BI 102 2010 Objectives and Assessment
Week / Activity / # / Objective / Primary AssessmentAny / Any Lecture / 1 / Describe a current biology news story that was introduced in lecture. / Any Exam
1 / Nature of Science
(Lecture) / 2 / Describe how science differs from other fields of study. / Exam #1
3 / List and describe the steps of the research process. / Exam #1
4 / Distinguish between theories and laws. / Exam #1
5 / Provide examples of how technology and society impact science. / Exam #1
Theories Explaining Inheritance
(Lecture) / 6 / Provide examples of early ideas of inheritance (pre-Mendelian). / Exam #1
7 / Describe Mendel’s work, including his background, the organisms used, and the conclusions Mendel drew from his experiments. / Exam #1
8 / Discuss how Mendel’s work was initially received and how the work of Meischer and others led to the realization of the significance of Mendel’s work. / Exam #1
Inheritance in Corn
(Recitation) / 9 / Describe and complete a Punnett square for a monohybrid (“one trait”) cross of corn kernel color, including three generations (P, F1, and F2). / Exam #1
10 / Define the following genetics terms: dominant, recessive, genotype, phenotype, gene/allele, homozygous, and heterozygous. / Exam #1
11 / Summarize information about monohybrid crosses using genetics terminology. / Portfolio #1
Scientific Inquiry
(Lab) / 12 / Describe different aspects of a moss community and describe various moss structures. / Exam #1
13 / Distinguish between observations and inferences. / Exam #1
14 / Provide examples of how technology, society, and the characteristics of individual researchers can impact scientific inquiry. / Exam #1
15 / Reflect on personal understandings of science. / Portfolio #1
Readings (Science, Mendel) / 16 / Describe four assumptions of the scientific world view, five aspects of scientific inquiry, and four characteristics of the scientific enterprise. / Exam #1
17 / Explain Mendel’s principles of segregation and independent assortment. / Exam #1
2 / Chromosomes and DNA
(Lecture) / 18 / Recall the research studies that led to our understanding that DNA (not proteins) is the substance of heredity. / Exam #1
19 / Describe the structure of DNA, including the names and roles of the researchers associated with the discovery of DNA structure. / Exam #1
20 / Explain the relationship between chromosomes, DNA, genes, alleles, proteins, and observable traits. / Exam #1
Proteins
(Lecture) / 21 / Provide information on basic protein structure, including amino acids and polypeptides. / Exam #1
22 / Describe the work of Linus Pauling. / Exam #1
23 / List the functions of proteins in organisms, and explain how theories about the origins of life relate to proteins. / Exam #1
24 / Outline the steps of protein synthesis and provide examples of how toxins and antibiotics relate to protein synthesis. / Exam #1
Mitosis and Meiosis
(Recitation) / 25 / Describe the processes of mitosis and meiosis. / Exam #1
26 / Utilize a model to demonstrate how crossing over during meiosis can lead to increased genetic variation. / Exam #1
27 / Describe mitosis and meiosis, including when and where these processes occur in humans. / Exam #1
28 / Compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis. / Portfolio #1
DNA and Protein Synthesis
(Lab) / 29 / Describe the structure of a DNA macromolecule, including the arrangement of phosphate, deoxyribose sugar, and base molecules. / Exam #1
30 / Recreate the steps of making an mRNA copy of DNA (process of transcription) and from the mRNA, producing a small protein fragment (process of translation). / Exam #1
31 / Summarize the process of protein synthesis in a drawing. / Portfolio #1
Readings (DNA and RNA, Protein Synthesis) / 32 / Contrast the structures and functions of DNA and RNA. / Exam #1
33 / Name the enzyme involved in copying DNA, and explain why mRNA is needed (instead of just translating DNA in the cytoplasm). / Exam #1
3 / Mutations and Variation
(Lecture) / 34 / List examples of non-Mendelian inheritance, including codominance, incomplete dominance, polygenic traits, and sex-linked traits. / Exam #1
35 / Discuss the complexity of inheritance, including variable expression of genes, modifier genes, master control genes, and environmental effects. / Exam #1
36 / Explain what “nature versus nurture” means. / Exam #1
37 / Describe types of mutations, causes of mutations, and effects of mutations. / Exam #1
Human Inheritance
(Lecture) / 38 / Describe human genetic, including number of chromosomes and the roles of meiosis, fertilization, and mitosis. / Exam #1
39 / Provide examples of variation in human traits, and possible explanations of those variations. / Exam #1
40 / Explain the genetic basis and symptoms of various human genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, Huntington disease, and hemophilia. / Exam #1
Fruit Fly Genetics
(Recitation) / 41 / Learn more about the fruit fly genome, their life cycle, and why they are ideal subjects for genetic research. / Exam #1
42 / Examine linkage problems and how locations of genes on chromosomes can be determined. / Exam #1
43 / Map the location of genes on a chromosome using crossover data. / Portfolio #2
Human Genetics
(Lab) / 44 / Study human traits to determine whether they follow classic Mendelian inheritance patterns. / Exam #1
45 / View chromosomes and analyze a human karyotype, identifying chromosomal mutations that can result in human diseases. / Exam #1
46 / Examine a map of the location of genes on human chromosomes and determine which chromosomes contain genes related to glycolysis. / Exam #1
47 / Locate and summarize a current news story related to a genetic disorder. / Portfolio #2
Readings
(Fruit Flies, Mutations) / 48 / Describe the fruit fly as a model research organism, including the name of the species commonly use, its behaviors, genome size, and life cycle. / Exam #1
49 / Distinguish between types of single base (“point”) mutations, insertions, deletions, translocations, and duplications. / Exam #1
4 / Genomes
(Lecture) / 50 / Define “genome” and compare the genomes of different organisms. / Exam #2
51 / List the characteristics of organisms commonly used in research. / Exam #2
52 / Provide examples of genes that are found in many different species of organisms. / Exam #2
53 / Explain how gene expression can be controlled, resulting in different cells making different proteins even though they have the same chromosomes. / Exam #2
Genetic Engineering
(Lecture) / 54 / Describe the basic techniques that are used in genetic engineering, including the use of restriction enzymes, plasmids, PCR, and DNA sequencing. / Exam #2
55 / List the steps involved in making rBGH and BT corn. / Exam #2
56 / Define and provide examples of transgenic organisms and chimeras. / Exam #2
57 / Describe the technique of cloning and provide examples of organisms that have been recently cloned. / Exam #2
Human Pedigrees
(Recitation) / 58 / Analyze human pedigrees to determine the possible genotypes of individuals with a particular trait. / Exam #2
59 / Distinguish between dominant, recessive, and sex-linked traits by analyzing pedigrees. / Exam #2
60 / Analyze exam results to improve learning and performance on future exams. / Portfolio #2
Artificial Selection
(Lab) / 61 / Describe the various types of selection that have led to the many varieties of modern dogs. / Exam #2
62 / Determine the possible phenotypes and genotypes of offspring from various rat crosses. / Exam #2
63 / Complete a dihybrid cross with correct genotypes and phenotypes / Portfolio #2
Readings
(Cloning, Epigenes) / 64 / Distinguish between DNA cloning, reproductive cloning, and therapeutic cloning and describe possible uses of cloning technologies. / Exam #2
65 / Describe the field of epigenetics, including examples of research studies that may suggest the significance of epigenetic changes. / Exam #2
5 / Human Applications
(Lecture) / 66 / List various types of genetic screening and the current use of gene therapy. / Exam #2
67 / Explain what stem cells are, where stem cells are found, the current use of stem cells, and potential uses of stem cells. / Exam #2
68 / Describe the eugenics movement, including the scientific flaws associated with the movement. / Exam #2
Future of Genetics
(Lecture) / 69 / Explain how mutations lead to the development of cancer. / Exam #2
70 / Provide examples of genetic changes that can lead to aging of organisms. / Exam #2
71 / Give examples of potential applications of genetic technologies beyond human health and food applications. / Exam #2
Genetic Disorders
(Recitation) / 72 / Examine pedigree and geographic data to study the genetic basis of lactose intolerance. / Exam #2
73 / Describe why humans lack the ability to produce vitamin C. / Exam #2
74 / Examine how small changes in nucleotides can lead to the occurrence of cystic fibrosis (CF). / Exam #2
75 / Construct a human pedigree based on family data. / Portfolio #2
Genetic Technologies
(Lab) / 76 / Describe how DNA fingerprinting can be used in criminal and paternity cases. / Exam #2
77 / Track the inheritance of DNA fragments containing alleles for genetic disorders. / Exam #2
78 / Provide examples of successes and failures in producing chimeras. / Exam #2
79 / Observe seedlings germinated from irradiated seeds and analyze information. / Portfolio #2
Readings
(Gene Therapy,
Stem Cells) / 80 / Describe different approaches to gene therapy and the factors that have kept gene therapy from becoming an effective treatment for genetic disorders. / Exam #2
81 / List possible uses of stem cells and the technical problems that exist related to working with stem cells. / Exam #2
6 / Theories Explaining Evolution
(Lecture) / 82 / Describe the early ideas that explained evolutionary change (pre-Darwinian). / Exam #2
83 / Discuss the types of data Darwin collected on his voyage and in the years following the voyage. / Exam #2
84 / List the four basic assumptions of Darwin’s theory of natural selection. / Exam #2
85 / Provide examples of further evidence used to support Darwin’s theory and our current definition of evolution. / Exam #2
Evolutionary Mechanisms
(Lecture) / 86 / Describe the significance of sexual reproduction. / Exam #2
87 / Provide examples of sexual selection, including male competition, female choice, and unusual forms of sexual selection. / Exam #2
88 / Define genetic drift and gene flow and provide examples of each. / Exam #2
89 / Summarize the various evolutionary mechanisms and their impact on genetic variation. / Exam #2
Dinosaurs
(Recitation) / 90 / Describe the dinosaurs that inhabited North America in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras, including skull, tooth, and feeding characteristics. / Exam #2
91 / List structural characteristics of ancestral Megalodon sharks and trilobites, and relate them to living sharks and triops crustaceans. / Exam #2
92 / Use web resources to study to collect information on a “living fossil” species. / Portfolio #3
Evidence for Evolution
(Lab) / 93 / Describe fossils found in different geologic periods. / Exam #2
94 / Discuss variations in Brachiopod fossils found at different depths. / Exam #2
95 / Examine other forms of evidence for evolution. / Exam #2
96 / Explain the significance of genetic variation in species evolution. / Portfolio #3
Readings
(Darwin, Dinosaurs) / 97 / Describe what Darwin considered remarkable about the islands he visited (the “archipelago”). / Exam #2
98 / Describe the various theories of why dinosaurs went extinct. / Exam #2
7 / Species Formation
(Lecture) / 99 / Define and provide examples of species, including how species remain reproductively isolated from one another. / Final Exam
100 / Explain how species can form, including allopathic and sympatric speciation, adaptive radiation, and polyploidy. / Final Exam
101 / Describe recent changes in the populations of Galapagos finches. / Final Exam
Extinctions
(Lecture) / 102 / Discuss the possible causes and impacts of previous mass extinctions. / Final Exam
103 / Explain how researchers are currently utilizing “wild” genes. / Final Exam
104 / Describe the primary causes of current extinctions, including examples of organisms. / Final Exam
105 / List possible solutions to reduce current extinction rates. / Final Exam
Speciation
(Recitation) / 106 / Describe how geographic isolation can lead to alterations in allele frequencies and the formation of a new species. / Final Exam
107 / Observe organisms of the same species and make detailed notes and drawings about physical structures and behaviors. / Portfolio #3
Island Diversity
(Lab) / 108 / List a variety of reasons for current species extinctions on the Hawaiian Islands. / Final Exam
109 / Analyze phylogenetic trees of lizard species on the Canary Islands / Final Exam
110 / Take notes and answer questions related to concepts presented in video format. / Portfolio #3
Readings
(Speciation, Bowerbirds) / 111 / Describe physical differences between Darwin’s finches, the role of intense competition in speciation, and speciation in the house mice of Madeira. / Final Exam
112 / Describe how male “satin” bowerbirds attract female bowerbirds. / Final Exam
8 / Human Evolution
(Lecture) / 113 / Describe the different types of evidence used to construct a timeline of human evolution. / Final Exam
114 / List the major transitions in human evolution, including the approximate times, fossil finds, and representative hominids. / Final Exam
115 / List human evolutionary constraints, the factors that may impact current human evolution. / Final Exam
116 / Define sociobiology, including its relationship to the study of human evolution. / Final Exam
Humans and Parasites
(Lecture) / 117 / Describe what parasites are and the types of parasites that impact humans / Final Exam
118 / List the major parasitic diseases that currently cause human deaths. / Final Exam
119 / Provide examples of parasite evolution, including HIV, avian flu, E. coli, and tuberculosis. / Final Exam
120 / Provide examples of human hosts evolving defenses against cold viruses, HIV, malaria, cholera, and worms. / Final Exam
Parasitism
(Recitation) / 121 / Describe basic structural information for viruses, bacteria, protists, and animals that cause disease in humans. / Final Exam
122 / Provide specific information on how disease organisms impact the human body. / Final Exam
123 / Map recent global disease outbreaks caused by human parasites. / Portfolio #3
Natural Selection and Humans
(Lab) / 124 / Describe how incidence of malaria relates to frequency of the sickle cell anemia allele. / Final Exam
125 / Explain the difference between the four blood types and relate the frequency of blood types to human disease. / Final Exam
126 / Discuss how it may be too simplistic to label alleles as “good” or “bad” using sickle cell anemia as an example. / Portfolio #3
Readings
(Toxoplasma, Flores Man) / 127 / Describe avian influenza in birds and in humans. / Final Exam
128 / Describe Toxoplasma (T. gondii), including the animals that carry the parasite, its potential impact on rat behavior, possible link to schizophrenia in humans, and three other examples of parasites that alter animal behavior. / Final Exam
9 / Innate and Learned Behaviors
(Lecture) / 129 / Define relative fitness and provide an example. / Final Exam
130 / Distinguish between innate and learned behaviors and provide examples of organism behaviors that are a combination of both. / Final Exam
131 / Provide specific examples of different types of innate behaviors, including reflexes, modal action patterns, and drives. / Final Exam
132 / Provide specific examples of different types of learned behaviors including imprinting, habituation, associative learning, latent learning, and insight. / Final Exam
Behaviors and Fitness
(Lecture) / 133 / Give specific examples of animal behaviors that assist them in surviving limited resources and continual threats. / Final Exam
134 / Define inclusive fitness and provide examples. / Final Exam
135 / Define reciprocal altruism and provide examples. / Final Exam
Instincts and Learning
(Lab) / 136 / Provide examples of instinctual and learned behaviors that impact organism fitness. / Final Exam
137 / Describe the activity patterns of montane voles in relationship to circadian rhythms. / Final Exam
Readings (Imprinting, Reciprocal Altruism) / 138 / Describe what imprinting is, how it is induced, its importance, and possible role of the brain. / Final Exam
139 / Explain reciprocal altruism, including what it is, examples of organisms that may engage in this process, and why it may be beneficial for survival. / Final Exam
10 / Behavioral Genetics
(Lecture) / 140 / Define cognition and intelligence, and provide information on current theories of animal intelligence. / Final Exam
141 / Describe research on the genetic basis of human behaviors. / Final Exam
142 / List genetic disorders that are linked to human behavior. / Final Exam
Answers to FAQs
(Lecture) / 143 / Provide answers to lecture questions on genetics, evolution, and behavior / Final Exam
Invertebrate Behaviors
(Lab) / 144 / Define invertebrates, and describe the physical characteristics, habitats, and basic behaviors of planaria, earthworms, daphnia, and pill bugs. / Final Exam
145 / Distinguish between kinesis and taxis behaviors. / Final Exam
Readings
(Jane Goodall, Crows) / 146 / Describe the research of Jane Goodall, including specific chimpanzee behaviors. / Final Exam
147 / Describe recent research on crow cognition, including brain size, use of tools, and social interactions that may indicate the presence of imagination / Final Exam
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