Department: Science

Discipline: Biology & Environmental

Subject Code: BIOLCourse #: 108

Course Title: Introduction to Biological Science

HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FORM 335

Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years per AP 765 to include, at a minimum, the following elements. [§335.2]

1.Digital Description:

Credit hours: 3.0

Lecture hours: 3.0

Lab hours:1.0

Approved Online/Blended Face-to-Face Instruction Ratios:

[__] 25/75% [__] 33/67% [X] 50/50% [__] 67/33% [__] 75/25%

(Note: The first number indicates the percentage of online instruction. The second number indicates the percentage of in-class instruction.)

2.Maximum Enrollment (Insert new/revised maximum enrollments below):

In-Class Instruction: 36

Lab Instruction: 24

(It is assumed that maximum enrollments for blended courses are the same as those identified for In-Class instruction. Maximum enrollments for Virtual Learning courses are to be 75% of In-Class instruction, as per the SGP on Maximum Class Size):

3.Catalog Description:

Designed for the non-science major as a review of contemporary and historical

advances in biology. Topics of study include evolution and the diversity of life,

the spectrum of animal and plant life, and ecology. A course fee is required.

(Core C)

Minimum Grade Required

4.Prerequisites:None

Corequisites:None

Other:

5.Learning Outcomes

[These outcomes are necessary to enable students to attain the essential

knowledge and skills embodied in the program’s educational objectives.]

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Describe the historical foundations of modern biological thought
Explain current scientific theory regarding the evolution and diversity of life
Describe the basic classification of organisms
Discuss characteristics of representatives from each of the six kingdoms
Describe basic structure, functions, and lifestyles of representatives from each of the major plant phyla
Explain basic life functions using various examples from different animal

phyla

Discuss basic principles of inter-relationships between organisms in

populations, communities, and ecosystems

6.Planned Sequence of Learning Activities

[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]

Lecture: 45 hours

A. Introduction to the Study of Life and the Process of Science

B. Historical Foundations of Modern Biological Thought

C. Evolution and Natural Selection

D. Organizing the Diversity of Life: Linnaean system, phylogeny, cladistics,

taxonomy

E. Characteristics of the Six Kingdoms:

Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia

F. Basic Botany:

Diversity of Plants

Plant Form and Function

Plant Reproduction and Growth

G. Basic Zoology:

Characteristics of Major Animal Phyla

Structure, Function, Lifestyles

Life Functions in Representative Animal Phyla

Movement

Circulation and Respiration

Obtaining Nutrients

Defense

Control Systems: Nerves and Hormones

Reproduction and Development

H. Basic Ecology:

Animal Behavior

Population Ecology

Community Interactions

Ecosystems

Human Impact

Laboratory: 14 hours total, seven two-hour labs meeting once every two weeks (college calendar permitting)

A. The Microscope: Theory and Practical Use

B. The Process of Science: The Scientific Method

C. Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi

D. Plant Forms

E. Invertebrates

F. Selected Study

7.Assessment of Student Learning

[Methods of assessment should be appropriate for Learning Outcomes listed above.]

A. Lecture and laboratory exams and quizzes (C, OL)

B. Laboratory reports (B, OL)

C. WebCT discussion and research posts (OL)

D. Online project-independent and/or collaborative biology research project OL)

Assessment of student learning outcomes for the course, as required by the Shared Governance Policy – Assessing Institutional Effectiveness, is part of regular curriculum maintenance and/or improvement. The specific plan has been determined by the pertinent faculty involved and is maintained in the College’s assessment management system.

8.List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning Materials (code each item based on instructional use): C-Lecture/Laboratory, A-Lecture, B-Laboratory, LC-Lecture/Clinical, CLN-Clinical, I-Online,

BL-Blended, D-Independent Study, P-Private Lessons, E-Internship,

F-Cooperative Work-Study, FE-Field Experience. [These resources must be easily accessible to students.]

A-Johnson, George B. and Jonathan Losos. The Living World, Latest Edition. McGraw-Hill, 2008.

A-Simon, Eric J., Jane B. Reece, and Jean L. Dickey. Campbell Essential Biology, Latest Edition. Benjamin Cummings, 2009.

I-Phelan, Jay. What is Life? A Guide to Biology, Latest Edition. W.H. Freeman and Company, 2010.

B-Biology 108 Laboratory Manual – faculty-written labs

9.Prepared by Faculty Member: Robert J. Swatski Date: 10/27/09

10.Approved by Department Chairperson: R.C. Hairston Date: 4/26/10

11.Approved by Academic Division Dean: Juliette Winterer Date: 5/14/10

This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335, subchapters A / B.

This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the policies, standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is consistent with the college mission.

If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar courses generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and universities.

12.Director, Curriculum Compliance:Catherine A. Lencioni Date:5/17/10

13.Provost & VP, Academic Affairs: Ronald R. Young Date:5/17/10

14.Original Date of course approval by the college:200220

15.Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes; textbook(s)]: May 2003

8/20/14 – Inserted approved max enrollments

06/01/15 – Added new blended ratio format - nb

12/1/04

Review and updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09