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Chabot College
Fall 2011
Course Outline for Biology 6
PRINCIPLES OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
Catalog Description:
6 – Principles of Plant Biology and Ecology
4 units
Principles of the diversity, structure and function of plants, autotrophic protists, and bacteria with
emphasis on cell reproduction, alternation of generations, homeostasis, development, phylogeny,
taxonomy, and systematics. Principles of ecology including conservation biology. Intended for
biological sciences majors. Prerequisite: Mathematics 55 or equivalent (completed with a grade of
“C” or higher). Strongly recommended: eligibility for English 1A. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours
laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 52.5
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
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graph an equation with two variables;
graph logarithmic and exponential functions;
apply the properties of and perform operations with rational exponents;
solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values;
graph linear inequalities in two variables;
find the distance between two points.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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apply the principles and philosophies of science;
identify levels of biological organization ranging from cells to organisms and discuss their
interdependencies;
describe the general structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the process of cell
reproduction;
identify structures of autotrophic protists and plants and investigate how they obtain,
manipulate, and utilize materials and energy for growth; maintenance, reproduction, and
development;
describe the systematics of prokaryotes, plants, and autotrophic protists;
analyze interactions and changes that occur among organisms and the environment at
the population, community, and ecosystem levels.
Course Content (Lecture):
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Principles and philosophies of science; scientific method
Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Phylogeny and systematics
Structure, function, evolutionary history, and classification of prokaryotes
Cell reproduction and alternation of generations
Structure, function, evolutionary history classification of autotrophic protists
Evolutionary history and classification of plants
Plant cells and tissues
Structure and growth of vascular plants
Plant nutrition
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 6, page 2
Fall 2011
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Transport in plants
Response and maintenance of homeostasis in plants
Plant reproduction
Plant development
Population ecology
Community ecology
Interspecific interactions
Ecological succession
Biogeochemical cycles
Energy flow through ecosystems
Terrestrial ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems
Biodiversity
Conservation biology
Course Content (Laboratory Exercises):
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Microscopy
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Phylogeny and systematics
Survey of prokaryotes
Cell reproduction
Survey of autotrophic protists
Survey of plants
Plant cells and tissues
Structure of vascular plants
Plant nutrition
Transport in plants
Response and maintenance of homeostasis in plants
Plant reproduction
Plant development
Population ecology
Community ecology
Ecosystem dynamics
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture and discussion
Observation, collection and analysis of data
Laboratory studies
Charts, models, slides, specimens
Field trips
(Typical: UC Botanical Garden, Hall of Ecology at Oakland Museum)
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
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Typical Assignments
a. Collaborative laboratory exercise: Use dichotomous keys to identify organisms’ taxa.
(describe the systematics of prokaryotes, plants, and autotrophic protists)
b. Laboratory review: Observe draw and label the stages of mitosis in onion root tips.
(process of cell reproduction)
c. Collaborative laboratory exercise: Identify characteristics and compare the structures
of green algae, vascular, and non-vascular plants. (identify structures of autotrophic
protists and plants)
Chabot College
Course Outline for Biology 6, page 3
Fall 2011
d. Lab report: Test the effects of excess nitrogen and phosphorus on the growth of
algae. (analyze interactions and changes that occur among organisms and the
environment at the ecosystem level.
e. Lab report: Compare the effects of gibberellic acid on dwarf and normal pea plants.
(investigate how plants use materials for growth and development)
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Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Minimum of two midterm examinations
b. Quizzes
c. Minimum of two laboratory practicals
d. Student projects and laboratory reports
e. Final examination
Textbook (Typical)
Biology , Raven, Johnson, et al, McGraw Hill Publishers, 9th ed. 2011
Biology 6 Laboratory Manual, Chabot College, Rebecca Otto 2010
Special Student Materials:
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Coloring pencils
Lab coat or apron
Revised: 08/24/10