Trends in Biology
Curriculum guideline
Lecture: 4 hours/week
and
Laboratory: 2 hours/week
Lectures will include in-class activities and group discussions where journal article and/or textbook readings will be required.
1. Scientific Thinking
- Making observations
- Formulation and testing of 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
- Population studies
- Community interactions
- Human activities and ecosystems
7. Plant Form and Function
- 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
- 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:
- Cell observation using microscopes
- Collection and identification of organisms
- Dichotomous keys
- Identification of animal and plant tissues and structures
- Observation and discussion of animal and plant structure and function
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss essential biological concepts and principles;
- Describe 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, as well as the ecological relationships between living organisms and their environment;
- Describe 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.
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation 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:
| Quizzes and assignments | 20-25% |
| Laboratory assignments | 5-10% |
| Laboratory examination | 15-20% |
| Term test(s) | 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 achieve a minimum of a D grade in the course.
2. Laboratory Assignments:
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 achieve a minimum of a D grade in the course.
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Reece et al. Current Canadian Edition. Campbell Biology. Pearson.
Douglas College BIOL 1100 Laboratory Manual
None