PCC/ CCOG / BI

Course Content and Outcome Guide for BI 112

Date:
06-DEC-2011
Posted by:
Curriculum Office
Course Number:
BI 112
Course Title:
Cell Biology for Health Occ
Credit Hours:
5
Lecture hours:
40
Lecture/Lab hours:
0
Lab hours:
30
Special Fee:
$12

Course Description

Includes the study of the scientific method, cellular chemistry, cell structure and function, principles of inheritance, and laboratory skills. Includes topics and skills required to continue to Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115, and MTH 65 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

  1. To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, the Portland Community College Biology Departments stand by the following statements about what is science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory in the discipline of the biological sciences.
  2. Science is a fundamentally non-dogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither a guess, dogma, nor myth. The theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation.
  3. The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, creation “science” is neither self-examining nor investigatory. Creation “science” is not considered a legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).
  4. Biology instructors of Portland Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity of life. We, the Biology Subject Area Curriculum Committee at Portland Community College, therefore stand with such organizations as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula.

Lab B Notes: The lab for this course has been approved as "Lab B". This means that Faculty effort in preparation and evaluation generally occurs outside of scheduled class hours. Class format is a combination of Faculty lectures and demonstrations, guided student interactions and supervised student application of lectures. Students produce written work such as lab notebooks, reports, and responses in writing to assigned questions, and the Instructor is expected to comment on and grade this written work outside of schedule class hours. This evaluation will take place on a regular basis throughout the term.

Intended Outcomes for the course

A student will collaboratively and independently:

A. Analyze their individual thinking and learning styles & how their styles can be integrated with methods used in science.
B. Use an understanding of biological and chemical principles of cell function as a base for further learning in the health sciences.
C. Build on the laboratory research experience to organize data and information in order to draw conclusions and identify new investigative paths.
D. Use scientific vocabulary and an understanding of the scientific method to critically evaluate current health issues in our society.

Course Activities and Design

The format for this course is a traditional lecture and laboratory presentation. Lecture will be presented utilizing a variety of multimedia and interactive presentations. Laboratory experiences will be largely hands-on, team based and collaborative utilizing a variety of resources including but not limited to: multimedia, prepared microscope slides, human and animal specimens.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  1. tests/quizzes
  2. oral presentations
  3. papers
  4. journals/lab notebooks
  5. group projects
  6. practical exams
  7. case studies

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Skills

Students who have successfully completed biology 112 will be able to:
 

  1. Take responsibility for their own learning, demonstrating essential student behaviors.
  2. Use the scientific method to look for the answers to questions
  3. Use scientific instruments safely and appropriately
  4. Study effectively (Understand their learning style preferences)
  5. Communicate effectively (reading/writing/verbal).
  6. Collaborate productively , both as a leader and a group member.
  7. Read and interpret scientific information
  8. Demonstrate math skills necessary to analyze, interpret, and calculate data.
  9. Graph dependant and independent variables.
  10. Synthesize to solve problems
  11. Organize ideas to achieve a specific purpose
  12. Apply theoretical and conceptual models and frameworks to real world situations.
  13. Analyze problem solving/decision making situations.
  14. Identify situations/concepts where science does and does not apply.
  15. Approach the discovery of knowledge in a logical and analytical manner.
  16. Use models, analogies, and simulations to explore biological phenomenon.
  17. Use the metric system.


Themes, Issues, Concepts:

Scientific Method and Measurement
 

  1. Scientific Method

Chemistry
 

  1. Atoms and Molecules
  2. Chemical Bonding
  3. pH, acids, bases, buffers
  4. Properties of Water
  5. Concentration gradients
  6. Water and Lipid Solubility
  7. Organic Molecules
  8. Enzyme Structure and Activity
  9. Chemical Reactions
  10. Metabolism and Cellular Respiration

Basic Principles of Life
 

  1. Structure Dictates Function
  2. Evolution
  3. Homeostasis
  4. Cell as basic unit of life
  5. Levels of organization

Cell Structure and Function
 

  1. Taxonomy of the Kingdoms/Domains
  2. Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function
  3. Cell Division - Mitosis and Meiosis
  4. Protein Synthesis
  5. Membrane Transport

Principles of Inheritance
 

  1. Mendelian Genetics
  2. Paterns of Inheritance