Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

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.

• 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.
• 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)

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 psuedo-sciences in our science curricula.

1. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
2. Effectively communicate an understanding of human anatomy and physiology through verbal, written, and/or multimedia means.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of relationships within and between organ systems.
4. Develop a continuing curiosity about the human body, and an ability to apply scientific scientific tools to lifelong exploration and learning.
5. Understand health and disease from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Course outcome assessment will be achieved using a some or all of the following: group projects, individual projects, quizzes, tests, in class activities, case studies, laboratory activities, presentations, and journals.

COURSE CONTENT:
I. Structural organization

• Identify the levels of structural organization that make up the human body
• Identify the principle organ systems of the body
• List by name and location the principal body cavities and their major organs
• Describe the body in terms of planes, positions and directions, and anatomical divisions

II. Homeostasis

• Define a feedback system and explain its role in homeostasis
• Compare negative and positive feedback systems
• Give examples of homeostatic mechanisms in the body
• Relate disruptions in homeostasis to the disease process

III. Cell Structure and Function

• Identify the organelles found in human cells
• Explain the function of the organelles found in human cells
• Describe the processes by which materials are transported across cell membranes
• Describe the mechanism of mitotic cell division
• Understand the relationship between cell structure and function.

IV. Cellular Chemistry

• Understand the basis of pH and its affect on cells
• Describe the major categories of organic molecules and their functions in the human body
• Describe the mechanism of enzyme activity

V. Tissues

• Identify the major categories of tissues in the human body

VI. Integumentary System

• Identify the principle structures and layers of human skin
• Explain the functions of the principle structures and layers of human skin
• Explain the role of the integumentary system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with skin

VII. Skeletal System

• Identify the major bones of the human body
• Describe the processes of bone formation
• Describe the processes of bone replacement and repair
• Explain the homeostasis of body calcium
• Differentiate between the types of joints found in the human body
• Identify the types of joint movement
• Explain the role of the skeletal system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the skeletal system

VIII. Muscular System

• Identify the major muscles of the human body
• Explain the physiology of muscle contraction
• Differentiate between muscle types
• Explain the role of the muscular system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the muscular system

IX. Nervous System

• Differentiate between the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
• Discuss pathways associated with the human nervous system
• Identify and state the function(s) of the major regions of the human brain
• Explain the mechanism of nerve impulse conduction
• Identify the components of the major sensory systems
• Define the functions of components of the sensory systems
• Explain the role of the nervous system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the nervous system

X. Endocrine System

• Define hormone
• Identify the hormones and glands of the human endocrine system
• Describe the synthesis, storage, and release, and function of human hormones
• Outline mechanisms for hormonal feedback
• Explain the role of the endocrine system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the endocrine system

XI. Cardiovascular System

• Identify the major components of the human cardiovascular system
• Describe the function(s) of the major components of the human cardiovascular system
• Differentiate between systemic, pulmonary, and cardiac circulation
• Describe the control of blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, and blood volume
• Describe the heart conduction system
• Explain the functions of blood
• Identify the formed elements of blood and understand their functions
• Explain the role of the cardiovascular system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the cardiovascular system

XII. Lymphatic System

• Identify the components of the human lymphatic system
• Describe the function(s) of the human lymphatic system
• Describe the relationship between the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
• Explain the role of the lymphatic system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the lymphatic system

XIII. Digestive System

• Identify the principle components of the human digestive system
• Explain the function(s) of the principle components of the human digestive system
• Describe processes involved in the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination of organic molecules
• Discuss the role(s) of enzymes and hormones in the digestive process
• Explain the role of the digestive system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the digestive system

XIV. Respiratory System

• Identify the principle components of the human respiratory system
• Describe the major function(s) of the principle components of the human respiratory system
• Explain the processes of gas exchanges in the respiratory system
• Describe the relationship between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
• Describe the regulatory mechanisms of the respiratory system
• Explain the role of the respiratory system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the respiratory system

XV. Urinary System

• Identify the principle components of the human urinary system
• Describe the major function(s) of the principle components of the human urinary system
• Discuss the formation of urine
• Describe the regulatory mechanisms of the urinary system
• Explain the role of the urinary system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the urinary system

XVI. Reproductive System

• Identify the principle components of the male and female human reproductive system
• Describe the major function(s) of the principle components of the male and female human reproductive system
• Outline the steps in gametogenesis in males and females
• Discuss regulatory mechanisms in male and female reproductive systems
• Explain the role of the reproductive system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the reproductive system