ChabotCollegeFall 2002

Removed Fall 2010

Course Outline for Biology 20

CONTEMPORARY HUMAN BIOLOGY

Catalog Description:

20 - Contemporary Human Biology 3 units

Human organism, with emphasis placed on human's origin and evolutionary legacy, the relationship with the environment, and the ethical implications of biological discoveries in science. 3 hours.

[Typical contact hours: 52.5]

Prerequisite Skills:

None

Expected Outline for Students:

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

  1. restate current theories regarding the origin of life on earth, and human's evolutionary origin;
  2. explain the physical structure of the human body and its functional organization in an evolutionary context;

3.interpret the evolutionary basis of human behavior and social organization;

4.describe the basic elements of human reproduction, growth and development;

5.contrast the basic principles of genetics and human inheritance patterns;

  1. describe the human relationship with the physical and biotic environment and the

impact of their activities on the environment.

Course Content:

1.The origin and nature of life

a.Heterotroph hypothesis

b.Properties of life

c.Basic unit of life: Cells

d.Cellular functions: metabolism, growth, reproduction

2.Human development and growth

a.Life cycle

b.Gametogenesis

c.Fertilization and cleavage

d.Later embryonic and fetal development

e.Human growth patterns

3.Structural organization and function in the human body

a.Integument

b.Skeleto-muscular system

c.Neuro-muscular function

d.Cardiovascular function

e.Respiration and excretion

f.Digestion and nutrition

g.Reproduction and sexuality

4.Principles of genetics and human inheritance

a.History of genetics

b.Mendelian genetics

c.Multiple gene inheritance

d.Population genetics

e.Human genetic traits

f.Eugenics, anyone?

ChabotCollege

Course Outline for Biology 20, page 2

Fall 2002

Course Content - continued:

5.Origin and evolution of humans

a.Principles of evolution

b.Genetic basis of evolution

c.History of life on earth

d.Primate evolution and migration

e.Later human evolution and migration

f.Human diversity

6.Human ecology

a.Principles of ecology

b.Human ecology

c.Human reproduction and population growth

d.Human population control

7.Environmental deterioration

a.Environmental pollution

b.Conservation of natural resources

c.Environmental and sociological impact of human activities

d.Prognosis

Methods of Presentation:

1.Lectures

2.Films

3.Tapes

4.35 mm color slides

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

  1. Typical Assignments:
  1. Textbook readings
  2. Selected articles to read for discussion

1)Human kind's evolution in the future

2)Human cloning

  1. Term papers

1)Human impact on the environment

2)Evolution of primates

3)Moral issues of genetic engineering

  1. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

a.Written examinations, including final exam

b.Special projects

Textbook(s) (Typical):

Human Biology, Sylvia Mader, Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 2000

Special Student Materials:

None.

Revised: 2/13/02