Required:
Biol-L107 Biological Concepts
Demonstrate understanding and use of the scientific method
a) Generate Information by observation, experimentation, reflection, reasoning
b) Read and construct tabular and graphical data
c) Transfer information to new settings
d) Analyze, synthesize, evaluate, apply information to solve problems
e) Understand how scientific theories are formulated, tested, validated
f) Recognize similarities and differences between scientific knowledge and other forms
of knowledge
Demonstrate understanding of selected basic principles & concepts about living things
that are preparation for future biology/health-related courses
Develop scientific writing and speaking skills. Practice precise written communication
Demonstrate use of quantitative skills: expressing information in quantitative form and
interpreting quantitative information
Evaluate scientific information presented in the media. Discover the relationship of
biology to everyday experiences.
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Concept Investigation
9: Applied Research Skills in Biological
of Biological Organization and Compare the
Environmental Roles
8: Recognize Relationship between all Levels
Recognize & Evaluate Ethical/Social
Implications of Biology.
7: Exposure to Professional/Ethical Behavior.
Relevant to Professional Bio Positions
6: Oral/Written Communication Skills
Scientific Literature
5: Find, Read, Critically Evaluate Primary
Observations
4: Logical/Analytical Thinking, Detailed
Conclusions
3: Use Scientific Method to Reach Valid
2: Application of Laboratory Skills
Learning Outcomes: BS Biology
1: Broad Range of Biological Knowledge
Draft 08/15/2011
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Discuss ethical issues related to biology, demonstrate familiarity with aspects of biology
that affect their daily lives and those concepts needed to make decisions as citizens of
the world
Develop skills in laboratory procedures and safety. How science is conducted by doing
some activities that scientists do.
Develop skills working in groups to clarify course concepts, solve problems, complete
writing assignments.
Complete semester-long Research Project
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Biol-L315 Cell
Recognize and describe what tissues, cells and cell organelles are
Recognize and describe the structure, function and regulation of the various components
of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including macromolecules, membranes and cell
organelles
Describe how cells communicate and interact with each other and the environment
Describe how energy is generated and utilized in cells
Describe on introductory level the concept of gene expression and regulation
Evaluate the various techniques used to study cell biology
Apply knowledge of cell biology to read, understand and present scientific articles related
to the field.
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Biol-B301 Introduction to Plant Kingdom
Describe an introduction to botany: what it is, how it was developed and how it relates to
everyday life.
Describe the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as well as plant and
animal cells.
Identify the various organs and tissues of plants. Identify their morphology, development,
function and economic importance.
Identify and compare dicots and monocots.
Recognize the structure and parts of flowers, fruits and seeds. Describe their
development.
Describe an introduction of plant physiology, plant metabolism, including photosynthesis
and respiration, and plant growth.
Compare sexual and asexual reproduction, identify the stages of mitosis and meiosis, and
describe alternation of generations.
Describe a brief introduction to plant genetics.
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Describe plant breeding and propagation.
Identify plant names and classification, including the Binomial System of Nomenclature
and the six-kingdom classification.
Recognize and describe the characteristic features and economic importance of all
kingdoms and corresponding phyla. Classify plants to the various kingdoms and their
phyla based on key features.
Use various experiments in class to understand topics such as osmosis, plant growth and
the effect of light or various chemicals on plant germination.
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Biol-Z301 Introduction to Animal Kingdom
Demonstrate scientific method by a)generating information by observation and
discerning patterns b)transfer biological concepts to new settings c)analyzing,
evaluating, applying information to problem-solving.
Describe basic molecular, physiological, developmental mechanisms that unite
animals
Explain forces that shape animal form and function
Describe diversity of animals and interrelationships that unite them
Demonstrate critical thinking skills through observation, experimentation,
reviewing scientific literature and writing
Demonstrate empirical basis of scientific ideas with lab experiences
Demonstrate relationships between biological structures and their functional
capabilities with lab experiences
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Biol-L325 Ecological Principles
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Delineate modes of energy transfer in biological systems
Explore factors regulating community organization, stability, complexity
Use mathematics to model population genetics
Demonstrate critical thinking skills through observation, experimentation,
reviewing scientific literature, writing
Demonstrate improved writing skills by summarizing technical information, and
converting it to an article for general reading
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Biol-L314 Genetics
Use scientific method of evaluating experiments
Write/communicate with scientific language and in standard scientific methods
Apply critical assessment and analysis to experimental work
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Use cellular genetic material basis to differentiate media hype and quality medical
discovery
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Biol-L452 Capstone
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Demonstrate ability to think like a scientist: critical-thinking and problem-solving, quality
of the thinking
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15 Credit Hrs from the Following:
Biol-L211/213 Molecular Biology
(Will be Included January 2012)
Biol-N212/213 Human Biology (N213 is optional lab course)
Define: scientific method, homeostasis, feedback loop, and pH
Demonstrate understanding of structure and function of each organ system studied in
course
Demonstrate scientific communication, written and/or orally, to explain the apparent
structure and function of organ systems at the molecular, cellular, histological, organ,
and systemic level.
In N123, demonstrate skills in laboratory exercises
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Anat-A215 Human Anatomy
Define: scientific method, homeostasis, feedback loop, and pH
Demonstrate understanding of structure with some function of each organ system
studied in the course
Demonstrate effective communication, written and/or orally, to explain the structure of
organ systems at the molecular, cellular, histological, organ, and systemic level.
Being planned for future semesters: demonstrate skills in carrying our laboratory
procedures
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Phsl-P215 Human Physiology
Define: scientific method, homeostasis, feedback loop, and pH
Demonstrate understanding of function with some structure of each organ system
studied in the course
Demonstrate effective communication, written and/or orally, to explain the function of
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organ systems at the molecular, cellular, histological, organ, and systemic level.
Being planned for future semesters: demonstrate skills in carrying our laboratory
procedures
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Biol-B364 Summer Flowering Plants
Demonstrate understanding of the diversity of organisms within the world of flowering
plants
Demonstrate knowledge of several of the major plant families, their structures,
distribution, and human significance
Demonstrate the skills in use of a technical key to identify native species of flowering
plants
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Biol-L303 Field Biology
Demonstrate basic understanding of ecosystem in which the course takes place
Identify common organisms and relate their structure to ecological function
Outline relationship on common organisms to habitat
Apply basic physical, chemical, biological forces affecting organisms
Describe impact of humans on ecosystem presently and historically
Demonstrate sensitivity to culture if the region of the course
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Biol-L318 Evolution
Explain/describe scientific theories and principles of origin of life, origin of species
Scientifically analyze, evaluate, apply information to evolutionary problems
Scientifically describe major patterns in fossil record
Use population genetics to explain biological diversity
Relate history of life to phylogenetic relatedness
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Biol-L321 Immunology
Identify & understand elements of the immune system (barriers, adaptive response, etc)
State and define antibody structures and how they are generated
Understand and identify how antigens are recognized by T lymphocytes
Describe and interpret how T cells and B cells develop
Differentiate and describe T cell-mediated and B cell-mediated immunity
Describe innate versus adaptive immune response
Describe how the immune system can fail or over-react, including recognition of
immunodeficiencies
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Describe examples of autoimmune disorders
Describe mechanisms by which scientists can manipulate immune response
Biol-L333 Introduction to Environmental Science
Discuss scientific principles that underlie environmental issues
Explain modern landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, water treatment
processes and how they protect humans from disease and pollution
Discuss environmental impact of high-tech food production & ways of minimizing
damage
Explain provisions of major environmental regulations
Discuss cultural definition of environmental issues, influence of
ethnic/cultural/gender perspectives
Describe methods of sustainability
Research/summarize environmental issues
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Biol-L340 Biological Basis of Sex Differences
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Understand and describe the processes (internal, external, hormonal) of biological sex
differentiation
Identify, describe and appreciate sex, gender, gender identity, gender attraction, gender
roles
Understand and be able to discuss current evolutionary theory, especially sexual selection
as it applies across taxa but especially as it pertains to sexual and reproductive behavior
in humans
Understand and describe the concept of reproductive effort and apply its two forms
(mating effort and parental effort) across taxa.
Understand and describe kin selection (inclusive fitness).
Understand and be able to discuss the hypothesis that humans evolved in a much
different environment than our current one, and that our brains may not be “designed”
to solve modern problems.
Understand and be able to discuss that most of human sexual behavior is indeed nonreproductive in outcome.
Appreciate and be able to discuss the relatively new discipline of evolutionary psychology
in general, but especially as it applies to sexual/reproductive behavior
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Biol-L376 Biology of Birds
Identify locally abundant species by sight and sound
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Use features of birds to place birds in taxonomic groups (Order, Family)
Identify unique physical and behavioral traits and relate these to the life history of birds
Describe the adaptations that birds have made for flight in an explanation of how birds fly
Explain how birds communicate with each other
Outline how individuals can enhance local and world-wide environment for bids
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Biol-L391 Special Topics
Variable Based Upon Topic
Biol-M310/315 MicroBiology
Describe criteria of modern cell theory, describe characteristics, morphology,
organelles of the major lineages of cellular life: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
archetypes
Describe microbial cellular systems as mechanistic processes, compare systems and
structures found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes.
Describe taxonomic relationships of microbial lineages and apply different
methods to identify organisms to the genus level.
Apply knowledge of microbial systems to medical, ecological, industrial applications
Demonstrate critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, communication of
scientific ideas and principles through written/oral presentation methods
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Biol-L490 Individual Study
Biol-L498 Internship
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Independent Limited Instruction/Laboratory Work/Off-Campus Experience
Biol-Z468 Limnology (freshwater ecology)
Describe and understand the physical and chemical properties of water, especially in a
fresh water context
Identify groups of aquatic taxa (e.g. protists, plants and animals) and understand the
ecological niches of each taxon
Demonstrate field/laboratory ability to sample, test and evaluate fresh water
Sample and process population members of a species and demonstrate the ability to use
mark-recapture techniques to describe and compare populations
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Apply the “Watershed Approach” to understanding the status of fresh water systems
Understand different classifications of aquatic systems (e.g. stream, lake) and be able to
describe processes in aquatic system status (e.g. eutrophication)
Be able to write a comprehensive scientific report on an aquatic system(s) using
appropriate research and literature techniques.
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Support/Prerequisite Courses:
Math-M215/Math-M119/MA221 Calculus
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Calculate and Interpret finite and infinite limits, derivatives, integrals
Apply concepts of derivatives and integrals to solving application problems
Analyze physical phenomena using derivatives and integrals
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Chem-C105/125 General Chemistry I
Describe quantum-mechanical atomic model relative to periodic table
Illustrate chemical bonding features with appropriate chemical formulas
Compare/contrast VSEPR, valence bond, molecular orbital theories
Apply nomenclature rules to molecular and ionic substances
Determine empirical formula of a compound from experimental data
Distinguish strong/weak electrolytes, including acids/bases
Predict precipitation reactions from solubility rules
Express solution concentration in appropriate unit
Distinguish between chemical and physical changes
Balance chemical equation and apply stoichiometry to problem solving
Perform dimensional analysis of units of measurement
Predict molecular shape and polarity from Lewis Structures
Maintain Lab Notebook consistent with industry standards
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Chem-C106/126 General Chemistry II
Apply log equations to appropriate relationships
Apply thermodynamic/kinetic data to predict reaction course
Distinguish between rate constants and equilibrium constants
Sketch plots of rate laws
Predict equilibrium shift of reaction with Le Chatelier’s Principle
Identify conjugate acid-base pairs
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Rate acid strength and buffering capacity to pH, Ka and pKa
Balance oxidation-reduction equations, determine oxidation states
Distinguish between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions
Identify seven most common organic functional groups
Name four basic types of hydrocarbons
Identify Chiral Center in a structural formula
Maintain Lab Notebook consistent with industry standards
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Chem-C341/343 Organic Chemistry I
Identify name of organic molecule by observing structure and vice versa, draw
structure of organic molecule from appropriate common/systematic (IUPAC) name
Predict outcome of given set of organic molecules and synthetic reagents using
principles of basic patterns of reactivity and/or identify adequate starting materials to
synthesize simple organic molecule containing one of the common functional groups
Predict overall 3-D structure of organic molecules and ionic/radical species that contain
common functional groups by applying principles of bonding, hybridization,
conformation analysis.
Use spectroscopic techniques to determine molecular structure. interpret physical
characteristics of common organic functional groups
Safely handle lab glassware, equipment, chemical reagents. know guidelines,
basic knowledge about common hazards in lab.
Interpret lab results/data correctly, report findings in notebook with appropriate
notational/descriptive content, understandable, reproducible
Demonstrate how thermodynamic and kinetic principles are used to characterize
organic chemical reaction energy changes, mechanisms, reaction rates.
Chem-C342/344 Organic Chemistry II
See Chem-C341/343 Organic Chemistry I. Same outcomes but different topics.
Phys-P201 Physics I
Define basic physical quantities learned for topics covered the course, using
proper symbols and units. Identify these quantities in various contexts.
write them in proper mathematical form.
Use physical laws and principles to describe connections between relevant
physical quantities. Demonstrate ability to state these relationships in
mathematical form.
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Demonstrate problem-solving skills in a variety of topics: list known quantities
and equations, prepare and label a relevant diagram, use algebra tools to
solve for unknown quantity.
With defined laboratory procedure, observe physical phenomena, gather and
tabulate data with traditional measuring instruments and with computerinterfaced sensors. Demonstrate ability to record, organize, label data
obtained from the observed quantity.
Demonstrate ability to group and analyze data and interpret observations
verbally. Carry out statistical calculations to determine precision, accuracy,
sources of error. Compare data gathered/calculated to predictions deduced
by mathematical calculations from the learned physical laws and principles.
Perform graphical computer analysis to verify proportionality relationships
and functional relationships of physical variables.
Phys-P201 Physics II
See Phys-P201 Physics II. Same outcomes but different topics.
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