CUNY Common Core
Course Submission Form
Instructions: All courses submitted for the Common Core must be liberal arts courses. Courses may be submitted for only one area of the Common
Core. All courses must be 3 credits/3 hours unless the college is seeking a waiver for a 4-credit Math or Science course (after having secured
approval for sufficient 3-credit/3-hour Math and Science courses). All standard governance procedures for course approval remain in place.
College
Course Number
Course Title
Department(s)
Discipline
Subject Area
QCC
BI 115
INTORDUCTION TO BIOLOGY FOR SCIENCE MAJORS
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE AND GEOLOGY
BIOLOGY
Enter one Subject Area from the attached list. BIOL
Credits
Contact Hours
Pre-requisites
Catalogue Description
3 Credits
3 Class hours
BE 112(or 205) and 122(or 126) or satisfactory score on the CUNY/ACT Assessment test.
The major concepts of biology including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and evolution are presented with an emphasis on their
relevance to human biology. The course provides a foundation in hypothesis testing, experimental design, data interpretation and
scientific communication needed for success in major’s Biology.
Syllabus
Syllabus must be included with submission, 5 pages max: Attached
WAIVER PART MISSING IN ORIGINAL
Indicate the status of this course being nominated:
X current course
revision of current course
a new course being proposed
CUNY COMMON CORE Location
Please check below the area of the Common Core for which the course is being submitted. (Select only one.)
Required
English Composition
Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning
Life and Physical Sciences
E. Scientific World
Flexible
World Cultures and Global Issues
US Experience in its Diversity
Creative Expression
Individual and Society
X Scientific World
A Flexible Core course must meet the three learning outcomes in the right column.
As part of the course, students will be reading scientific news from health
related magazines, and news papers. The course will provide foundation in
hypothesis testing, experimental design, data interpretation
Students will be submitting a proposal for their project with hypothesis and
variables involved with the experiment which will be discussed with the
instructor. Once they conducted the experiment, they will be asked to write
a report on their project which will analyze their results critically and
compare it to other similar studies.
Students will make a presentation on a socially relevant topic. Each student
will be conducting a simple experiment , which will be presented to the class
orally.
 Gather, interpret, and assess information from a variety of sources and points of
view.
 Evaluate evidence and arguments critically or analytically.
 Produce well-reasoned written or oral arguments using evidence to support
conclusions.
Learning Outcomes
February 24, 2012
In the left column explain the assignments and course attributes that will address the learning outcomes in the right column.
E. Scientific World
A course in this area (II.E) must meet at least three of the additional learning outcomes in the right column. A student will:
Students will demonstrate proficiency in reading and understanding a
major’s biology text book including the understanding of biological terms
and functions. They will learn to interpret scientific data and effectively
communicate the results. This will develop their transferable academic
skills such as time management, note taking, attitudes and study skills .
 Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of a discipline or
interdisciplinary field exploring the scientific world, including, but not limited to:
computer science, history of science, life and physical sciences, linguistics, logic,
mathematics, psychology, statistics, and technology-related studies.
 Demonstrate how tools of science, mathematics, technology, or formal analysis
can be used to analyze problems and develop solutions.
Students acquire knowledge of scientific method, experimental design, data
collection and data based reasoning.
 Articulate and evaluate the empirical evidence supporting a scientific or formal
theory.
 Articulate and evaluate the impact of technologies and scientific discoveries on
Students learn the key biological concepts within the context of socially
relevant topics. They would demonstrate conceptual understanding and
problem solving abilities.
the contemporary world, such as issues of personal privacy, security, or ethical
responsibilities.
 Understand the scientific principles underlying matters of policy or public concern
in which science plays a role.
Queensborough Community College
COURSE SYLLABUS CONTENTS
1.
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5.
Department- Biology
Course prefix, number and title – BI 115
Pre-requisites and co-requisites - BE 112(or 205) and 122(or 126) or satisfactory score on the CUNY/ACT Assessment test.
Hours (class, recitation, laboratory) and credits – 3 hours and 3 credits
Course description (from catalog) - The major concepts of biology including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and evolution are
presented with an emphasis on their relevance to human biology. The course provides a foundation in hypothesis testing, experimental
design, data interpretation and scientific communication needed for success in major’s Biology.
6. Curriculum/curricula for which the course is required and curricular objectives addressed by the course - This course can be taken as free
elective in any curriculum. May not be used to satisfy the liberal arts and science core requirement.
7. General Education objectives addressed by the course –
Identify concepts and methods of mathematical, physical and biological sciences and make judgments about contemporary issues in
science and technology.
Communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Integrate knowledge and skills in their major field and across disciplines
8. Course objectives/expected student learning outcomes –
Demonstrate proficiency in reading and understanding a major’s biology text book. Demonstrate understanding of biological terms and
functions. Interpret scientific data and effectively communicate results. Demonstrate conceptual understanding and problem solving
abilities. Demonstrate transferable academic skills such as time management, note taking, attitudes and study skills
9. Summary of main topics covered in the course –
Course introduces students to scientific methods, basic chemistry of life and proceeds into the structure and function of cell. Following that
the students learn introductory metabolism of cell and cell division. All these topics include related clinical condition and enforces the
relevance of biology in our health and well being.
10. Example texts/readings/bibliography/other materials required or recommended for the course (as applicable) –
Biology 8th edition by Campbell and Reece
February 24, 2012
11. Methods by which student learning will be evaluated (range of evaluation methods to be employed; note whether certain evaluation
methods are required for all sections)
Quizzes and Exams/ Classroom Exercises/Homework problems/Final presentation on a socially relevant topic/Student performance will be
monitored by faculty and will provide comprehensive intervention that addresses both the academic and non-academic factors that affect
student success.
12. Required attire (if applicable) - None
13. Other expectations for student performance (if applicable) - None
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Academic integrity is taken extremely seriously and is expected of all students. All assignments must be the original work of the student (or partners
or group, if applicable). All questions or concerns regarding ethical conduct should be brought to the course instructor. “It is the official policy of the
College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of academic integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). At the faculty
member’s discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases, though reported to the OSA, may be resolved within
the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender’s grades as deemed appropriate, including
assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course” (QCC Academic Integrity Policy).
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Any student who needs specific accommodations based on the impact of a disability should register with the office of Services for Students with
Disabilities (SSD) to be eligible for accommodations that are determined on an individual basis. The SSD office is located in the Science Building,
room S132 (718-631-6257). Students should also contact their instructor privately to discuss their specific needs.
February 24, 2012