College of Science & Technology

CentralMichiganUniversity

College of Science & Technology

Course Syllabus

BIO101General Biology 3(2-2)

Desig.No.TitleCredit (Mode)

I.Bulletin Description

Principles of life; its origin, development, and organization. Fundamental makeup, metabolism, heredity, and ecology of basic life components. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit cannot be earned in both BIO 101 and 105 (Group 11-A)

II.Prerequisites

None

III.Rationale for Course Level

General Biology 101 (lecture and laboratory) requires no prior background in science for the development of a conscious understanding and appreciation of living systems. Many fundamental concepts are integrated with local and global issues of current interest. The relevancy of the discipline in a social context is explored through observation, inquiry, and critical thinking.

IV.Textbooks and Other Materials to Be Furnished by the Student

Star, C. 2005. Biology: Today and Tomorrow. Brooks/Cole publishing.

405 pp. (101 N & T)

McMillan. V.E., 2001. Writing Papers in the Biologial Sciences. 3rd.ed. St. Martin's

Press. 207 pp. (All 101)

Benjamin, D.W., and G.D. Starks. 2004. Laboratory Biology. 7th ed. University Press.

(All 101)

V.Special Requirements of the Course

a.Field trip to Dow Viet's Woods

b.Field trip to Center for Cultural and Natural History

c.Field trip to Neithercut Woodland (Optional)

VI.General Methodology Used in Conducting the Course

The framework for the course will consist of two lectures (50 min. each) and one laboratory (110 min.) session weekly. Methodology used in this course will include; critical thinking exercises, computer simulation, problem solving, and individual discussion. This course will emphasize group activities and the process of scientific discovery. Emphasis on communication, both orally and in writing, will be an integral component of both lecture and laboratory.

VII.Course Goals

1.Emphasize an understanding of fundamental biological knowledge

2.Promote biology as a science literacy for all citizens

3.Promote the process of scientific activity

4.Promote multiple learning experiences

5.Emphasize scientific methodology and technology

VIII.Course Objectives

Upon successfully completing this course, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1.Make informed choices about biology and natural phenomenon that influence an individual’s social values, decision making, and lifelong interest. Assessment: exams, group discussion, written laboratory reports.

2.Define and explain the mechanisms of evolution and natural selection as the biological explanation of life on earth including: how evolution unifies the other fields within biology such as genetics and ecology and how evolution can also explain processes outside the realm of natural sciences. Assessment: written exams.

3.Solve problems within biology and within life situations by applying the methods of scientific inquiry. Assessment: laboratory exercises, computer simulation.

4.Use basic tools and technology to gather, interpret, and analyze biological data. Assessment: laboratory exercises, computer simulation.

5.Discuss how complex biological systems, (from the human body to ecosystems) can be understood by critical evaluation of the fundamental components and their interrelationships. Assessment: Oral and written exams, group presentations.

6.Demonstrate the application of biological concepts to historical, societal, economic and technological issues. Assessment: written exams.

IX. Course Outline – Lecture

Unit one: Philosophy, organization and limitations of Science (2 weeks)

The scientific process

Taxonomy and Systematics

Unit two: Cells, complexity of systems, and energy (2.5 weeks)

Cells – structure, function, reproduction

Biological chemistry

Cellular respiration and photosynthesis

Unit three: Genetics and Molecular Inheritance (4 weeks)

Genes – classical and molecular

Nucleic acids – structure and function

Reproduction

Unit four: Evolution (2.5 weeks)

Natural selection

Speciation and biodiversity

Conservation and Extinction

Unit five: Ecology (4 weeks)

Populations

Communities

Ecosystems and energy

Behavioral ecology

Total time equals 15 weeks of classroom instruction

X. Evaluation

Students will be evaluated in both the lecture and laboratory components of the course.

Students must pass both lecture and lab to earn a passing grade.

Lecture performance will account for 60% of the course grade. This will be evaluated by

unit exams, a comprehensive final exam, written enrichment assignments quizzes,

critical thinking exercise and group activities.

Laboratory performance will account for 40% of the grade. This will be evaluated by

laboratory worksheets, written assignments, quizzes, critical thinking exercises, group

activities and presentations.

Subjective Evaluation. A subjective grade will be determined for each student. This will

be a reflection on attendance, class participation, keeping appointments, following safety

directions, etc.

X.Bibliography

Campbell, N.A. and J.B. Reece, 2002. Essential Biology. Benjamin Cummings, San

Francisco, CA. 489pp.

Campbell, N.A., L.G. Mitchell, and J.B. Reece, 1999. Biology, Concepts and

Connections. 3rd edition. Benjamin/Cummings, San Francisco, CA. 807 pp.

Freeman S. 2002. Biological Science. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. 1017 pp.

Krogh, D. 2002. Biology, A Guide to the Natural World. 2nd edition. Pearson

Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. 403 pp.

Lewis, R., D. Gaffin, M. Hoefnagels, and B. Parker. 2002. Life. 5th edition. McGraw-

Hill Inc., New York. 981 pp.

Mader, S., 2000. Inquiry into Life. 9th edition. McGraw-Hill Inc., USA. 762 pp.

McFadden, C.H., and W.T. Keeton. 1995. Biology: An Exploration of Life.

W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. New York, New York. 996 pp.

Perry, J.W., and D. Morton. 1996. Photo Atlas for Biology. Wadsworth

Publishing Company, BelmontCalifornia. 144 pp.

Purves, W.K., H.G. Orians, H.C. Heller, and D. Sadava, 1998. Life, The Science of

Biology. 5th edition. Sinaier Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts. 1243 pp.

Solomon, E.P., L.R., Berg and D.W. Martin. 2005. Biology. 7th ed. Brooks/Cole

Publishing. 1108 pp.

*Given the availability of the CulturalCenter for class use.

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