CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for BIO 221 - Botany: 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:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the biochemistry, cellular structure, morphology, and physiology of vascular plants.
  2. Apply evolutionary principles to the development of plants through geologic time.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of plants in the environment and the impact on human cultures. 
  4. Evaluate contemporary theories of plant evolution and classification.
  5. Demonstrate expertise in common botanical laboratory experiences. 
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using modules, websites, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Recognize that plants play a central role in global biological processes as primary producers. A
2 Recall the steps of the scientific method. E
3 Design a botanical experiment according to the principles of the scientific method. E
4 Label all of the common structures of a plant. A
5 List commonalities among all living organisms. B
6 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the academic integrity and experimental design.  D, E
Module 2
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Recognize and define the functions of plant cell organelles. A
2 Summarize the functions of different plant tissue types. A, E
3 Reflect on how plant flower anatomy relates to pollinator relationships. A, E
4 Clarify how seed morphology reveals dispersal and germination requirements. A, E
5 Predict successful root morphologies for different environmental conditions. A
6 Access and cite peer-reviewed literature. E
Module 3
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Summarize how plants convert the Sun's energy into biological molecules. A
2 Integrate the concept of meiosis into an explanation of alternation of generations. A
3 Recognize plants in different stages of growth and development. A, E
4 Identify evidence for plant evolution. B, D, E
5 Write in a scholarly and scientific manner as you would to publish botanical research. E 
Module 4
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Classify plants according to their morphologic and genetic similarities. D
2 Identify plants according to their major classifications, including bryophytes, seedless, and seed plants. D, E
3 Generate explanations for how the morphology of nonvascular plants is related to their evolutionary history. B
4 Recognize the differences between monocots and dicots. B, D, E
5 Provide an explanation for coevolution between plants and pollinators. B, D
6 Write in a scholarly and scientific manner as you would to publish botanical research. E
Module 5
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Recognize how human activities have an impact on plants. C, E
2 Reflect on the importance of angiosperms to human civilization. C, E
3 Summarize the study of genetics and molecular biology. A
4 Evaluate the pros and cons of biotechnology. D
5 Identify the biotic and abiotic factors in ecological examples. E
6 Write in a scholarly and scientific manner as you would to publish botanical research. E

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10  and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

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.):

Summary of Grading
Assignment Points %
LearnSmart assignments (21 @ 5 points each) 105 11%
Discussions (10 @ 20 points each) 200 20%
Quizzes (5 @ 50 points each) 250 26%
Labs (9 @ 30 points each) 270 28%
Term Paper assignments:
  • Module 1 (topic and 3 references): 10 points
  • Module 2 (annotated biblio.): 20 points
  • Module 3 (paper outline): 20 points
  • Module 4 (first draft): 30 points
  • Module 5: (final paper): 60 points
 140 15%
TOTAL 965 100%

 

 

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