakers, reference
books, periodicals, internet sites, biological specimens, posters, brochures, CDROMs, and DVDs.
9.
Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the
course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited
to
10 –50%
10 –30%
Written quizzes, midterm(s) and/or a final exam covering lectures,
discussions, media presentations, field trips, guest speakers, and
other assignments
Reading environmental articles and/or watching or attending
programs about environmental issues in the media (including
newspapers, video, magazines, journals, lectures, web-based
material, etc.) and writing summaries and reactions
5–20%
Reading text and other assigned materials and answering discussion
questions
5–20%
Participation in class discussions, group and individual oral reports
20–50%
Laboratory experiments, activities, and reports
5–20%
Semester projects and/or service-learning
8–10%
10.
Punctuality, attendance, and participation
Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary with instructors. Techniques may include, but are not
limited to, the following
quizzes and other tests with feedback and discussion;
lectures including demonstrations and class discussions;
narrated 35-mm slide and/or PowerPoint presentations;
videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs with detailed viewing guide and discussion questions;
field trips including field notes, activities, observations, and data collection;
guest speakers and attendance at public lectures;
small group activities;
oral reports and other student presentations;
games and simulations;
homework assignments such as
reading and/or watching, and writing summaries and reactions to
environmental issues in the media including newspapers, broadcast television,
videos, magazines, newspapers, and journals,
lectures, web-based material, and other sources;
- reading text and reference material and answering discussion questions;
- researching environmental issues and problems;
web-based assignments and activities;
reflective journals;
group and/ or individual research projects with reports or poster presentations;
study logs and study groups;
service-learning, community service, and/or civic engagement projects; and
other contemporary learning techniques (such as problem-based learning,
investigative case-based learning, co-op, internships, self-paced programs)