Biology Course Syllabus



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Introduction:


Textbook:
Biology: Visualizing Life. George B. Johnson. Holt, Rinehart and Winston 1998.

Objective:
The Student Will
  • Understand major biological concepts.
  • Understand the characteristics that are unique to living organisms and those shared with other living systems.
  • Understand the role, place, and interactions of humans in the biosphere.
  • Understand the personal, social, and ethical implications of biology and biotechnology.
  • Appreciate the diversity of living organisms and systems.
  • Demonstrate mastery of the process of scientific inquiry.
  • Understand that science is a way of knowing and that technology is a way of adapting.
  • Use such cognitive skills as critical thinking, problem solving, and ethical analysis.


Assessment:
The student's command of the subject material will be assessed using the following:
  • Assignments including a combination of textbook assignments and worksheets.
  • Laboratory reports.
  • Tests.
  • Project assignments.
  • Participation in class discussions.


Instruction:
Science is a multifaceted subject. Students will be exposed to a variety of instructional methods.
  • Lecture.
  • Textbook assignments and worksheets.
  • Laboratory investigations.
  • Projects, including library research and model making.
  • Class and small group discussion.
  • Audiovisual materials including video tapes, overhead transparencies, DVD/CD ROM and the world wide web.


Major Concepts:
  • Tools of a Scientist
  • Principles of Cell Biology
  • Principles of Genetics
  • Principles of Evolution
  • Ecology
  • Plants
  • Animals
  • The Human Body


Major Skills:
  • Identification and Correct Use of Lab Equipment
  • Safety Practice
  • Use of Metric Units
  • Measurement with a Ruler, Balance, and Graduated Cylinder
  • Observing
  • Collecting and Analyzing Data Identifying and Controlling Variables
  • Interpreting and making Graphs and Tables
  • Formulating, Testing and Refuting Hypotheses
  • Forming and Using Models