Rainy River Community College
Course Outline
NSCI 1085 Introduction to Biology
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Credits:
Lecture Hours/Week:
Lab Hours/Week:
OJT Hours/Week:
Max Class Size:
Prerequisites:
Co-requisites:
MnTC Goals:
CIP Code:
3
3
0
0
0
None
None
2, 3, 10
260101
NSCI 1085 Introduction to Biology / 3 cr.
This is an introductory level course in which students will explore basic theories and concepts important to
biological science. Students will apply these concepts to current issues related to biology, including genetics,
cloning and stem cells, evolution, cancer, emerging diseases, endangered species, and conservation biology. This
course does not have a scheduled lab, but activities and simulations similar to labs will be completed during the
semester. No credit can be earned if student has earned a grade of C or better in BIOL 1015 General Biology I.
Hours per week: Lecture-3. MNTC: 2/3/10
B. COURSE EFFECTIVE DATES: 04/15/2009 – present
C.
OUTLINE OF MAJOR CONTENT AREAS (Course Specific Outcomes)
• Describe how scientists explore and explain natural phenomena.
• Evaluate scientific information and claims from a variety of sources, including popular media such as
newspaper, magazine, and internet articles.
• Explain the history and development of scientific discovery and the scientific method.
• Make connections between biological science and their everyday lives.
• Explain what cells are and what they do, and why this is important for life, as well as how disorders in cell
function occur and the consequences of such malfunctions.
• Discuss current biological issues such as cancer, cloning, stem cells, genetic engineering, genetic disorders,
mental illness, and emerging infectious diseases using the scientific background they learn about these topics.
• Explain the process of evolution through natural selection and discuss the importance and controversy
surrounding evolution.
• Describe the variety of life forms, the importance of biodiversity, and how humans are impacting natural
systems.
D. LEARNING OUTCOMES (RRCC Core Outcomes-CHOOSE)
1. Personal & Social Responsibility
B. Analyze community, state, national, and global issues and develop strategies for action
C. Analyze social and environmental issues and develop strategies for action
D. Demonstrate ethical decision-making, responsibility, and respectful interactions with others
2. Critical Thinking
A. State the problem or issue and possible assumptions
B. Collect, analyze, and synthesize appropriate information
C. State and discuss the results and support opinions with appropriate evidence
D. Evaluate problems in an interdisciplinary context, considering multiple perspectives
5. Professional & Personal Development
A. Demonstrate keyboarding techniques and basic computer application skills
B. Access information electronically
C. Demonstrate ability to effectively utilize technology and equipment
D. Demonstrate ability to work with others cooperatively and effectively as a team
E. Develops and works to attain personal goals (academic, occupational, health/wellness)
E.
LEARNING OUTCOMES (MN Transfer Curriculum-CHOOSE)
MnTC Goal 2: Critical Thinking
A. Gather factual information and apply it to a given problem in a manner that is relevant, clear,
comprehensive, and conscious of possible bias in the information selected.
B. Imagine and seek out a variety of possible goals, assumptions, interpretations, or perspectives which can
give alternative meanings or solutions to given situations or problems.
C. Analyze the logical connections among the facts, goals, and implicit assumptions relevant to a problem or
claim; generate and evaluate implications that follow from them.
MnTC Goal 3: Natural Sciences
A. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
D. Evaluate societal issues from a natural science perspective, ask questions about the evidence presented,
and make informed judgments about science-related topics and policies.
MnTC Goal 10: People and the Environment
A. Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies
within those systems.
D. Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about
interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.
E. Propose and assess alternative solutions to environmental problems.
F. Articulate and defend the actions they would take on various environmental issues.
F.
LEARNER OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT (underline all that apply)
01 Exam, objective
02 Exam, short answer
03 Exam, essay
04 Exam, practical
05 Exam, aural
06 Exam, oral
07 Quiz, written
08 Quiz, oral
09 In class exercises
10 Lab assignments
11 Class participation
12 Field work
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Skill performance
Clinical performance
Oral presentations
Essays
Research papers
Reflective journal entries
Portfolio assessments
Written homework
Individual projects
Group projects
Capstone projects
Final exam
G. SPECIAL INFORMATION
RRCC Mission Statement
Rainy River Community College serves its communities by guiding learners to achieve their educational, career,
personal, and civic goals.
Discipline Mission Statement
The science department of Rainy River Community College provides students with the training to do science, the
background needed to appreciate nature, and the scientific literacy skills that enable students to understand
personal and public issues.
Suggested Resources
Biology – Today & Tomorrow, by Starr, Evers, Starr