BIOLOGY 105
DUAL CREDIT COURSE
Instructor: Mrs. Melissa Marcum melissa.marcum@rowan.kyschools.us
Course Description: BIOL 105 is an introductory course outlining the fundamental
concepts of biology, including the nature of biological systems in the body as well as in
the environment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding widely applicable themes,
such as the genetic basis of disease and the chemistry of life. This course is not
acceptable for credit in the biology major or minor program.
Course Objectives: Students in this course will be expected to achieve the following
objectives:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic biological concepts.
2. Exhibit proficiency in acquiring scientific information.
3. Learn to critically evaluate scientific observations.
4. Learn to apply scientific principles to everyday situations.
Student Learner Outcomes (SLOs):
1. Become familiar with what science is, the scientific method, and how to identify
critical components of good science in the media. (GE-SLO 1b, 1c, 1d, 2b, 5a, 5b, 5c)
2. Learn about nutrition and the chemicals that biological cells need in order to function
most effectively, and the consequences of improper balances of those nutrients. (GESLO 1d, 4d)
3. Understand reproduction and human development, how traits are passed down, and
what roles genes and the environment play in determining those traits. Also see how
DNA is used in science today. (GE-SLO 4d, 5a, 5b)
4. Examine some threats to human health, including from viruses, bacteria, rogue cells,
and environmental chemicals. (GE-SLO 1b, 4d, 5b)
5. Discover and be awed by the diversity of life on this planet, how it has changed
through time, and recognize current threats to this biodiversity. (GE-SLO 1b, 5b)
6. Overall, recognize how biology impacts your everyday life and use your new
understanding of biology to make intelligent decisions! (GE-SLO 1d, 4d, 5a, 5b)
Required Text:
Biology Science for Life, 3rd Edition
Belk/Borden 2010
Pearson Prentice Hall
ISBN 0-321-55958-4
Grading: The course grade is based on assessments taken throughout the semester. Each
unit will include at least one quiz and one exam. Lab Reports will also be considered in the
course grade and will accompany a rubric. Throughout the semester, students will read recent
scientific articles and will write a critical analysis to be turned in and discussed with the teacher.
Attendance: Attendance is required to participate in lecture discussions, quizzes, exams and
activities. The student is responsible for getting the PowerPoint from the teachers webpage in
case of a missed lecture. Make up for exams will be given only to students who have an excuse
(signed note from physician, written evidence of death in the family, signed note from parent)
The instructor will provide make up exams for these individuals only if arranged within 24
hours of the exam date. Quizzes will be given either at the beginning or at the end of class .
Class policies: Once you have entered the classroom, please turn cell phones off. Also, no
laptops will be allowed, my PowerPoint’s will be accessible on my teacher webpage.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism or cheating in any form will not be tolerated and will be
dealt with in accordance Appendix A of the student handbook and the University Undergraduate
Catalog. Academic dishonesty, as defined by the University, occurs when you do not do your
own work, fail to give credit for the work of others, or use resources inappropriately.
Diversity issues: This course addresses the diversity of biological organisms. Human
diversity is addressed in the context of inheritance and disease.
Kentucky's New Teacher's Standards: Biology 105 will offer a constructive, flexible learning
environment in which students will gain content knowledge in the area of Biology. Students will
be encouraged to participate as active learners through question and answer sessions at the
beginning of each class meeting and questioning throughout the lecture. A writing assignment
will be used to strengthen communication skills. Higher order thinking skills will be
necessary for success on written exams. The effectiveness of instruction and learning will be
assessed through student exams and quizzes.
Class Lecture and Exam Schedule:
Dates and Topics to be Covered
Week
Topics
1-2
Nature of Science; Water,
Biochemistry, Cells
3
3-4
5
6
7
8
9
9-10
11-12
Nutrients, Enzymes and
metabolism, Cell
Transport
Photosynthesis & Cell
Respiration, Plant
Biology
Cancer and the Cell
Cycle
Genetics
Gene Expression and
GMO’s
Evolution and Natural
Selection
Biodiversity and
Classification
Ecology
Animal Structure &
Function
Reinforcement Activities
Bellwork/Exit Slip
Venn Diagram
Concept Map
Pair Share Discussion
Double Entry Organizer
Interactive Word Wall
Frayer Model
Graffiti Conversation
Paired Verbal Fluency
Activities
Model Building Lab
Food Label Lab
Cell Size & Surface Area Lab
Gummi Bear Inquiry Lab
Chapter
1,2
Photosynthesis Inquiry Lab
Cell Respiration Lab
4, 22, 23
Dose Response Curve Lab
The Truth About Cancer Video
Genetic Variation of Hand Sizes
Activity
Pedigree Analysis
Gene Expression Simulation
5
The Mating Game (On line Activity
on Evolution website)
9,10
Classification Lab
12
Pond Studies Inquiry Lab
Population Growth Lab
Predator Prey Activity
Pig Dissection
13-15
3
6,7
8
16-21
General Education Student Learner Outcomes
BIOL105 is designated a Natural Science I (NSCI) General Education course, and as such,
addresses the following General Education Student Learner Outcomes:
1. Communication Skills
Students will demonstrate ability to:
1b. Read college-level critical, creative and technical texts for comprehension
1c. Write effectively for a variety of target audiences using conventions associated with standard
English
1d. Convey quantitative and qualitative relationships using symbols, equations, graphs, and
tables
2. Intellectual Skills
Students will demonstrate ability to:
2b. Recognize and effectively utilize both deductive and inductive reasoning
4. Knowledge of Human Cultures
Students will demonstrate ability to:
4d. Comprehend the cycle of human growth necessary to provide sustained health and individual
well-being
5. Knowledge of the Natural World
Students will demonstrate ability to:
5a. Comprehend and apply basic scientific, quantitative, and technological methods and
knowledge of natural systems to the solution of scientific problems
5b. Employ scientific methods and theories to analyze and address open and debated questions in
the sciences
5c. Analyze explanations to classify them as scientific or nonscientific