BI 102 2016 Objectives and Assessments
Week / Activity / # / Objective / Primary AssessmentAny / Any Lecture / 1 / Describe a current biology news story that was introduced in lecture.(if used, objective #1 will be identified in lecture) / Any Exam
1 / Nature of Science
(Lecture) / 2 / Explain how science differs from other fields of study and why science is important in addressing global issues. / Exam #1
3 / Provide examples of how BI 102 topics relate to daily life. / Exam #1
4 / Give examples of research-based learning techniques. / Exam #1
Mendel
(Lecture) / 5 / Define artificial selection and provide examples. / Exam #1
6 / Describe early ideas of inheritance, including how technology impacted these ideas. / Exam #1
7 / Outline Mendel’s life and work, including his Principles (Laws) of Inheritance. / Exam #1
8 / Explain how and why Mendel’s work went unrecognized and what it took for Mendel’s work to be “rediscovered.” / Exam #1
Darwin, Mendel, and Scientific Inquiry
(Recitation) / 9 / Define and provide different aspects of science, including observations, inferences, hypotheses, theories, and laws. / Exam #1
10 / Compare and contrast aspects of the lives of Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin. / Exam #1
11 / Describe the scientific studies and contributions of both Mendel and Darwin. / Exam #1
12 / Reflect on personal understandings of science. / Portfolio #1
Genetics and Evolution of Corn
(Lab) / 13 / Describe and complete a monohybrid (“one trait”) cross of corn kernel color, including three generations (P, F1, and F2). / Exam #1
14 / Define the following genetics terms: dominant, recessive, genotype, phenotype, gene/allele, homozygous, and heterozygous. / Exam #1
15 / Provide characteristics of corn structures, traits and life cycle. / Exam #1
16 / Discuss corn history including human domestication and uses of corn. / Exam #1
17 / Observe corn seedlings and analyze information. / Portfolio #1
Readings (Science, Mendel) / 18 / Describe four assumptions of the scientific world view, five aspects of scientific inquiry, and four characteristics of the scientific enterprise. / Exam #1
19 / Explain Mendel’s experiments and Principles of segregation and independent assortment. / Exam #1
2 / Chromosomes and DNA
(Lecture) / 20 / Define what a chromosome is, and discuss where chromosomes are located. / Exam #1
21 / Outline the discovery of the structure of DNA, including the key researchers and their work. / Exam #1
22 / Describe the structure of DNA, including the double helix and various molecules that comprise the larger macromolecule. / Exam #1
23 / Explain the relationship between chromosomes, DNA, genes, alleles, proteins, and observable traits. / Exam #1
DNA and Proteins
(Lecture) / 24 / Describe basic protein structure and function, including amino acids and polypeptides. / Exam #1
25 / Outline the steps of protein synthesis, including transcription and translation. / Exam #1
26 / Provide examples of how toxins and antibiotics relate to protein synthesis. / Exam #1
27 / Describe types of “Non-Mendelian” inheritance and how it relates to proteins. / Exam #1
Artificial Selection
(Recitation) / 28 / Describe possible processes of how wolves may have developed into many varieties of modern dogs. / Exam #1
29 / Give examples of traits artificially selected for that appear in modern dogs. / Exam #1
30 / Provide examples of how inbreeding relates to genetic disorders in dogs. / Exam #1
31 / Summarize video information on dog artificial selection. / Portfolio #1
Chromosomes, DNA, and Proteins
(Lab) / 32 / Utilize a model to construct DNA, make an mRNA copy of DNA (process of transcription) and from the mRNA, produce a small protein fragment (process of translation). / Exam #1
33 / Describe details of chromosome, DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function. / Exam #1
34 / Define terms related to genomes, including gene, intron, exon, and the genetic code. / Exam #1
35 / Summarize the process of protein synthesis in a drawing. / Portfolio #1
Readings (DNA and RNA, Protein Synthesis) / 36 / Compare and contrast the structures and functions of DNA and RNA. / Exam #1
37 / Outline, in detail, the steps of protein synthesis, including the roles of mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA in the process. / Exam #1
3 / Mutation and Variation
(Lecture) / 38 / Define what a mutation is and what causes mutations. / Exam #1
39 / Describe the most likely and least likely effects of mutations on cellular function. / Exam #1
40 / Explain variable gene expression, how it is possible for all cells to have the same DNA but make different proteins. / Exam #1
41 / Explore epigenetics, how gene expression can be impacted by chemicals attached to the DNA macromolecule. / Exam #1
Development
(Lecture) / 42 / Compare the genomes and life cycles of various organisms. / Exam #1
43 / Link chromosomes and the processes of meiosis, fertilization, and mitosis to life stages. / Exam #1
44 / Describe the role of master control genes in embryonic development. / Exam #1
45 / Describe how environmental factors can alter successful development. / Exam #1
Variation
(Recitation) / 46 / Provide different sources and examples of variation within species. / Exam #1
47 / Utilize different models linking variation to artificial and natural selection. / Exam #1
48 / Follow the inheritance pattern of traits in a dihybrid cross. / Exam #1
49 / Complete a dihybrid cross with correct genotypes and phenotypes. / Portfolio #2
Reproduction and Growth
(Lab) / 50 / Describe the processes of mitosis and meiosis. / Exam #1
51 / Link meiosis and mitosis to the life cycles of various species. / Exam #1
52 / Utilize a model to demonstrate how crossing over during meiosis can lead to increased genetic variation. / Exam #1
53 / Map the location of genes on a chromosome using crossover data. / Portfolio #2
Readings
(Mutation Epigenetics) / 54 / Describe what a mutation is, the typical impact, how mutations relate to alleles, and the role of DNA repair. / Exam #1
55 / Describe what “epigenetics” means, what attaches to the DNA, and how a parent’s experiences may impact offspring. / Exam #1
4 / Human Inheritance
(Lecture) / 56 / Describe the human genome, including chromosomes and genes. / Exam #2
57 / Provide examples of chromosomal mutations in humans. / Exam #2
58 / Describe the inheritance patterns and symptoms of human genetic disorders caused by gene mutations. / Exam #2
59 / Explain how cancer has a genetic basis and how it can relate to both “nature and nurture.” / Exam #2
Medical Genetic Technologies
(Lecture) / 60 / Explain what stem cells are, where stem cells are found, and potential uses of stem cells. / Exam #2
61 / List various types of genetic screening, from prenatal through adult. / Exam #2
62 / Describe the current status of gene therapy, including the potential role of gene editing. / Exam #2
63 / Discuss the eugenics movement of the early twentieth century and how it may relate to current genetic technologies. / Exam #2
Human Genetics
(Recitation) / 64 / Study human traits to determine whether they follow Mendelian or non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance. / Exam #2
65 / Analyze human pedigrees to determine the genetic basis of inherited traits. / Exam #2
66 / Provide characteristics of the human genome, including karyotype and chromosomal features. / Exam #2
67 / Construct a human pedigree based on family data. / Portfolio #2
Human Genetic Disorders
(Lab) / 68 / Identify chromosomal disorders from karyotype data. / Exam #2
69 / Provide the genetic basic, inheritance patterns and symptoms for various gene-based genetic disorders. / Exam #2
70 / Examine pedigree and geographic data to study the genetic basis of lactose intolerance. / Exam #2
71 / Describe why humans lack the ability to produce vitamin C. / Exam #2
72 / Analyze exam results to improve learning and performance on future exams. / Portfolio #2
Readings
(RNAi, stem cells) / 73 / Explain what RNAi is and how it may be used to alter the course of human diseases. / Exam #2
74 / Compare and contrast embryonic and adult stem cells, describe what pluripotent stem cells are, and how stem cells can be used. / Exam #2
5 / Agriculture and Genetic Engineering
(Lecture) / 75 / Describe the basic techniques that are used in genetic engineering. / Exam #2
76 / Provide examples of plants that have been genetically modified and explain why these crops are significant. / Exam #2
77 / Provide examples of genetically modified animals, including salmon. / Exam #2
78 / Describe the technique of cloning and provide examples of organisms that have been cloned. / Exam #2
Future of Genetics
(Lecture) / 79 / Explain how genetics and evolution relates to human aging. / Exam #2
80 / Provide examples of genetic technologies that were previously considered to be “science fiction” but now may be reality. / Exam #2
81 / Describe the efforts to revive “relic DNA” and long-extinct species. / Exam #2
Genetic Technologies
(Lab only, no recitation this week) / 82 / List the basic techniques and uses of genetic technologies. / Exam #2
83 / Provide examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including successes and failures in producing chimeras. / Exam #2
84 / Describe how DNA fingerprinting can be used in criminal and paternity cases, as well as for tracking genetic disorders. / Exam #2
85 / Give examples of recent advancement in stem cell and cancer research. / Exam #2
86 / Make follow-up observations of corn seedlings and analyze information. / Portfolio #2
Readings
(Cloning, Extinct Animals) / 87 / Describe what cloning is, what can be cloned, whether humans have been cloned, the potential drawbacks of cloning animals, and the basics of therapeutic cloning. / Exam #2
88 / Discuss which extinct species may be “brought back to life” and the techniques being used. / Exam #2
6 / Darwin
(Lecture) / 89 / Provide the cultural context and details of Darwin’s life and work. / Exam #2
90 / Explain the impact of Darwin’s theory of natural selection and clarification of the laws of evolutionary change. / Exam #2
91 / Define genetic drift and explain how it adds complexity to the mechanisms of evolutionary change. / Exam #2
92 / Revisit “Darwin’s finches” and describe what modern researchers have discovered about these species. / Exam #2
Origins of Species
(Lecture) / 93 / Define what a species is and why reproductive isolation is critical in a new species forming. / Exam #2
94 / Distinguish between different paths to speciation. / Exam #2
95 / Provide examples of speciation, including current-day examples. / Exam #2
96 / Describe what a hybrid is and provide examples. / Exam #2
Evolution Case Studies
(Recitation) / 97 / Describe how fossils, DNA, and geographical data are used to reconstruct relationships. / Exam #2
98 / Provide examples of the impact of variation on evolutionary change. / Exam #2
99 / List key aspects of fish evolution. / Exam #2
100 / Reflect on how scientific ideas are subject to change and how scientific knowledge is durable. / Portfolio #3
Speciation and Islands
(Lab) / 101 / Describe the unique Hawaiian Island species and a variety of reasons for why several are facing extinction. / Exam #2
102 / Utilize a model to describe how geographic isolation can lead to alterations in allele frequencies and formation of a new species. / Exam #2
103 / Analyze phylogenetic trees of lizard species on the Canary Islands. / Exam #2
104 / Connect science to another field by generating a visual work of art about changes in nature. / Portfolio #3
Readings
(Darwin, Speciation) / 105 / Discuss Darwin’s early life, how the Galápagos finches are an example of natural selection, and how Darwin’s theory related to the works of Lyell, Malthus, Wallace, and Boucher de Perthes. / Exam #2
106 / Define what speciation is, various forms of reproductive isolation, evidence for speciation, and cospeciation. / Exam #2
7 / Eons of Life
(Lecture) / 107 / Describe hypotheses for the origins of life and early Earth conditions of the Precambrian Supereon. / Final Exam
108 / Provide examples of species in the Paleozoic Era, and how the Era may have ended. / Final Exam
109 / Explain why the Mesozoic Era is sometimes called the “Age of Dinosaurs” and describe how the Era may have concluded. / Final Exam
110 / Explore the conditions of the Cenozoic era, including the dominant species. / Final Exam
Extinctions
(Lecture) / 111 / Describe large scale and smaller scale causes of species extinctions. / Final Exam
112 / Explain how a genetic bottleneck can lead to extinction. / Final Exam
113 / Define “wild genes” and why they may be significant. / Final Exam
114 / Provide examples of current efforts to maintain genetic diversity. / Final Exam
Structures and Behaviors
(Recitation) / 115 / Model and describe relationships between predator and prey populations. / Final Exam
116 / Summarize the impact of chance on a population, as well as the significance of adaptations. / Final Exam
117 / Analyze and discuss predator-prey data. / Portfolio #3
Eras and Periods of Time
(Lab) / 118 / Outline geologic time, including major events like the Permian-Triassic extinction. / Final Exam
119 / Provide examples of different organisms from the Precambrian and the three most recent eras. / Final Exam
120 / Describe fossil organisms, including specimens found in Oregon. / Final Exam
121 / Construct a paper timeline that shows the relative timespan of life on Earth. / Portfolio #3
Reading
(Geologic Time) / 122 / Describe events, geologic features, and key species of each of the following time spans: Hadean, Achaean, and Proterozoic Eons of the Precambrian Supereon, as well as the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras of the current Phanerozoic Eon. / Final Exam
8 / Tree of Life
(Lecture) / 123 / Describe the types and uses of early and modern evolutionary trees. / Final Exam
124 / Use an evolutionary tree to show the relationship between different groups of vertebrates including dinosaur reptiles and birds. / Final Exam
125 / Explain how evolutionary trees can be predictive, using Tiktaalik as an example. / Final Exam
126 / Define coevolution and how it can be represented by evolutionary trees. / Final Exam
Hominan
(Lecture) / 127 / Define the “hominan”and provide characteristics of species within this taxonomic group. / Final Exam
128 / Provide examples and characteristics of human-like species that came before genus Homo in the fossil record. / Final Exam
129 / Describe species within genus Homo, including physical characteristics, behaviors, and locations. / Final Exam
130 / Explore the impact of recent fossil finds in revealing a more complex picture of human evolution. / Final Exam
Vertebrate Evolution
(Recitation) / 131 / Outline the evolutionary tree of vertebrates, including the distinctions between synapsids and diapsids. / Final Exam
132 / Provide characteristics of large aquatic and flying reptiles that used to be classified as dinosaurs. / Final Exam
133 / Describe how living reptilian species relate to extinct species. / Final Exam
134 / Explain the process of natural selection to someone who may not be familiar with biology. / Portfolio #3
Dinosaurs
(Lab) / 135 / Discuss the types of evidence used to reconstruct dinosaur history. / Final Exam
136 / Classify and provide examples of different groups of dinosaurs, including the ornithischians and two saurischian groups (sauropods and theropods). / Final Exam
137 / Describe characteristics of dinosaurs, including claws, skulls, teeth, and feeding characteristics. / Final Exam
138 / Link dinosaurs to the origins of birds. / Final Exam
139 / Locate and summarize a current news story about dinosaurs. / Portfolio #3
Readings
(Dinosaur Researchers, Homo naledi) / 140 / Explain why there are now so many dinosaur discoveries and provide examples of dinosaurs that were in the news in 2014. / Final Exam
141 / Discuss how Homo naledi fossils were found, where they are located, their characteristics, and the potential significance of this species. / Final Exam
9 / Modern Humans
(Lecture) / 142 / Explain how changes in the cerebral cortex and speech capabilities relate to human evolution. / Final Exam
143 / Outline agricultural advancements and their impact on Homo sapiens sapiens. / Final Exam
144 / Describe how infectious diseases have impacted, and continue to impact, our species. / Final Exam
145 / Provide information on the current and projected status of our species. / Final Exam
Individual Behaviors
(Lecture) / 146 / Define what a behavior is and how it relates to external and internal factors. / Final Exam
147 / Identify different types of innate behaviors. / Final Exam
148 / List various learned behaviors, including examples of species that demonstrate these behaviors. / Final Exam
149 / Describe basics aspects of human learning. / Final Exam
Population Data
(Recitation) / 150 / Use data sets to determine differences in population sizes and growth rates among nations and regions, based on birth rate, death rate, fertility rate, and age structure. / Final Exam
151 / Analyze figures and charts to draw conclusions about population growth and resource utilization. / Final Exam
152 / Describe factors that can impact population growth of humans and other species. / Final Exam
Mammalian and Human Evolution
(Lab) / 153 / Describe and provide specific examples of mammalian evolution, including monotremes and marsupials. / Final Exam
154 / Examine characteristics and ancestry of primates. / Final Exam
155 / Provide characteristics of Hominan, as well as research on Homo sapiens sapiens. / Final Exam
156 / Explain the difference between the four blood types and Rh factor and the relationship between blood types and human disease. / Final Exam
157 / Describe how incidence of malaria relates to frequency of the sickle cell anemia allele. / Final Exam
Readings (Early Agriculture, Imprinting) / 158 / Outline when and where agriculture began, including examples of species from different world regions. / Final Exam
159 / Describe what imprinting is, the contribution of Konrad Lorenz, and why imprinting is considered when raising endangered species. / Final Exam
10 / Behaviors and Fitness
(Lecture) / 160 / Describe how genetics and evolution relate to animal behavior. / Final Exam
161 / Provide examples of how genetics and environmental cues relate to migration. / Final Exam
162 / Describe the value of sexual reproduction, in contrast to asexual reproduction. / Final Exam
163 / Provide diverse examples of sexual selection, including simple and elaborate mating rituals. / Final Exam
Social Behaviors
(Lecture) / 164 / Link social behaviors to fitness, including cooperative, competitive, altruistic, and spiteful behaviors. / Final Exam
165 / List various forms of animal communication, including advantages and disadvantages. / Final Exam
166 / Describe different types of animal societies, including eusocial termites and bees. / Final Exam
167 / Relate genetics, evolution, and behavior to the context of human societies. / Final Exam
Animal Behaviors
(Lab) / 168 / Provide examples of innate and learned behaviors that impact organism fitness. / Final Exam
169 / Describe the activity patterns of montane voles in relationship to circadian rhythms. / Final Exam
170 / Distinguish between kinesis and taxis behaviors. / Final Exam
171 / Define invertebrates and describe the physical characteristics, habitats, and basic behaviors of planaria, earthworms, daphnia, sowbugs, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. / Final Exam
172 / Identify male and female crickets and describe differences in their structures and behaviors, including chirping and egg-laying. / Final Exam
Readings
(Crows, Jane Goodall) / 173 / Outline the studies that reveal aspects of crow intelligence, including use of analogies. / Final Exam
174 / Describe the work of Jane Goodall, including her research contributions, the status of the chimpanzees she has studied, as well as her more recent conservation activities. / Final Exam
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