Biology

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: EXPLAIN THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF CELLS AND TISSUES AND THE RELEVANCE OF THIS STRUCTURE TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
• illustrate how pH, ions, and concentration gradients influence physiological processes
• compare and contrast the anatomy of cells in various tissues in order to understand the physiology of different organ systems
• apply knowledge of tissues to organs and organ systems
• SLO 2: DEMONSTRATE A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF HOMEOSTASIS AND FEEDBACK LOOPS
• describe the mechanisms by which the human can self-regulate
• compare and contrast positive and negative feedback loops
• explain how homeostatic mechanisms involve multiple organ systems
• SLO 3: IDENTIFY ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES
• describe the anatomical position and demonstrate the ability to use directional terms
• utilize proper anatomical terms to name structures in various organ systems
• SLO 4: DETERMINE GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY OF A STRUCTURE BASED ON ANATOMICAL OBSERVATIONS
• analyze structural distinctions and apply concepts of cellular physiology to organs and organ systems
• determine functional relationships among various organ systems based upon their anatomical proximity or similarity
• recognize and understand the principles of the scientific method and how they relate to the study of physiological processes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: EXPLAIN THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF CELLS AND TISSUES AND THE RELEVANCE OF THIS STRUCTURE TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
• illustrate how pH, ions, and concentration gradients influence physiological processes
• compare and contrast the anatomy of cells in various tissues in order to understand the physiology of different organ systems
• apply knowledge of tissues to organs and organ systems
• SLO 2: DEMONSTRATE A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF HOMEOSTASIS AND FEEDBACK LOOPS
• describe the mechanisms by which the human can self-regulate
• compare and contrast positive and negative feedback loops
• explain how homeostatic mechanisms involve multiple organ systems
• SLO 3: IDENTIFY ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES
• describe the anatomical position and demonstrate the ability to use directional terms
• utilize proper anatomical terms to name structures in various organ systems
• discriminate between anatomical structures during laboratory activities
• SLO 4: DETERMINE GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY OF A STRUCTURE BASED ON ANATOMICAL OBSERVATIONS
• analyze structural distinctions and apply concepts of cellular physiology to organs and organ systems
• determine functional relationships among various organ systems based upon their anatomical proximity or similarity
• apply the principles of the scientific method to test hypotheses regarding physiological processes based on laboratory observations

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 4).
• Discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
• Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
• Use information resources to gather discipline-specific information.
• SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 3).
• Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
• Explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
• SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study (College Wide Outcome – Area 3).
• Demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
• SLO #4: Identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively (College Wide Outcome – Area 4).
• Utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: EXPLAIN THE BASIC MECHANISMS BY WHICH ORGANISMS MAINTAIN HOMEOSTASIS
• distinguish the major cellular processes (e.g. cell membrane function, cellular respiration), and explain them using the correct biological terminology.
• diagram major structures of human anatomy and explain the basic functioning of major human organ systems.
• analyze the impact of damage to organs or organ systems on homeostasis and the health of individuals.
• SLO 2: DESCRIBE THE BASIC PROCESSES OF GENETICS
• solve simple Mendelian genetic problems and discuss the implications of transmission genetics for families.
• describe the basic processes of molecular genetics and the implications of these processes for society.
• evaluate issues in modern biology such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, and reproductive technologies
• describe the cellular basis of reproduction, including meiosis.
• SLO 3: ELUCIDATE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY
• explain the basic processes of evolution and the overall mechanism by which natural selection works.
• describe the major types of organisms and the characteristics by which they are classified and draw conclusions about the relatedness of organisms from evolutionary data.
• SLO 4: EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF HUMANS ON ECOSYTEMS
• assess the interactions of humans with the environment and other organisms.
• evaluate the implications of human-environment interactions for local and regional communities.
• analyze environmental data and draw reasonable conclusions.
• SLO 5: APPRAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELEVANT TO PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES.
• choose terminology correctly and accurately define biological terms.
• appraise biological information from a variety of sources and evaluate its validity.
• construct examples of the relevance of biology to specific personal and community issues.
• demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method as applied to current issues.
• draw reasonable conclusions from biological data and evaluate conclusions presented by others as having a scientific basis.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: ARTICULATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DIVERSITY OF ORGANISMS TO ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING.
• elucidate the characteristics used to classify organisms into major taxonomic groups.
• compare and contrast the roles of fungi, plants, and animals in communities and ecosystems.
• SLO 2: EXPLAIN THE BASIC MECHANISMS BY WHICH ORGANISMS SURVIVE, REPRODUCE, AND EVOLVE.
• analyze the basic processes and components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• compare and contrast the ways in which fungi, plants and animals solve physiological problems.
• describe the processes by which organisms maintain homeostasis.
• solve Mendelian genetic problems using Punnett squares, pedigrees, and similar methods.
• describe the basic processes of molecular genetics.
• explain the process of evolution by natural selection.
• SLO 3: UTILIZE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND EVALUATE THE SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY OF INFORMATION PRESENTED BY THE MEDIA AND OTHER SOURCES
• utilize and correctly interpret the vocabulary of biology.
• assess the results of scientific investigations into biological questions.
• construct and conduct simple scientific inquiries into biological questions.
• draw reasonable conclusions from biological data.
• SLO 4: APPRAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF BIOLOGY TO PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES AND BE ABLE TO GATHER, AND THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT, BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELEVANT TO ONE'S LIFE.
• evaluate the implications of genetic biotechnology and other developing biological techniques for modern life.
• articulate the value of biological knowledge to human populations.
• construct examples of the relevance of biology to personal interests and community issues.
• assess the impact of environmental processes on human communities and vice versa.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: UTILIZE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND EVALUATE SCIENTIFIC DATA.
• Construct simple scientific inquiries into biological questions, demonstrating an understanding of the scientific method and experimental design.
• Develop reasonable conclusions after analyzing biological data.
• Evaluate the validity of scientific information presented by the media and other sources.
• SLO 2: EXPLAIN THE BASIC BIOCHEMICAL, CELLULAR, STRUCTURAL, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS BY WHICH ORGANISMS MAINTAIN HOMEOSTASIS.
• Demonstrate knowledge of biologically important atoms and molecules.
• Identify major components of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• Give an overview of major cellular processes (e.g. osmosis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and cell division) underlying the physiological responses of organisms.
• Describe the processes by which organisms respond to disease, with particular reference to human health and disease processes.
• Delineate the basics of the anatomy and physiology of major human organ systems.
• SLO 3: DELINEATE THE BASIC PROCESSES OF GENETICS, REPRODUCTION, AND DEVELOPMENT.
• Solve Mendelian genetics problems using Punnett squares, pedigrees, and similar methods.
• Describe the basic processes of molecular genetics, such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
• Describe key processes of human reproduction and development.
• SLO 4: ELUCIDATE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EVOLUTION, BIODIVERSITY, AND ECOLOGY.
• Explain the process of evolution by natural selection.
• Describe the major types of organisms (e.g. the kingdoms of living things).
• Evaluate the impact of environmental processes on human communities and vice versa.
• SLO 5: APPRAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF, AND THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT, BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELEVANT TO ONE'S LIFE.
• Utilize the basic vocabulary of biology.
• Evaluate the implications of genetic biotechnology and other developing biological techniques for modern life.
• Articulate the value of biological knowledge to human populations.
• Access biological information from a variety of sources.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: UTILIZE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND EVALUATE SCIENTIFIC DATA.
• Make observations and formulate testable hypotheses.
• Construct and conduct simple scientific inquiries into biological questions, demonstrating an understanding of the scientific method and experimental design.
• Present results in the format of graphs and tables.
• Develop reasonable conclusions after analyzing biological data.
• SLO 2: UTILIZE STANDARD BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT.
• Understand the importance and application of the microscope to view living organisms at the cellular level.
• Use the appropriate equipment and/or tools to record measurements in the metric system.
• SLO 3: INTEGRATE CONCEPTS FROM “CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY” INTO THE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE OF THE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
• Explore basic biochemical, cellular, structural and physiological mechanisms.
• Delineate the processes of genetics, reproduction, and development.
• Elucidate the principles of evolution, biodiversity, and ecology.
• SLO 4: APPRAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF, AND THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT, BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELEVANT TO ONE'S LIFE.
• Utilize the basic vocabulary of biology.
• Evaluate the implications of genetic biotechnology and other developing biological techniques for modern life.
• Articulate the value of biological knowledge to human populations.
• Access biological information from a variety of sources.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO1:EXPLAIN THE BASIC BIOCHEMICAL, CELLULAR, STRUCTURAL, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS BY WHICH HUMANS MAINTAIN HOMEOSTASIS.
• demonstrate knowledge of biologically important atoms and molecules.
• identify major components of eukaryotic cells.
• give an overview of major cellular processes (e.g. osmosis, cellular respiration, and cell division) underlying the physiological responses of organisms.
• describe the processes by which organisms respond to disease, with particular reference to human health and disease processes.
• delineate the basics of the anatomy and physiology of major human organ systems.
• SLO2:DELINEATE THE BASIC PROCESSES OF GENETICS, REPRODUCTION, AND DEVELOPMENT.
• solve simple transmission (Mendelian) genetics problems.
• describe the basic processes of molecular genetics, such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
• examine current issues in modern biology, such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, reproductive technologies, stem cells, etc.
• describe key processes of human reproduction and development.
• SLO3:ELUCIDATE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EVOLUTION, BIODIVERSITY, AND ECOLOGY.
• explain the mechanism of natural selection.
• describe the major types of organisms (e.g. the kingdoms of living things).
• evaluate the impact of humans on the environment and on other organisms.
• SLO4:UTILIZE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND EVALUATE SCIENTIFIC DATA.
• conduct simple scientific investigations into biological questions, demonstrating an understanding of the scientific method and experimental design.
• develop reasonable conclusions after analyzing biological data.
• evaluate the validity of scientific information presented by the media and other sources.
• SLO5:APPRAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF, AND THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT, BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELEVANT TO ONE'S LIFE.
• utilize the basic vocabulary of biology.
• access biological information from a variety of sources.
• construct examples of the relevance of biology to specific personal and community issues.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: Examine the biology, pathogenesis, and transmission of infectious agents threatening global health.
• Analyze the structure and function of bacteria, viral particles, fungi, helminths, protozoa, and prions.
• Compare and contrast the overall cell structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• SLO #2: Analyze how the human immune system responds to infectious agents.
• Assess the function and importance of skin, mucous membranes and normal flora.
• Evaluate the characteristics of non-specific immunity.
• Compare and contrast humoral and cell mediated immunity.
• SLO #3: Evaluate the factors leading to the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases worldwide.
• Compare mechanisms of genetic recombination in bacteria.
• Analyze the relevance of behavioral and social changes to the incidence of global infectious disease.
• SLO #4: Assess the various methods of control of infectious agents, including vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, behavioral, and social changes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and discuss the history of various types of vaccinations.
• Compare and contrast the function and effectiveness of antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal therapy.
• SLO #5: Appraise the importance of the scientific method and think critically about biological and community issues.
• Assess biological information from a variety of sources and evaluate its validity.
• Construct examples of the relevance of biology to specific personal and community issues.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method as applied to current issues.
• Draw reasonable conclusions from biological data and evaluate conclusions presented by others as having a scientific basis.
• Choose terminology correctly and accurately define biological terms.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1-APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY TO THE ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL ADAPTATION, POPULATIONS, COMMUNITIES, AND ECOSYSTEMS. This includes the ability to...
• delineate the major processes involved in ecosystem structure and stability.
• utilize the basic vocabulary of ecology.
• analyze community processes, including community stability and processes involving interactions between species (e.g. mutualism, commensalism, competition, and predation).
• construct graphs describing exponential and logistic population growth and assess the factors affecting each type of population growth.
• SLO #2-EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF INTERACTIONS OF HUMAN POPULATIONS WITH OTHER SPECIES. This includes the ability to...
• analyze the components of effective resource management.
• appraise the impacts of pollution on populations, communities, ecosystems, and global processes.
• provide examples of the relevance of environmental biology to personal interests and community issues.
• SLO #3-USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO POSE QUESTIONS AND INTERPRET DATA RELEVANT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS. This includes the ability to...
• assess the results of scientific investigations into biological questions.
• construct reasonable conclusions from ecological data.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: APPLY BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY, GENETICS, AND EVOLUTION TO THE ANALYSIS OF CONSERVATION ISSUES. THIS INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO...
• Utilize the vocabulary of biological sciences effectively.
• Explain the basic concepts of population, community, and ecosystem ecology and apply these to the analysis of conservation issues.
• Apply the basic concepts of population genetics and natural selection to the analysis of conservation issues.
• SLO 2: EXAMINE BIODIVERSITY IN TERMS OF THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS. THIS INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO...
• Calculate measures of genetic and species diversity in the analysis of conservation issues.
• Appraise patterns of community diversity and community stability.
• Define the elements of landscape diversity and their importance for conservation.
• SLO 3: ANALYZE THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HUMAN POPULATIONS AND ECOSYSTEMS AS IT APPLIES TO THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY AND THE REDUCTION OF THOSE THREATS. THIS INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO...
• Appraise the most common human impacts on species, communities and ecosystems.
• Discuss aspects of economics, law, and resource consumption as these relate to impacts on conservation.
• Evaluate the use of protected areas and ex situ conservation strategies in species conservation.
• SLO 4: USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO POSE QUESTIONS, ANALYZE INFORMATION AND INTERPRET SCIENTIFIC DATA AS APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS. THIS INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO...
• Assess the results of scientific investigation into biological questions.
• Construct reasonable conclusions from biological data.
• Analyze conservation case studies and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: DEMONSTRATE ABILITY TO ACQUIRE, SYNTHESIZE, EVALUATE AND PRESENT INFORMATION IN BIOLOGY.
• demonstrate understanding of the scientific method by formulating testable hypotheses, designing experiments with appropriate controls and choices of data to collect, appropriately analyzing data including use of basic statistical analyses, and formulating conclusions supported by data.
• demonstrate ability to use common laboratory techniques and equipment, such as measurement, light microscopes, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis, centrifuges, field sampling, and identification.
• demonstrate understanding of appropriate use of correlational studies to gather data and to formulate conclusions when scientific experimentation is not possible.
• present written and/or oral reports which address background information, procedures, results, and interpretation of data acquired during laboratory or field activities.
• distinguish interpretations that are better supported from those that are less well supported.
• acquire and synthesize information from print and electronic sources, and evaluate the information for quality, scientific validity, relevance, and bias.
• recognize that research leads to generally accepted conclusions that gradually build a body of scientific knowledge and that the information presented in science textbooks and other established “authorities” is the result of research.
• demonstrate the ability to respond to questions in a variety of formats (multiple choice, short-answer, essay prompts, etc.) with accurate, complete, and relevant information.
• recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society, including politics and the media.
• SLO 2: DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF AND CRITICAL THINKING ABOUT BIOLOGY AT THE CELL AND MOLECULAR LEVEL.
• apply chemistry concepts to recognize and describe the structure of biological molecules (such as DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and relate their structures to their functions.
• demonstrate an understanding of basic cellular structures and functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• analyze how the chemical composition of cell membranes leads to their specific cellular functions.
• solve problems related to the movement of water and solutes through cell membranes.
• solve conceptual problems in cell and molecular biology such as the evaluation of the cell and molecular basis of disease, and the mechanisms of drug action.
• SLO 3: DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF AND CRITICAL THINKING ABOUT BIOENERGETICS AND METABOLISM.
• integrate chemical concepts to explain how cells obtain and transform energy.
• explain how cells use enzymes, coenzymes and ATP to conduct and regulate metabolic pathways.
• compare and contrast electron transport and the synthesis of ATP in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
• compare and contrast cellular respiration and photosynthesis, emphasizing the flow of carbon, electrons and energy and the roles of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
• solve conceptual problems such as evaluation of the effects of perturbations to metabolic systems as they might apply to agriculture, nutrition or disease.
• SLO 4: DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF AND CRITICAL THINKING ABOUT GENES AND INHERITANCE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLULAR, ORGANISMAL AND POPULATION LEVELS.
• relate the structure of DNA to its ability to function as a molecule of inheritance and as a molecule that directs protein synthesis.
• compare and contrast the organization and regulation of genes in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• compare and contrast mechanisms that lead to genetic change.
• solve problems of inheritance involving 2 genes, a variety of dominance patterns, simple gene interactions, and linkage.
• explain the fundamental cellular processes involved in cell reproduction and the production of sex cells.
• solve conceptual problems such as evaluation of the effects of perturbations to genetic systems as they might apply to agriculture, nutrition or disease.
• SLO 5: CONSTRUCT RATIONAL ARGUMENTS THAT SHOW HOW THE THEORY OF BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION EXPLAINS THE DIVERSITY, SIMILARITY AND ADAPTATION OF ORGANISMS.
• examine critically the evidence that life has evolved.
• explain how genetic variation is produced and maintained in populations.
• compare and contrast mechanisms of evolutionary change including natural selection, genetic drift and non-random mating.
• show how evolutionary mechanisms lead to adaptation, diversity and similarity.
• solve problems requiring the application of principles of population genetics.
• solve conceptual problems by applying evolutionary theory to explain antibiotic resistance, patterns of human diversity, extinction, etc.
• SLO 6: EXPLAIN HOW ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC FACTORS INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF ORGANISMS.
• evaluate mathematical models that explain the factors that influence the distribution of organisms and their potential for population growth.
• apply knowledge of species interactions to the structure and stability of communities.
• analyze how principles of energy and nutrient flow through ecosystems influence the abundance and distribution of organisms.
• apply ecological principles to assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems, communities and populations.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• ACQUIRE, SYNTHESIZE, EVALUATE, AND PRESENT SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION. (SLO 1)
• Use the scientific method to devise testable hypotheses, and design and conduct experiments to scientifically test these hypotheses.
• Analyze botanical data by using basic statistical analyses and formulate appropriate conclusions supported by data.
• Acquire and utilize botanical information from a variety of scholarly sources.
• Present written and/or oral reports that include relevant background information, procedures, results, and interpretation of data acquired through scientific observation and/or experimentation.
• Evaluate the usefulness of correlations in scientific investigations.
• ANALYZE MAJOR BOTANICAL TAXA INCLUDING THEIR MOLECULAR COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY, AND RELEVANCE TO ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMANS. (SLO 2)
• Identify major anatomical and morphological structures (including cells, tissues, and organs) of botanical taxa microscopically and/or macroscopically.
• Relate structures to their functions using scientific principles.
• Classify organisms into their major botanical taxa (especially domain, kingdom and phylum) based upon their major characteristics.
• Compare and contrast the major molecular composition, anatomy, morphology, physiology, and sexual life cycles of algae, fungi, and plants.
• Analyze the basic cellular processes involved in plant physiology including photosynthesis (C3, C4, and CAM), cellular respiration, inorganic nutrient uptake, transport mechanisms, water balance, and hormonal regulation of growth and development.
• Analyze the roles of cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and plants in natural ecosystems, and assess the relevance of these organisms to humans.
• EVALUATE THE SIMILARITIES, DIVERSITY, AND ADAPTATIONS OF ORGANISMS. (SLO 3)
• Provide evidence for evolution in plants and analyze evolutionary trends among algae, fungi, and plants, especially survival strategies of organisms including the adaptation of plants to land.
• Analyze how similarities of organisms are related to similarities in their ecological niches and evolutionary adaptations.
• Use basic principles of taxonomy, systematics, and cladistics to understand the similarities and differences among cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and plants.
• Solve transmission and population genetics problems involving angiosperms and C-ferns.
• Describe different mechanisms for speciation, especially the roles of pollinators and polyploidy in reproductive isolation in angiosperms.
• Analyze current developments in plant biotechnology, and evaluate the implications for its use.
• ANALYZE PATTERNS IN THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF POPULATIONS. (SLO 4)
• Compare and contrast interactions among organisms, such as symbiosis, competition, predation, and herbivory.
• Describe major terrestrial biomes, and explain biotic and abiotic factors that influence them including roles of fire and other disturbances.
• Compare and contrast flow of energy and nutrient cycling in ecosystems including trophic structure.
• Explain developments and changes in communities and ecosystems including ecological succession.
• Evaluate the impact of humans on natural populations and ecosystems, with emphasis on plant communities, global climate change, and extinction.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: DEMONSTRATE ABILITY TO ACQUIRE, SYNTHESIZE, EVALUATE, AND PRESENT INFORMATION IN ZOOLOGY.
• apply the perspective of the scientific method to gathering and evaluating biological information by formulating testable hypotheses, designing experiments with appropriate controls and choices of data to collect, appropriately analyzing data including use of basic statistical analyses, and formulating conclusions supported by data.
• demonstrate ability to use common laboratory techniques such as measurement, light microscopes, dissection, field sampling, and identification.
• present written and/or oral reports that address background information, procedures, results, and interpretation of data acquired during laboratory or field activities.
• distinguish interpretations that are better supported from those that are less well supported.
• acquire and synthesize information from print and electronic source, and evaluate the information for quality, scientific validity, relevance, and bias.
• develop ability to tolerate the ambiguity and uncertainty associated with science.
• recognize that research leads to generally accepted conclusions that gradually build a body of scientific knowledge and that the information presented in science textbooks and other established “authorities” is the result of research.
• demonstrate the ability to respond to questions in a variety of formats (multiple choice, short-answer, essay prompts, etc.) with accurate, complete, and relevant information using appropriate subject-matter vocabulary.
• recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society, including politics and the media.
• SLO 2: ANALYZE PATTERNS AND CAUSES OF THE DIVERSITY OF ANIMAL LIFE.
• explain the contributions of natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow to the diversity, unity and history of animal life.
• apply concepts of population genetics to detecting evolution in populations.
• compare and contrast different mechanisms for speciation.
• discuss macroevolutionary concepts such as how complex features evolve, adaptive radiation, and the occurrence and causes of extinction.
• analyze evolutionary trends in animals, especially the evolution of early animal life, the origins of the major animal body plans and the transition of key groups to land.
• outline the principles and methods biologists use to construct phylogenies.
• integrate patterns of animal development and gene expression and show how these factors may have played major roles in animal evolution.
• compare and contrast the anatomical, developmental and physiological characteristics of major animal phyla and use them to test proposed evolutionary relationships.
• SLO 3: ANALYZE PATTERNS IN THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF POPULATIONS.
• describe the major terrestrial and aquatic biomes, and explain environmental factors that influence them.
• discuss the short-term and long-term effects of species interactions such as mutualism, competition, and predation.
• analyze how principles of energy and nutrient flow through ecosystems influence the abundance and distribution of animals.
• discuss the factors that influence the structure and stability of communities.
• apply principles of community ecology to assessing species abundance.
• apply ecological principles to assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems, communities and populations.
• SLO 4: IDENTIFY ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES AND EXPLAIN THEIR PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND ADAPTIVE VALUES.
• identify major anatomical and morphological structures microscopically and dissection.
• relate basic principles of biochemistry, cell biology and physics to understanding animal structure and function.
• compare and contrast the major anatomical and physiological features of major animal phyla.
• identify the characteristics of the specific ecological niches and the adaptations required by species to succeed there.
• analyze how anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics of animals are related to their ecological niches and evolutionary history.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: APPLY PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
• demonstrate knowledge of basic organic and inorganic chemistry as it relates to human cells, tissues, and organs
• apply principles of electricity to membrane potentials, nervous system transmission, and muscle contraction physiology
• illustrate how pH, ions, concentration gradients, and electrical gradients influence physiological processes
• apply principles of force and load to muscle physiology
• SLO 2: DEMONSTRATE A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF HOMEOSTASIS AND FEEDBACK LOOPS
• describe the mechanisms by which the human can self-regulate
• compare and contrast positive and negative feedback loops
• explain how homeostatic mechanisms can involve multiple organ systems
• assess the impact of pathologies on the maintenance of homeostasis
• evaluate clinical examples and deduce physiological mechanisms involved
• SLO 3: IDENTIFY ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES
• utilize proper anatomical vocabulary to identify structures in the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems
• demonstrate the use of a light microscope to distinguish cells and tissues
• analyze three dimensional relationships between anatomical structures (using models, cadaver prosections, and organ dissection)
• integrate lab experiences and anatomical understanding to apply knowledge of specific organ systems to human physiology
• SLO 4: DETERMINE GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY OF A STRUCTURE BASED ON ANATOMICAL OBSERVATION AND EXPERIMENTATION
• analyze structural distinctions and apply concepts of cellular physiology to organs and organ systems
• determine functional relationships among various organ systems based upon their anatomical proximity or similarity
• use the scientific method to develop hypotheses that can be tested in the laboratory, collect and analyze data, and apply the concepts to course content, broader physiological principles, and real-world applications

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: APPLY PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, AND CELL BIOLOGY TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
• demonstrate knowledge of basic organic and inorganic chemistry as it relates to human cells, tissues, and organs
• apply principles of electricity to membrane potentials, nervous system transmission, and muscle contraction physiology within various organs
• illustrate how pH, ions, concentration gradients, and electrical gradients influence physiological processes
• relate pressure gradients to physiological processes
• combine methods of membrane transport to explain functional capability and/or limitations within an organ system
• SLO 2: ANALYZE VARIOUS CONTROL SYSTEMS UTILIZING THE CONCEPT OF HOMEOSTASIS
• diagram positive feedback loops and negative feedback loops to describe control systems
• integrate various control mechanisms (i.e. nervous system, endocrine system, autoregulation, etc.) within an organ system
• diagram the relationships between multiple organ systems as they apply to regulation
• assess the impact of pathologies on the maintenance of homeostasis
• evaluate clinical examples and deduce physiological mechanisms involved
• SLO 3: IDENTIFY ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES
• compare and contrast tissues using the light microscope
• utilize proper anatomical vocabulary to name structures of the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems
• analyze three dimensional relationships between anatomical structures (using models, cadaver prosections, and organ dissection)
• integrate lab experiences and anatomical understanding to apply knowledge of specific organ systems to human physiology
• SLO 4: DETERMINE GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY OF A STRUCTURE BASED ON ANATOMICAL OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTATION
• analyze structural distinctions and apply concepts of cellular physiology to organs and organ systems
• determine functional relationships among various organ systems based upon their anatomical proximity or similarity
• use the scientific method to develop hypotheses that can be tested in the laboratory, collect and analyze data, and apply the concepts to course content, broader physiological principles, and real-world applications

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: DEVELOP DISSECTION TECHNIQUES
• Identify and utilize appropriate dissection tools
• Perform advanced dissections to prepare the specimens for study in other Biology courses
• SLO 2: IDENTIFY ANATOMICAL FEATURES AND EXPLORE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG STRUCTURES
• Investigate the anatomy of the human from superficial to deep
• Discuss physiological concepts based on anatomical relationships

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1—Evaluate the cellular structure and function of microorganisms.
• Compare and contrast the overall cell structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Differentiate between gram positive and gram negative bacterial cell structure.
• Analyze the structure and function of viral particles and prions.
• Demonstrate proper staining techniques and microscope use in the laboratory.
• SLO #2—Explain the basic mechanisms of microbial growth, metabolism and genetics.
• Assess how microbial growth is affected by physical and chemical agents.
• Evaluate the overall function of metabolic pathways.
• Categorize the various energy production mechanisms among organisms according to carbon source, mechanism of carbohydrate catabolism and ATP generation.
• Verify how DNA is replicated and how protein synthesis occurs.
• Compare mechanisms of genetic recombination in bacteria.
• Set up and analyze biochemical tests in the laboratory using aseptic technique.
• SLO #3—Evaluate host pathogen interactions.
• Assess the function and importance of normal flora.
• Analyze the mechanisms that microorganisms use to cause disease.
• Evaluate the characteristics of non-specific immunity.
• Compare and contrast humoral and cell mediated immunity.
• SLO #4— Apply microbiological concepts to historical and current health issues.
• Survey important milestones in the history of microbiology.
• Evaluate the significance of microbiology to the techniques of biotechnology.
• Apply microbiological concepts concerning infectious disease to clinical practice problems and case studies.
• Using principles of the scientific method, design and complete laboratory activities based on epidemiological concepts.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO 1: SOLVE GENETICS PROBLEMS BY APPLYING PRINCIPLES OF INHERITANCE.
• Solve genetics problems by applying Mendelian principles to single and two gene problems with and without dominance.
• Solve genetics problems involving sex linkage.
• SLO 2: INTEGRATE MOLECULAR GENETICS AND CELL BIOLOGY TO EXPLAIN THE BASIS OF HUMAN GENETIC TRAITS.
• Relate the functions of cellular organelles to specific human genetic disorders.
• Describe the structure and functions of DNA, RNA and proteins.
• Relate DNA, RNA and proteins to the development of human characteristics.
• Examine the interaction between genes and the environment.
• Use relevant genetic concepts to assess the contribution of genetic variation and environmental variation to variation in human phenotypes.
• SLO 3: RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF GENE THERAPY, GENETIC ENGINEERING, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY ON HUMAN HEALTH.
• Describe the role of genes in human diseases (like cancer).
• Communicate how advances in recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology (e.g. gene therapy and genetic engineering) can be used to treat genetic diseases in humans, and modify other organisms for human use.
• Understand how modern DNA sequencing and genome databases are being used to change medical practices and better human health.
• SLO 4: GATHER RELEVANT INFORMATION AND USE IT TO EVALUATE THE SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY OF INFORMATION PRESENTED BY THE MEDIA AND OTHER SOURCES.
• Distinguish between scientific hypotheses, inferences, and speculation.
• Identify and analyze the scientific basis of modern genetic technologies.
• Review current scientific literature, and evaluate the effectiveness of the research.
• Present written and/or oral reports which address background information, procedures, results, and interpretation of data from scientific literature.
• Examine current ethical and social issues in human genetics.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1: Actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 4).
• Discuss and outline a proposal of study (that can be accomplished within one semester term) with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
• Design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
• Use information resources to gather discipline-specific information.
• SLO #2: Utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities (College Wide Learning Outcome – Area 3).
• Analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
• Explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
• SLO #3: Communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study (College Wide Outcome – Area 3).
• Demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
• SLO #4: Identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively (College Wide Outcome – Area 4).
• Utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• SLO #1 DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION OF PROFESSIONAL WORKPLACE BEHAVIOR IN A FIELD OF STUDY RELATED ONE’S CAREER.
• Understand the effects time, stress, and organizational management have on performance.
• Demonstrate an understanding of consistently practicing ethics and confidentiality in a workplace.
• Examine the career/life planning process and relate its relevance to the student.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic communication tools and their appropriate use.
• Demonstrate an understanding of workplace etiquette.
• SLO #2 DESCRIBE THE CAREER/LIFE PLANNING PROCESS AND RELATE ITS RELEVANCY TO ONE'S CAREER.
• Link personal goals to long term achievement.
• Display an understanding of creating a professional first impression.
• Understand how networking is a powerful job search tool.
• Understand necessary elements of a résumé.
• Understand the importance of interview preparation.
• Identify how continual learning increases career success.
• SLO #3 DEMONSTRATE APPLICATION OF INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE AND THEORETICAL CONCEPTS AS WRITTEN IN LEARNING OBJECTIVES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EMPLOYER WORK SITE SUPERVISOR.