Course Description
This course will include: the structure, function, and evolutionary relationships found in the Domains of life; plant and animal structure and function; ecology; and environmental biology. Note: the BIOL 1514 and BIOL 1524 sequence is recommended for students transferring to university programs requiring a full year of general biology. IAI: BIO 910 Biological Sciences. IAI: L1 910L.
Prerequisite(s)
BIOL 1514 - Must be completed prior to taking this course.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe how the taxonomic hierarchical system of classification reflects evolutionary patterns of descent.
- Utilize the methods of science to identify and investigate questions relevant to biology.
- Demonstrate the ability to use current techniques and instruments that enable the study of a diversity of organisms on the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
- List the criteria for the 3 Domain/5-kingdom system of classification.
- Compare and contrast basic structural, developmental, and physiological classification criteria for the major Moneran groups (cyanobacteria & eubacteria), Protistan Phyla, Fungal Divisions, Plant Divisions, and Animal Phyla.
- Demonstrate understanding of basic anatomy of plant roots, stems, and leaves.
- Contrast mechanisms of water transport versus carbohydrate transport in plants.
- List and explain the major functions of organs in the vertebrate body responsible for circulation, immunity, digestion, respiration, and excretion.
- Compare and contrast exponential versus logistic population growth curves.
- List and describe interactions among living organisms that influence their exploitation of environmental resources.
- Describe the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems.
Topical Outline
1. Viruses & Prokaryotes
2. Protista
3. Fungi
4. Seedless plants
5. Seed plants
6. Plant form and physiology
7. Transport
8. Soil and nutrition
9. Plant reproduction
10. Invertebrates
11. Vertebrates
12. Cardiovascular system
13. Respiratory system
14. Digestive system
15. Excretory system
16. Ecology and the biosphere
17. Population and community ecology
18. Ecosystem ecology