SYLLABUS
Name of
Course:
Biological Science
Course
Instructor:
Gary Phillips, Environmental Studies Program Coordinator
Office phone number - (712) 362-7978 & e-mail address - gphillips@iowalakes.edu
Credits:
Lecture (SC114A) - 4 credits, Laboratory (SC114B) - 0 credits
Catalog
Description:
Introduction to biology, including cell structure and function,
photosynthesis, respiration, cell reproduction, genetics, and a survey of the
monerans, protistans, fungi, and major plant and animal phyla.
The course is designed for non-biology majors.
Text:
The Living World, 2nd edition by George Johnson
Other
Materials:
Biological Science Laboratory Manual
Objective of
Course:
The objectives of this course are to introduce students to the biological
sciences and to familiarize them with the structure and function of the plants
and animals that live in the biosphere.
Course
Content:
1. Cell
biology.
2. Growth
and development.
3. Survey
of living organisms.
4. Form
and function.
Method of
Instructional Delivery:
There are three hours of lecture, demonstrations, and discussions each
week. A one-hour test will be given
after each of the four units covered in this course.
One 2-hour laboratory period per week are also part of this course.
These lab periods are used for the performance of experiments, field
trips, writing of lab reports, and work on special projects and research papers.
Learning
Objectives/Competencies:
Upon completion
of this course the student will be able to:
Describe the roots of science.
Outline the steps in the scientific method.
Describe the basic chemistry of life.
Describe the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, and
lipids and discuss their importance to living organisms.
Draw a diagram of a cell and label the key organelles.
List and describe the various types of cell transport.
Describe how cells obtain and use energy.
Outline the processes of photosynthesis and cellular
respiration.
List and describe the steps involved in mitosis and
meiosis.
Discuss the principles of genetics and solve genetics
problems.
Draw a diagram of the DNA molecule, describe its structure, and discuss the
functions of this molecule.
Describe the process of protein synthesis.
Describe the principles of evolution and speciation.
Describe the principles of reproduction and development.
Discuss the process of taxonomic classification.
List the six kingdoms of
living organisms and describe the characteristics of each kingdom.
Describe the origins of life.
List the principle groups of plants and animals and briefly
describe the characteristics of each group.
Describe the structure and function of various plant
tissues, including reproduction, growth, development, transport, and
nutrition.
Describe the structure and function of various animal
systems, including the nervous, endocrine, integumentary, skeletal,
muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and excretory systems.
Methods of
Evaluation:
Four 1-hour tests of 100 points each will be given during the semester.
These tests will include multiple choice and essay questions. Four quizzes will also be given during the semester.
Laboratory reports will be required for selected labs and will be graded
on accuracy, completeness, proper format, neatness, and scientific knowledge.
A 100 point research paper is also required for this course.
Students are expected to attend class except in cases of sickness,
emergencies, or excused absences. Students
who miss class for the above reasons will be allowed to make up their work.
Some extra credit may be earned for approved projects.
Grading:
Grading is determined by a percentage of total points for the semester.
Sixty percent is required to pass the course, seventy percent for a C,
eighty percent for a B, and ninety percent for an A.
Tests 400 points
Quizzes 40 points
Laboratory Reports 160 points
Research Paper 100 points
TOTAL POINTS 700