BIOL122 Biological Principles II
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Biology
- I. Course Number and Title
- BIOL122 Biological Principles II
- II. Number of Credits
- 4 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 4500
- IV. Prerequisites
- BIOL121 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- Lecture-laboratory format to include in-class and/or online presentation of content material and participation in hands-on and/or virtual laboratory exercises. Topics are presented in various modes including, but not limited to, traditional lecture style, online presentation, group exercises, computer simulations, field trips, and/or online research.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course is a continuation of BIOL121 and focuses on comparative studies of plant and animal systems within an evolutionary framework. Additional topics include evolutionary theory, the tempo and mechanisms of evolution, speciation, population genetics, macro and microevolution, the evolutionary history of biological diversity and classification and ecology.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- describe the different biological solutions for nutrient capture, reproduction, and homeostasis in plants and animals;
- describe the underlying principles of evolution including the unity of life and descent with modification;
- recognize methods of classification (taxonomy) of all living organisms; and
- explain the interdependence of living things with each other and the non-living world.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- abiotic synthesis of organic molecules and origination of life
- taxonomy and molecular systematics
- mechanisms of evolution: gradualism, natural selection, adaptation
- population genetics
- origin of species
- micro and macroevolution
- plant structure and function
- invertebrates and the origin of animal diversity
- vertebrate structure and function
- ecology
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, laboratory exercises, reports and/or practicals, class participation, online activities and discussion, and projects as specified by the individual instructor's course syllabus are utilized. Additionally, one literature review paper is required as part of the course assessment. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as approved by the department and specified in the individual instructor's syllabus. Field trips involving field survey and restoration work may be required.
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Review/Approval Date - 12/98; Revised 6/09; New Core 8/2015; Revised 12/2017