Department: BCES
AREAS OF INQUIRY
Course Number: BIOL 113
Course Name: Topics in Medicine and Health
see attached course proposal
INVESTIGATING THE
NATURAL WORLD
This form must be submitted to the Faculty Council on Liberal Learning and Academic Life as part of the submission
process.
Please attach a proposed syllabus for this course and the Undergraduate Curriculum Course Proposal Form.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: 16 September 2005
Please answer the following questions:
This is a new course that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.
1. Name and contact information for the department chair administrating this course.
Harold Cones, 4-7061
2. In any given semester, how many sections of this course is your department willing to offer?
2-4 depending on personnel
3. Why is this course being offered/what is it designed to achieve (Course purpose/goal)?
This course is being offered for nonmajors as a course to use to satisfy the Investigating the Natural
World Area of Inquiry. Students will gain an understanding of how science operates and its role in
modern society and do so using a biomedical topic as the basis, specifically human genetics.
4. All courses must address every objective listed below.
Lecture
 Understand the process of science and the strengths and weaknesses of this process
 Understand that our present knowledge of the natural world is the result of the progression of scientific
ideas over time
 Apply scientific knowledge to the definition, understanding, and evaluation of issues of contemporary
society
 Gain an understanding of a body of knowledge in at least one natural science discipline
5. Briefly explain how this class addresses the above objectives.
Students will be introduced to the process of science with the genetics of humans as the focus. The
history of classical genetics will provide the basis for a consideration of numerous contemporary issues
involving genetics. Historically important and contemporary research will be considered and used to
provide an understanding of our present knowledge. Basic biological and chemical concepts will be
explored so that an in-depth understanding of genetics in the 21st century is gained and applied to societal
issues.
6. Course Assessment: Identify how this course will accomplish the above objectives (choose at least one).
 Participating in class discussion and debate
 Engaging in teamwork and other collaborative exercises
 Writing analytical or evaluative papers, perhaps incorporating original research
 Making oral presentations
 Performing laboratory experiments
 Conducting data analysis
 Participating in fieldwork
 Other means – please identify
It is anticipated that sections of this course initially will have to accommodate 90 students on average in
order to meet demand. Given this size class the types of assessment done are somewhat limited. Some
collaborative group work, limited class discussion, short papers, and problem-solving activities will be
done. As class size is reduced it is expected that oral presentations and longer analytical papers can be
used.
7. Attach a proposed syllabus, which includes a statement of purpose, course objectives, and how these
objectives will be accomplished.
The attached syllabus is an example of one specific topic/section that could be taught for this course. The
departmental curriculum committee will evaluate all proposed sections of these AoI courses. All
approved sections will have the following purpose and objectives.
Purpose:
to introduce students to a particular area/problem of biology and to use this topic as a way for
students to understand how science works and what the role of science is in modern society.
Objectives:
to learn about a particular biological topic
to understand how science works
to understand what our state of knowledge of this topic is & how it was achieved
to understand the role of science in modern society
to be able to find the information necessary to understand other contemporary scientific issues
Prior to preregistration each semester a list of sections of the courses to be taught will be made available.
Each section will have a specific title and a description of the topic for that section.
8. Please identify and explain if this course contributes to the Foundations of Liberal Learning expectations for:
Information Literacy: students will gain knowledge in a scientific field and about how new knowledge is
acquired in the sciences.
9. Explain how this course connects to Vision 2010 – the CNU Strategic Plan
This course will provide good ways to connect students to science, its process and its role in today’s
society. Current topics will be of interest to students, making it more likely that they will be engaged
with the material. Having faculty members present topics more aligned with their areas of interest and
expertise will be beneficial to both students and instructors. All in all, these courses will be good
additions to the curriculum and they will help prepare students to be informed and aware citizens.
Submission Checklist:
By the deadline, submit a packet with the following documents to the Assistant Dean for Liberal Learning. Please
submit in electronic and hard copy form.
_____ Area of Inquiry Course Proposal Form
_____ Syllabus for the Course
_____ Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Course Proposal Form
BIOL 113
INSTRUCTOR:
Topics in Medicine and Health—Human Genetics
Fall 2006
Richard W. Cheney, Jr.
239 Science Building; 594-7064; rcheney@cnu.edu
OFFICE HOURS: M
8:00-9:30, 13:00-14:00
T
8:00-9:30
W
8:00-9:30, 13:00-14:00
Th
8:00-9:30
F
8:00-9:30
Others by appointment
TESTING: There will be a quiz every Friday at the beginning of class on the material since the previous
quiz. No extra time will be given to late arrivals. (No quizzes on exam days.) There will be two in-class
exams:
. The Final Exam will be
.
The CNU Honor Code will be observed during all testing.
EYES FRONT, NO TALKING. SIT IN ALTERNATE SEATS FOR ALL TESTING.
There will be NO make-up quizzes. The first two missed quizzes will be dropped. Only students who will miss class
for University sponsored activities can arrange to take quizzes BEFORE the missed class. NO after-the-fact makeup quizzes will be given. (Under extenuating circumstances, EXAM make-ups can be arranged.) All make-ups
MUST be taken BEFORE you return to class after your absence.
Those who do not miss any quizzes will have their lowest 2 quizzes dropped.
GRADING:
500 points
10 best quiz grades (50 points each)
150 points
3 written assignments (50 pts each)
200 points
Exams (100 points each)
150 points
Final Exam
Final grades are assigned as follows: 915 and above=A; 895-914=A-;
875-894=B+; 815-874=B; 795-814=B-; 775-794=C+; 715-774=C;
695-714=C-; 675-694=D+; 614-674=D; 600-614=D-; below 600=F
Although attendance in lecture will not be taken after the first few meetings, attendance and attentiveness are always
expected and important to your doing well in class. You are responsible for all missed material. Extraneous talking,
disruptive behavior and other incivility will not be tolerated (e.g. visit with friends before class, turn all
phones/pagers to mute, etc.). Offenders will be asked to leave. Repeat offenders can be removed from the class
rolls. If you must arrive late or leave early, sit near the exit so that your entrance/exit causes as little disruption as
possible. (I may publicly embarrass you if you walk in front!)
Please use your text. The chapters are readable and cover the same material in the lectures. (See lecture schedule.)
Unless the reading is specifically assigned, you will not be responsible for material in the text that is not covered in
lecture. If you wish to ask questions during the lecture, please do, however, raise your hand and wait to be called on.
Listen to the answers when others ask questions, you will often find them helpful. You may also ask questions
before and after class and during my office hours. This is a large class; if you are having difficulty it is your
responsibility to see me. I have no objection to anyone taping lectures.
Any student who thinks he/she needs special accommodations based on a disability MUST have the disability
registered with the Coordinator of Student Services in the Academic Advising Center and bring me that office’s
official recommendations early in the semester so I can make appropriate arrangements.
Written Assignments
You must complete all three of the assignments listed below
TOPICS
a. Find one news article published in the last six months that talks about a human disease with a genetic
basis. Write a clear, concise 100-200-word summary of the article. The summary must show that you understand
the article. In a separate paragraph discuss how the scientific process has proceeded in terms the work in this article.
(Give a full bibliographic citation for the article and include a photocopy of the article.) NO OPINIONS,
JUST SUMMARIZE.
DUE DATE:
b. Find one news article published in the last six months that talks about GMOs in agriculture. Write a clear,
concise 100-200-word summary of the article. The summary must show that you understand the article. In a
separate paragraph discuss how the scientific process has proceeded in terms the work in this article. (Give a full
bibliographic citation for the article and include a photocopy of the article.) NO OPINIONS, JUST
SUMMARIZE.
DUE DATE:
c. Find one news article published in the last six months that talks about reproductive technologies in humans
Write a clear, concise 100-200-word summary of the article. The summary must show that you understand the
article. In a separate paragraph discuss how the scientific process has proceeded in terms the work in this article.
(Give a full bibliographic citation for the article and include a photocopy of the article.) NO OPINIONS,
JUST SUMMARIZE.
DUE DATE:
THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY
1. News articles include articles from newspapers, magazines and web sites for newspapers, magazines, news
bureaus and news services.
2. All papers MUST be word-processed. Handwritten papers will not be accepted. Use a standard type face (not
"fancy” ones that are hard to read) Also, do not use "large" typefaces to make your paper look longer! You must
double space. All pages must be stapled together.
3. I do not accept email submissions or submissions on disk.
4. Remember, summary writing is very precise and concise; you are not trying to win literary awards with flowery,
thesaurus-based verbosity.
5. The grade will be based on content, style, grammar and spelling. Always proofread to catch errors! (Spellcheck is NOT enough!!!)
6. Assignments will be graded on a 50 point scale.
7. If you quote from the article you are summarizing, MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO
REFERENCE ANOTHER PERSON'S WORDS AND/OR THOUGHTS PROPERLY.
8. When preparing the assignment, be ecology minded. There is no need for a folder, cover page or a separate
reference page.
9. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to the due dates. You may pass in your work early, but NO WORK WILL BE
ACCEPTED LATE FOR ANY REASON!!!
Lecture Schedule
Week
1
Topic
Introduction and history of genetics
Chapters
1, 2, 3
2
Mendelian genetics
4
3
Extensions of Mendelian inheritance
5
4
Genetics and sex
6
5
Multifactorial traits & behavior
6
DNA
7
Gene expression, mutation
8
Populations
9
Human origins and evolution
10
Immunity and cancer
16, 17
11
Genetically modified organisms
18, 20
12
Gene therapy and genetic counseling
19
13
Reproductive technologies
21
14
The Human genome project and genomics
22
7, 8
9
10, 11, 12
13, 14
15
Text: Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications by Ricki Lewis, McGraw Hill, 2002
UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
NEW COURSE PROPOSAL FORM
Does this proposal affect Liberal Learning requirements? Yes __X___ No ____
1.
Title of Course: Topics in Medicine and Health
Proposed Course Number (cleared with Registrar): BIOL 113
Prerequisite Courses: None
Catalogue Description (including credits, lecture, and lab hours): (3,0,3)
Topics in biomedical sciences will be used to introduce the process of science and this process will be the
overriding theme of the course. The course will also look at the history of a particular topic and see how the
history has helped to shape contemporary views. Effects on society will be discussed. The various sections
will be one-semester courses with titles that may include: the biology of cancer, human genetics, genetic
engineering, forensics, human disease, etc., and these will be taught on a rotating basis. Each individual
section will go through the departmental curriculum committee for approval.
Is the course cross-listed? If so, what is the number of the other course? N/A
**A proposed syllabus, including complete text and/or reference information, as well
as any relevant information to this decision, must be appended.
NOTE: All affected department chairs must sign approval on last page.
2.
For whom is the course primarily intended? Explain why it should be added to the curriculum.
Non-biology majors as an AOI in Investigating the Natural World.
The course will introduce the process of science using exciting current topics as the means.
3.
If this course is required, append a description of how the course fits into the curriculum. Indicate how
it affects hours required for graduation. N/A
4.
Has this course been offered previously as a special topics course? If so, when? What course number was
used? N/A
5.
Has this course, or one closely related to it, been offered at CNU previously?
If so, is that course currently being offered? How does the proposed course differ? When is the last term the
old course will be offered? N/A
6.
What is the anticipated enrollment per offering for the next three years? 90 per section originally
During which term will this course first be offered?
Fall 2006
Spring 20___
Summer 20___
During which semesters will this course regularly be offered?
Fall 2006
Spring 2007
Summer 20___
Print in the 2006-2007 (academic year) Undergraduate Catalog.
7.
How will the course be staffed?
Various faculty members already teaching in the introductory biology program
8.
Does the course involve a particular classroom, special equipment, or costs beyond those usually associated
with a course at CNU? If so, please explain. N/A
9.
Is the course repeatable for additional credit? If so, is there a limit to the number of times the course can be
repeated? (e.g., applied music courses) NO
10.
If this course is for an Area of Inquiry
a. Identify the Area of Inquiry Investigating the Natural World
b. Demonstrate how your course will meet the objectives of this Area of Inquiry
The various sections of this course will address all areas required of this AOI including: understanding the
process of science including its strengths and weaknesses; how present knowledge is the result of a progression
of scientific thought; applications of the field to contemporary society; gaining understanding of a scientific
discipline.
This course was approved by:
(Liberal learning core courses must be reviewed by BOTH academic Deans.)
|
Department(s): (1)
Date: ________
(2)
Date: ________
College Curriculum
Committee:
Date: ________
Dean:
Date: ________
Dean:
Date: ________
Undergraduate Curriculum
Committee:
Date: ________
Concur
Changes to the Liberal Learning requirements must be reviewed by the Faculty Senate.
Faculty Senate President:
Date: ________
Provost
Date: ________
Distribution by Provost Office following approval:
Department Chair(s), UCC Chair, Deans, Registrar
** If “Do Not Concur” is checked, please attach a statement of explanation.
Rev. 01/26/05
Do Not
Concur**