Trends in Biology
Curriculum guideline
There are four hours of lecture and group discussion per week, and two hours of laboratory work. Weekly journal article and/or textbook readings will be required.
1. Scientific Thinking
- Making observations
- Formulating and testing hypotheses
- Scientific theories
2. Molecules of Life & the Cell
- Macromolecules and Lipids
- Main components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
3. DNA, Genes and Inheritance
- The cell cycle: mitosis and meiosis
- Basics of Mendelian inheritance
4. Evolution
- Darwin’s research
- The theory of evolution by natural selection
5. Origin and Diversification of Life
- Theories of the origin of life
- Key events in life history
- Phylogeny and the tree of life
- Domains and kingdoms of life
6. Ecology
- How populations are studied
- Community interactions
- Human activities and ecosystems
7. Plant Form and Function (content may include)
- The diversity of the Kingdom Plantae
- Plant support and growth
- Resource acquisition in plants
- Gas exchange and transport in plants
- Plant reproduction
8. Animal Form and Function (content may include)
- The diversity of the Kingdom Animalia
- Nutrition, feeding and digestion
- Circulation and respiration
- Excretion and osmoregulation
- Reproduction
- Nervous systems
9. Weekly discussion on current relevant topics in biology
10. Laboratory techniques in biology including:
- The use of the microscope to observe cells
- Collecting and identifying organisms
- Use of dichotomous keys
- Identification of different animal and plant tissues and structures
- Observation and discussion of animal and plant structure and function
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss essential biological concepts and principles.
- Explain the scientific method, including the use of hypotheses and experiments.
- Describe the organization and diversity of life.
- Explain the principles of inheritance.
- Explain the process of evolution by natural selection.
- Describe the ecological relationships among living organisms and between them and the environment.
- Describe selected physiological processes in plants and animals.
- Conduct basic laboratory experiments and interpret the observations and results.
- Apply biological concepts and principles in the discussion of issues of current societal relevance.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
| TYPE OF EVALUATION | MARKS |
| Class tests and assignments | 20-25 |
| Laboratory assessments | 5-10 |
| Laboratory examination | 15-20 |
| Midterm examination | 25-30 |
| Final examination | 30-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Notes:
1. Class Tests and Assignments:
Class tests and assignments are a compulsory component of this course. A minimum of 50% of the tests and assignments must be completed to get credit for the course.
2. Laboratory Activities:
Laboratory experiments and assignments are a compulsory component of this course. A minimum of 50% of the laboratory experiments and assignments must be completed to receive a P or better grade in the course.
3. Comprehensive Examinations:
There will be one midterm which will cover the course content to that point. The final examination will cover the entire course. If the student achieves a better grade on the final exam than on the midterm examination, the midterm grade will be raised to equal that achieved on the final examination.
Douglas College BIOL 1100 Laboratory Manual
The student should consult the Bookstore for the latest required course materials or textbooks.
None
None
None
None