Chabot College
Fall 2002
Removed Fall 2010
Course Outline for Biology 20
CONTEMPORARY HUMAN BIOLOGY
Catalog Description:
20 - Contemporary Human Biology
3 units
Human organism, with emphasis placed on human's origin and evolutionary legacy, the relationship with the
environment, and the ethical implications of biological discoveries in science. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outline for Students:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
restate current theories regarding the origin of life on earth, and human's evolutionary origin;
explain the physical structure of the human body and its functional organization in an
evolutionary context;
interpret the evolutionary basis of human behavior and social organization;
describe the basic elements of human reproduction, growth and development;
contrast the basic principles of genetics and human inheritance patterns;
describe the human relationship with the physical and biotic environment and the
impact of their activities on the environment.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The origin and nature of life
a.
Heterotroph hypothesis
b.
Properties of life
c.
Basic unit of life: Cells
d.
Cellular functions: metabolism, growth, reproduction
Human development and growth
a.
Life cycle
b.
Gametogenesis
c.
Fertilization and cleavage
d.
Later embryonic and fetal development
e.
Human growth patterns
Structural organization and function in the human body
a.
Integument
b.
Skeleto-muscular system
c.
Neuro-muscular function
d.
Cardiovascular function
e.
Respiration and excretion
f.
Digestion and nutrition
g.
Reproduction and sexuality
Principles of genetics and human inheritance
a.
History of genetics
b.
Mendelian genetics
c.
Multiple gene inheritance
d.
Population genetics
e.
Human genetic traits
f.
Eugenics, anyone?
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 20, page 2
Fall 2002
Course Content - continued:
5.
6.
7.
Origin and evolution of humans
a.
Principles of evolution
b.
Genetic basis of evolution
c.
History of life on earth
d.
Primate evolution and migration
e.
Later human evolution and migration
f.
Human diversity
Human ecology
a.
Principles of ecology
b.
Human ecology
c.
Human reproduction and population growth
d.
Human population control
Environmental deterioration
a.
Environmental pollution
b.
Conservation of natural resources
c.
Environmental and sociological impact of human activities
d.
Prognosis
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lectures
Films
Tapes
35 mm color slides
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments:
a.
Textbook readings
b.
Selected articles to read for discussion
1)
Human kind's evolution in the future
2)
Human cloning
c.
Term papers
1)
Human impact on the environment
2)
Evolution of primates
3)
Moral issues of genetic engineering
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Written examinations, including final exam
b.
Special projects
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Human Biology, Sylvia Mader, Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 2000
Special Student Materials:
None.
Revised: 2/13/02