Course Snapshot for BIO105 - Science of Biology with Lab: GT-SC1
The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.
Course Competencies
The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:
- Recognize terminology, specific facts, experimental methodologies, and general concepts related to the nature of cells and tissues, principles of inheritance, evolution and diversity of life, relationship of structure and function, and principles of ecology.
- Apply the concepts learned to interpret new situations.
- Distinguish between principles and purposes of procedures and techniques introduced in the laboratory.
- Inspect the role of research in the biological sciences and become aware of its impact on society.
- Experience the scientific method by examining current and/or classical research.
- Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information.
- Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays.
- Read, analyze, and apply written material to new situations.
- Utilize mathematic principles inherent to scientific research and analysis of biological concepts.
Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies
| Outcomes | Competencies | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Describe the scientific method and how it is used in biology. | A, B, E |
| 2 | Use calculations and measurements to connect percent error, significant figures, conversions, accuracy, and precision to scientific reasoning. | H, I |
| 3 | Distinguish between factual evidence and nonfactual information. | A, B |
| 4 | Apply the scientific method, including making observations, developing hypotheses, identifying variables and controls, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. | C, E, F, I |
| 5 | Describe biology's role in today's society. | D, E |
| 6 | Explore concepts related to themes and basic concepts of biology. | A |
| 7 | Reflect on and critically evaluate labs. | B, G |
| Outcomes | Competencies | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify and describe a prokaryotic and an eukaryotic cell. | A |
| 2 | Identify eukaryotic cell parts and their function within the cell. | A |
| 3 | Describe ways in which cells are studied. | E, G |
| 4 | Explain how cells move materials between the cell and outside of the cell. | A |
| 5 | Identify how energy is used in the cell and how a specialized cell performs photosynthesis. | A |
| 6 | Explore concepts related to the cell structure and functions. | A |
| 7 | Reflect on and critically evaluate labs. | B, G |
| 8 | Apply general lab safety, chemical bonding fundamentals, basic chemistry, and diffusion concepts in laboratory experiments. | B, C, H |
| Outcomes | Competencies | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sketch and explain the process of mitosis. | A, G |
| 2 | Identify the process of meiosis, and describe how genetic interchange can occur during this process. | A, G |
| 3 | Explain the benefits and drawbacks of sexual reproduction. | A, H |
| 4 | Recognize how genetic interchanges lead to changes in organisms, which facilitates evolution. | A, B |
| 5 | Show the predictability of genetic outcome using Punnett squares. | A, C, F, H, I |
| 6 | Describe how DNA functions as the molecular base of inheritance and how RNA aids in these processes. | A, B |
| 7 | Identify current practices in molecular genetics. | A, D, F |
| 8 | Explore concepts related to cell division, genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. | A |
| 9 | Reflect on and critically evaluate labs. | B, G |
| 10 | Apply mitosis, DNA and RNA, and Mendelian genetics concepts in laboratory experiments. | B, C, H |
| Outcomes | Competencies | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the process of evolution. | A, E |
| 2 | Examine the differences and similarities between microorganisms, protists, and fungi. | A, H |
| 3 | Describe the origins of eukaryotic organisms. | A |
| 4 | Examine the diversity of plants and animals. | A |
| 5 | Use morphological characteristics to sort and name organisms. | A, B, E |
| 6 | Explain, illustrate, and differentiate how symbiotic relationships occur between living organisms. | A, B, G, H |
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Describe how populations change over time. | A, B, D, H |
| 8 | Explore concepts related to evolution and the diversity of life. | A |
| 9 | Reflect on and critically evaluate labs. | B, G |
| 10 | Apply taxonomy and bacteria and archaea concepts in laboratory experiments. | B, C, H |
| Outcomes | Competencies | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explore how population dynamics affect world population and local populations. | A, I |
| 2 | Distinguish between processes that lead to growth of a population and decline of a population. | A, B, F |
| 3 | Construct food chains and food webs applicable to their local environment. | A, B, F |
| 4 | Describe what a biogeochemical cycle is and be able to draw a diagram illustrating the cycle. | A, B |
| 5 | Identify the common biomes on planet Earth. | A, D |
| 6 | Summarize why biodiversity is important, and give an example to illustrate this idea. | A, F, H |
| 7 | Locate marginal areas of biodiversity in their local ecosystem, and explain the threats to this ecosystem. | A, B, D, H |
| 8 | Explore environmental laws and the concept of the informed citizen. | A |
| 9 | Reflect on and critically evaluate labs. | B, G |
| 10 | Apply energy and photosynthesis concepts in laboratory experiments. | B, C, H |
Course Time Commitment and Expectations
The semester schedule for this course may be 15 weeks or 10 weeks in duration. Based on the course format, this table shows the approximate amount of time you should plan to spend per week on this course. This includes time to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete all assignments, and study the course material.
For accelerated courses, the amount of time required per week is greater. Note that regardless of course format, the course material is the same and all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.
| Course Credit Hours | Course Format (Duration) | Pace Relative to a 15-Week Course | Course Activity Hours | Student Learning Hours per Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 15 Weeks | - | 180 | 11.5 to 12.5 |
| 4 | 10 Weeks | 1.5x faster | 180 | 17 to 19 |
Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):
| Assignment | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
|
Discussions (5 @ 25 points each) |
200 | 20% |
| Quizzes (3 @ 50 points each) | 150 | 15% |
| Assignments (5 @ 25 points each) | 125 | 12.5% |
| Midterm Exam (1 @ 125 points) | 125 | 12.5% |
| Lab Activities (5 @ 50 points) | 250 | 25% |
| Final Exam (1 @ 150 points) | 150 | 15% |
| TOTAL | 1,000 | 100% |
| A = 90 to 100% | B = 80 to 89% | C = 70 to 79% | D = 60 to 69% | F = 59% and below |
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