Download BSC 1005C

BSC 1005C
Diversity of life
BSC 1005C Diversity of Life (3) (A.A.). Four hours lecture/lab per week. The course meets Area V
requirements for the A.A./A.S. general education requirements. This course is designed to
introduce students to the diversity of life on Earth and integrate current issues to teach
biological concepts. Topics covered include biologically important molecules, cells, cellular
reproduction, genetics, evolution, organismal biology, and basic ecology. The course
investigates the traits and ecological roles of bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Many
topics are taught through investigation of contemporary issues (e.g. emerging viruses &
endangered species). This course is appropriate for non-science majors. Additional special fees
are required.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student, upon the successful completion of BSC 1005C, should be able to:
1. Define life by listing 5 characteristics that distinguish living from non-living matter.
2. Describe the scientific method and outline how science works.
3. Identify the fundamental molecules that comprise living organisms (carbohydrates,
lipids, proteins, & nucleic acids).
4. Describe the diversity of cell types, including the characteristics of eukaryotic and
prokaryotic cells.
5. Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis, especially as they relate to asexual and sexual
reproduction.
6. Describe the basis for genetic diversity within and between organisms, including the
structure of DNA, its organization into genes, and heredity.
7. Explain the processes by which evolutionary change occurs.
8. Describe how biologists organize and classify living organisms.
9. Identify the characteristics of viruses and describe how they differ from cellular life.
10. Identify the characteristics of bacteria and explain their potential associations with
illness.
11. Distinguish between groups of eukaryotic organisms including unicellular and
multicellular life.
12. Identify the characteristics, ecological roles, and diversity of fungi.
13. Identify the characteristics, ecological roles, and diversity of plants.
14. Identify the characteristics, ecological roles, and diversity and animals.
15. Demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity and the interdependence of organisms
on Earth.
16. Identify threats to Earth’s biodiversity and describe efforts to avoid ecological
catastrophe.
Date of Original Submission:
Date of Last Revision:
Date of Last Review:
Unknown, prior to 1974 (BioSci 101)
10/14/99, 9/23/02, 10/21/04, 10/18/07
10/14/99, 9/23/02, 10/21/04, 10/18/07, 2/15/13