Principles of Biology: the Biosphere
Curriculum guideline
There are four hours of lecture or tutorials per week, and three hours of laboratory work. The information content is integrated with laboratory experiments, problem sets, journal articles and textbook readings.
1. Introduction to Evolution and Taxonomy
- theory of evolution
- introduction to components of the biosphere: levels of organization (from cells to biosphere)
- principles of taxonomy – binomial system of nomenclature
- construction of dichotomous keys, and use of the microscope to examine cells, organisms
- survey of major taxa, from viruses to animals
2. Introduction to Ecological Systems
- organization of biomes
- succession in terrestrial and aquatic habitats
- population dynamics and community interactions
- energy flow and nutrient cycling
- analysis of experimental design in energy flow
3. Introduction to how various organisms accomplish:
- support and movement
- nutrition and digestion
- respiration
- circulation of gases, fluids and materials
- reproduction
- excretion of wastes
- sensory perception and nervous condition
4. Laboratory techniques
- techniques required for the use of common laboratory equipment
- use of compound and stereomicroscopes
- preparation of various wet mounts for microscope work
- introduction to experimental methods
- various plant and animal dissections
- development of dichotomous keys
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- Understand and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere, their interactions and relationship to evolution.
- Be capable of using and demonstrating techniques for identifying plants and animals, including use of the microscope and dichotomous keys.
- Understand and be able to explain the evolutionary relationships among major taxa.
- Understand and be able to explain the anatomy, physiology and functional relationships of certain organisms within each major group.
- Appreciate the scientific process, including the use of testable hypotheses.
- Be able to demonstrate the use of common laboratory equipment.
- Appreciate the study of Biology as a multidisciplinary activity.
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:
| Evaluation | Marks |
| Class tests and assignments | 15-25 |
| Laboratory assignments and quizzes | 5-15 |
| Laboratory examination - final | 10-15 |
| Comprehensive examination - midterm | 25-35 |
| Comprehensive examination - final | 25-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Notes:
1. Laboratory Experiments and Activities
Laboratory work will be assigned each week. The laboratory work must be completed in the week it is assigned. 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 in the course.
2. Examinations
There will be one midterm and one final examination. 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 of the final examination.
Students should consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. For example, textbooks and materials may include:
Reece, J.B. et al., Campbell Biology. (Current Edition). Benjamin Cummings.
Douglas College produced manual. Biology 1110: the Biosphere.
BIOL 2300, 2301, 2302, 2321, 2400, 2421, 3205, 3305, 3500, 3600 and 3700