Northeast Alabama Community College
Fall 2013-2014
SYLLABUS
BIO 104
Principles of Biology II
4 Semester Credit Hours A
I.
6 Contact Hours
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the basic ecologies evolutionary relationships of plants and
animals and a survey of plant and animal diversity including classification, morphology,
physiology, and reproduction. A 180 minute laboratory is required.
II.
Prerequisite
BIO 103; Principles of Biology I
III.
Course Textbooks, Manuals, or Other Required Materials
Mader, Sylvia. Biology. 10th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill Publishing Co. 2010
Wachtmeister, Scott. Encounters with Life. 7th ed. Boston: Morton Publishing,
2006.
IV.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course the student will develop an understanding of concepts, develop
competent use of knowledge in the following areas:
A.
Principles and practices of botanical and zoological nomenclature and classification.
B.
Phylogenetic relationships among plants.
C.
Phylogenetic relationships among animals
D.
Morphology and physiology of plants and animals.
E.
Basic reproductive patterns of plants and animals.
V.
Activities Promoting General Learning Outcomes
Cognition
A. Creative thinking – Students will use conceptual and analytical models to
understand theory of relationships.
B. Synthesis of knowledge and skills – Students will use laboratory skills gained to
demonstrate morphology and/or physiological characteristics of plants and animals.
C. Critical thinking skills – Students will use conceptual and analytical models to
evaluate placement of plants or animals in phylogenetic groups.
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VI.
Outline of Course Topics
A. Lecture Topics
1. Animal Behavior
a. Genetics of Behavior
b. Development and Adaptation of Behavior
c. Animal Societies
2. Population Ecology
3. Community Ecology
4. Ecosystems and the Biosphere
5. Fungi
6. Plants
7. Invertebrate Animals
8. Deuterostomes
B. Laboratory Topics
1. Ecology
2. Population Genetics and Evolution
3. Kingdom Plantae: Gymnosperms
4. Kingdom Plantae: Angiosperms
5. Vegetative Angiosperms
6. Kingdom Animalia: Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora Phyla
7. Kingdom Animalia: Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida Phyla
8. Kingdom Animalia: Arthropoda, Mollusca, andEchinodermata Phyla
9. Tissues, Organs, and Systems
10. Fetal Pig Dissection
11. Reproduction in Animals
VII. Methods of Instruction
A.
B.
C.
D.
Lecture/Discussion
Biology laboratory
Power Point Presentations
Blackboard (tutorial/practice)
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VIII. Evaluation and Assessment
A. Procedures for Assessment of Student Achievement
1. Written examinations & quizzes
2. Laboratory work
3. Comprehensive final
Grades will be given based upon A = 90 – 100%, B = 80 – 89%, C = 70 – 79%, D =
60 – 69%, and F = below 60%.
B. Departmental Assessment of General Education Outcomes
Cognition
1. Creative thinking will be assessed by a test on phylogenic relationships.
2. Synthesis of knowledge and skills will be evaluated by a laboratory exercise.
3. Critical thinking skills will be assessed by an activity on plants.
C. Use of Assessment Findings
During the Fall In-service of the year following the scheduled review of BIO 104,
a committee will review all course assessment materials submitted by the
instructors and division chair. The committee will submit a report of any
recommended curriculum changes for BIO 104 to the division chair, who will
then submit them to the Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) Committee. Upon
approval by the SLO Committee, a copy will be filed with the Office of
Institutional Planning and Assessment.
IX.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are
unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should
withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to
achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility
for federal financial aid.
X.
Statement on Discrimination/Harassment
NACC and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both
employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to
an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such
harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior
that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.
XI.
Statement of Adherence to ADA Guidelines
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and
academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s
responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College.
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