Biology Today! BIOL 109

Overview of Course:  This course offers an issues-oriented approach to the learning of biology. This course is designed to encourage critical evaluation of biological information providing students with a biological literacy that will enable them to make appropriate decisions affecting their own lives and the well-being of society. Course should be taken concurrently with BIOL 109. For non-science majors (MnTC Goal 3).

Book of choice: Biology: Today and tomorrow: (Starr, Evers and Starr 5th Edition)

The textbook is required and I strongly recommend that you buy one and read it! This book is designed to combine the teaching of biological concepts within the context of current societal issues; Biology Today encourages introductory biology students to think critically about the role that science plays in their world.

Also, If you are currently using "Cengage Unlimited" The following link will take you to a video that will help explain Cengage Unlimited and how to register for your class.

https://www.cengage.com/student-training/mindtap/not-integrated/ia-no

Learning Outcomes (General)

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and of the relationship between hypotheses and theories.

2. Recognize and define problems and formulate and test hypotheses using data collected by observation or experiment. One project must develop, in greater depth, students laboratory or field experience in the collection of data, its quantitative and graphical analysis, its interpretation, its reporting, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.

3. Exhibit knowledge of the development and contributions of major scientific theories.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts, principles, problems, and perspectives of one or more specific scientific disciplines.

5. Consider societal issues from natural science perspectives, making informed judgments by assessing and evaluating scientific information.

6. An issues-oriented approach to the learning of biology, one that emphasizes coherent understanding on selected issues.

7. Thorough coverage of biological concepts, ensuring that introductory biology students are able to grasp the science while debating the issues.

8. Coverage of immediate contemporary issues, making certain that biological concepts will connect with students' daily lives.

9. An integrated educational system that encourages critical thinking and questioning rather than just memorization. One of the aims of this course is to educate students with a biological literacy that will enable them to evaluate scientific arguments and make appropriate decisions affecting their own lives and the well-being of society.

10. Educational features, such as "Thought Questions", that encourage students to think about biology as a process of inquiry rather than as a series of unquestioned facts.

11. An approach that helps students to understand the connections among fields of biology and the intimate connections between biology and social issues.

 

Final Grades : updated 18th Dec 2019

class        Lab

The topics covered in this course are:

Talk 1:  Biology and ethics

Talk 2:  Molecules of life

Talk 3:  Cells and how they work

Talk 4: DNA structure and function

Tank 5:  Human Genetics

Talk 6:  Human Variation

Talk 7: Cell Reproduction and Cancer

Talk 8:  Evolution

Talk 9:  Plants and how they feed us

Talk 10: The Biosphere and Global Change

Talk 11: Sustainability

Talk 12: Drugs and Addiction

 

There will also be various extra bits and bobs thrown into the mix to help you  become more aware of the experience of the world around you and more appreciative of the important part science and scientific reasoning play in everyday life.

REMEMBER:  This is a non-major science class.  It's all about achieving a well rounded education, and it's meant to be painless and enjoyable!

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