Download course outline - College of Micronesia

College of Micronesia-FSM
COURSE MODIFICATION REQUEST
MR 120 MARINE BIOLOGY
Math & Science
Course Number and Title
Department
SAME
SAME
Recommended Course Number and Title
Department
New Course Objectives:
See complete attached course outline.
Justification for Revising the Course:
To put the course outline into the required new outline format for purposes of
achieving a proficient level of assessment. To write SLOs such that they are
specific and measurable.
Division Chairperson
Date
Frankie L. Harriss
Chairperson, Curriculum Committee
Date
Karen Simion
President, COM-FSM
Spensin James
Date
College of Micronesia-FSM
COURSE OUTLINE
Course Title: Marine Biology w/lab
Department & Number: MR 120
Course Description: The course introduces students to the common forms of life inhabiting the
oceans of the globe including the marine microbes, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Their
basic structure, function, natural history and adaptations to the marine environment will be covered.
Current issues in marine biology will also be discussed. Laboratory sessions and field exercises
will focus mostly on the taxonomic groups.
Course Prepared by: Frankie L. Harriss
Hours per week
State: National Campus
No.of week
Total Hours
Semester
Credits
Lecture
____3____
x
___16__ =
___48___
=
Laboratory ____3____
x
___16___ =
___48___
=1
3
Total credit hours = 4
Purpose of Course:
Degree Requirement
____X_____
Degree Elective __________

Certificate
___________
Other
___________
This course also meets PLO #(s) 3.1 and 3.2 of the General Education program.
Prerequisite Courses: ESL 089.
________________________________________
Signature, Chairperson, Curriculum Committee
________________________________________
Signature, President, COM-FSM
__________________
Date Approved by Committee
__________________
Date Approved by President
College of Micronesia - FSM
COURSE OUTLINE MR 120 MARINE BIOLOGY
A. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs):
The student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geographical, physical, chemical,
astrological, and biological oceanography.
2. Apply fundamental knowledge of marine sciences towards identifying and solving
regional and global problems relating to marine systems.
3. Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and
analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
4. Communicate effectively, in written and oral forms, utilizing the language and concepts of
marine science.
B. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs):
The student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an enhanced capacity to
observe, classify, make predictions, formulate hypotheses, analyze data, and derive
conclusions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic biochemical molecules.
3. Describe cellular structures and their functions.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of energy, cellular respiration, and
photosynthesis.
5. Explain, and identify the forms of cell division.
6. Explain the basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of marine life.
8. Form connections between human activities and the affects on marine life.
CLO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PLO 1
PLO 2
I, D
I, D
I, D
I
I, D
I, D
I
PLO 3
I, D
I
I
I
I
I
I
Course Outline MR 120 Marine Biology
PLO 4
I,D
I
I
I, D
I, D
I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastery at a level appropriate for
graduation.
C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs):
CLO 1. The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an
enhanced capacity to observe, classify, make predictions, formulate hypotheses, analyze data,
and derive conclusions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
1.1The student will define and describe the general steps in the
scientific method, differentiate inductive and deductive
reasoning, explain how hypotheses are formed, identify variables,
and elaborate upon the reasons why, and the ways in which, a
scientist conducts controlled experiments.
1.2 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the scientific
method by conducting at least one laboratory experiment,
collecting and analyzing data, and presenting experimental results
in a formal laboratory report.
Quiz and examination.
Laboratory report will be
scored using a rubric for
demonstration level.
CLO 2. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic biochemical molecules
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
2.1 The student will be able to illustrate basic atomic structure,
describe subatomic particles, relate the atom’s structure to its
chemical properties, describe electron orbital configuration and
how it affects the reactivity of an element, and describe three
types of chemical bonds and how each is formed.
2.2 The student will be able to describe the mechanism of
enzymes as catalysts in chemical reactions.
Homework and/or Quiz,
and examination.
2.2 The student will be able to list the four major groups of
biological molecules and describe their functions.
Quiz and/or examination.
Quiz, examination, and
optional laboratory
exercise.
CLO 3. The student will be able to describe cellular structures and their functions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
3.1 The student will be able to differentiate between prokaryotic
cells, eukaryotic cells, and viruses.
3.2 The student will be able to describe the function of a cell
wall, plasma membrane, and cytoskeleton.
3.3 The student will be able to name and explain the functions of
structures in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
3.4 The student will be able to identify prokaryotic cells, plant
cells, animal cells, and major cellular components.
Course Outline MR 120 Marine Biology
Quiz and/or examination
and laboratory exercises.
Quiz and/or examination.
Quiz and/or examination.
Demonstrate in laboratory
exercises.
CLO 4. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of energy,
cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
4.1 The student will be able to define energy, explain the role of
ATP as an energy coupler, and compare aerobic and anaerobic
respiration.
4.2 The student will be able to outline the generalized formula
for cellular respiration, and illustrate the structure and explain the
function of mitochondria.
4.3 The student will be able to outline the generalized formula
for photosynthesis, illustrate the structure and explain the
function of a chloroplast.
Quiz and/or examination.
Quiz and/or examination.
Quiz and/or examination
CLO 5. The student will be able to explain, and identify the forms of cell division
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
5.1 The student will be able to describe and diagram binary
fission.
5.2 The student will be able to list the stages of,and identify the
stages of, the cell cycle, describe the phases and events of mitosis
and meiosis, differentiate between karyokinesis and cytokinesis,
and distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction.
Quiz and/or examination.
Laboratory
exploration/reporting.
Quiz and/or examination.
Laboratory
exploration/reporting.
CLO 6. The student will be able to explain the basic principles of Mendelian and molecular
genetics
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
6.1 The student will be able to explain the Mendelian principles
of heredity, connect the steps of meiosis to Mendelian principles
of inheritance, describe inheritance patterns including dominance,
incomplete dominance, and codominance.
6.2 The student will be able to describe the basic events of DNA
replication and understand the use of RNA to generate proteins.
Quiz and/or examination.
Laboratory exercises
including Punnet squares.
Quiz and/or examination.
CLO 7. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of marine life.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
7.1 The student will be able to define organic evolution, explain
the evolution of life according to Darwin, and define speciation.
7.2 The student will be able to identify the major physical
conditions that influence living creatures.
7.3 The student will be able to list, describe the characteristics of,
and classify marine organisms by domain, kingdom,
phylum/division, and class.
Course Outline MR 120 Marine Biology
Quiz and/or examination.
Quiz and/or examination.
Quiz and/or examination.
Laboratory
explorations/reports.
7.4 The student will be able to differentiate between taxonomy,
phylogeny, and systematics.
7.5 The student will describe the morphology, function, niche,
and adaptation of marine organisms.
Quiz and/or examination.
8.1 The student will be able to identify a few examples of, and
explain, the human impact on marine life and marine resources.
Quiz and/or examination.
Laboratory exercise and/or
project.
Quiz and/or examination
Laboratory
explorations/reports.
CLO 8. The student will be able to form connections between human activities and the affects
on marine life.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assessment Strategies
D. REQURIED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
Castro, P. and Huber, M.E. 2010. Marine Biology. 8th ed. [or subsequent editions]. McGraw
Hill. New York, N.Y.
E. REFERENCE MATERIALS
Current publications and periodicals of relevance and video/DVDs as relevant.
F. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lectures, audio-visuals (including videos/DVDs), laboratory exercises, field trips, and
observations.
G. COURSE CONTENT
1. Scientific method
2. Biochemistry
3. Cell structure and function
4. Energy
5. Cell division and reproduction
6. Genetics
7. Evolution
8. Taxonomy & classification
9. Diversity of marine life
10. Human impacts on marine life
H. INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
Replacement of laboratory equipment approximately $200 per year, transportation and
supplies associated with field trips approximately $1200 per year.
I. EVALUATION
The final grade will be determined by calculating an overall average combining results from
quizzes, laboratory reports and assignments, lecture exams, and a cumulative final exam.
Course Outline MR 120 Marine Biology
Percent Grade
89.5 – 100%
79.5 – 89.4 %
69.5 – 79.4%
59.5 – 69.4%
59.4% and lower
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
J. ATTENDANCE POLICY
As stated in the current college catalog, or per individual instructor’s policy, to be clearly
defined on each course syllabus.
K. HONESTY POICY
As per current college catalog.
L. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None
Course Outline MR 120 Marine Biology