CCOG for BI 212 archive revision 202104
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- Effective Term:
- Fall 2021 through Summer 2022
- Course Number:
- BI 212
- Course Title:
- Principles of Biology II
- Credit Hours:
- 5
- Lecture Hours:
- 40
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 30
Course Description
Addendum to Course Description
To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, the Portland Community College Biology Departments stand by the following statements about what is science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory in the discipline of the biological sciences.
Science is a fundamentally non-dogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither a guess, dogma, nor myth. The theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation.
The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, creation "science" is neither self-examining nor investigatory. Creation "science" is not considered a legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).
Biology instructors of Portland Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity of life. We, the Biology Subject Area Curriculum Committee at Portland Community College, therefore stand with such organizations as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Apply biological theories and concepts to novel problems in genetics, evolution, and systematics.
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies in genetics, evolution, and systematics and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge of these topics on human society and the environment.
- 欧洲杯决赛竞猜app_欧洲杯足球网-投注|官网 and effectively communicate an evidence-based position on issues in genetics, evolution, and systematics, while considering the ethical implications for a diverse community.
- Communicate concepts in genetics, evolution, and systematics using appropriate terminology in both written and verbal forms.
Quantitative Reasoning
Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to analyze questions or problems that impact the community and/or environment using quantitative information.
General education philosophy statement
Biology 212, Principles of Biology, is the second of a 3-part sequence of courses (BI 211, 212 and 213) which prepares students for upper-division Biology courses and is required for a Biology major. It also serves as a prerequisite for many health-related programs, including nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. BI 212 presents the mechanisms of heredity, this history of life on planet earth, and micro- and macro-evolution. There is also an emphasis on the processes of science, including collaborative
teamwork and communication, and the discoveries that lead to our understanding of genetics and evolution. Quantitative reasoning is part of this process. The laboratory activities, in particular, promote quantitative skills as students must gather, present and interpret data.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
o open-ended essay questions and multiple-choice exams;
o scientific papers that follow standard scientific format presenting independent investigations and may include peer-review(s);
o oral presentations of biological information, informed positions on contemporary issues, and/or laboratory results;
o classroom assessments, such as, quizzes, one minute summaries, pre-test/post-tests, etc.;
o major independent projects, such as, experiential learning plus journals, botany collections with ecosystem reports, library research term papers, and field journals;
o scientific article critiques;
o laboratory practical exams;
o and small projects and homework assignments.
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Themes and Concepts include:
1. Introduction to genetics including Mendelian genetics
2. The chromosomal basis of inheritance
3. The molecular basis of inheritance
4. The transcription and translation of genes
5. Evolution by natural selection
6. Population genetics and microevolution
7. Speciation
8. Macroevolution and phylogenetic reconstruction
9. Early Earth and the origin of life
10. Survey of biodiversity: prokaryotes
11. Survey of biodiversity: origins of eukaryotic diversity
12. Survey of biodiversity: plants colonize land
13. Survey of biodiversity: evolutionary significance of fungi
14. Survey of biodiversity: invertebrate animals and the origin of animal diversity
15. Survey of biodiversity: vertebrate phylogeny
16. Genetics of viruses and bacteria (optional)
17. Gene expression in eukaryotes (optional)
18. DNA Technology (optional)
Issues:
Biology 212 is relevant to many contemporary issues that may be discussed and explored during the course, such as, effects of pollution in aquatic systems, applications of gene therapy, dwindling biodiversity, primate evolution, global warming, acid rain, overpopulation, unknown impacts of genetically modified organisms, etc.
Competencies and Skills:
o Read scientific literature
o Apply the scientific method
o Use laboratory techniques and equipment
o Locate and access biological information
o Think critically
o Collaborate with peers -- work effectively in groups
o Articulate scientific processes in written and oral format
o Present data in papers using the scientific format
o Present conclusions logically