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Chabot College
Fall 2002
Course Outline for Biology 10
INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY
Catalog Description:
10 - Introduction to the Science of Biology
4 units
Basic principles of biology, with the nature of living things, and the nature of scientific investigation and
its bioethical impact in our modern world. Designed for non-majors in biology or the biomedical
sciences. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
describe the scientific method and how it is used by scientists to further scientific knowledge;
cite the characteristics exhibited by all living things;
describe how a cell is structured and explain how it functions in terms of cell membrane phenomena,
genetic control mechanisms and metabolism;
list the various kinds of specialized cells, both plant and animal, describe each, and state their
functions;
describe how a typical flowering plant develops, from seed germination to the fully-grown plant;
describe how a typical flowering plant functions in terms of water and mineral movement, food
production and transport, and fertilization and seed production;
describe how a typical vertebrate animal develops from a fertilized egg to the adult form;
describe the following vertebrate organ systems and list the principal functions of each:
integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, digestive,
endocrine, reproductive;
describe the modern (binomial) system of naming and classifying plants, animals and other
organisms in the biosphere;
define the terms ecology and conservation and differentiate between the two;
describe the major environmental concerns of our modern world;
explain the Darwinian concept of evolution, as modified by modern scientific knowledge.
Course Content:
Lecture:
1.
2.
3.
Scientific methods
a.
Definition
b.
Origin
c.
Applications
d.
Limitations
e.
Interdisciplinary relationships of science
The origin of life on earth
a.
Cosmozoic notion
b.
Heterotroph hypothesis
Cell theory of life
a.
Historical development
b.
Characteristics of living things
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 10, page 2
Course Content - continued:
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Plants and animals
a.
Classification
b.
Structure
c.
Adaptation
d.
Behavior
Metabolism
a.
Autotrophic nutrition
b.
Heterotrophic nutrition
c.
Gas exchange
d.
Respiration
e.
Energy utilization
f.
Energy transfer
Control systems
a.
Hormones
b.
Vitamins
c.
Fluids
d.
Neutral coordination
e.
Growth factors
f.
Genes
Self-perpetuation
a.
Molecular reproduction
b.
Cellular reproduction
c.
Organismic reproduction
d.
Sexuality
e.
Cellular development
f.
Organismic development
Heredity
a.
History
b.
Mendelian genetics
c.
Non-Mendelian inheritance
d.
Population genetics
Evolution
a.
History and evidence for evolution
b.
Genetics basis of evolution
c.
Characteristics of evolution
d.
Origin and evolution of man
Ecology and conservation
a.
Ecology and conservation compared
b.
Principles of ecology
c.
Contemporary issues in conservation of natural resources
Laboratory:
1.
Scientific method
2.
Microscope
3.
Taxonomy and classification
4.
Cell structure
5.
Chemistry of life
6.
Monera and protesta
7.
Molecular motion
8.
Evolution
9.
Adaptation
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 10, page 3
Course Content - continued:
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Nervous system
Respiration
Vertebrate anatomy
Anatomy of flowers
Animal embryology
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture and discussion.
Laboratory exercises.
Audio-visual presentations.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Textbook readings
b.
Preparation for discussion of laboratory exercises
1)
Microscope use
2)
Protozoans
3)
Blood smears
c.
Student project or term paper
1)
Genetic engineering moral issues
2)
Human population in the 21st century
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Quizzes, midterm(s) and final examination
b.
Laboratory practicums
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Biology - Concepts and Applications, Cecie Starr, Wadsworth Publishers, 2000
Laboratory Exercises in Biology, M. Tanner, 1998
Special Student Materials:
None.
Revised: 2/4/02