BIO-119 Contemporary Biology II

Part II of an introductory laboratory biology course with for non-science majors. Topics covered in part II include: Evolution, biodiversity, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology, and environmental science. The emphasis is on application of basic biological principles to contemporary issues and problems. Students will achieve basic scientific literacy with a goal of improved critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. This course carries SUNY General Education Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) credit.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

BIO-118

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

2

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Science & Technology

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• Yes

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will describe and apply the basic principles of biology (evolution, biodiversity, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology, and environmental science) in relation to contemporary issues
2. Students will apply the methods and process of science, and be able to critically evaluate scientific articles in the popular press
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to make informed scientific decisions as necessary in their personal life as well as their role as educated citizens
4. Students will access information needed to make informed scientific decisions as necessary in their personal life as well as their role as educated citizens.

View Course Outline

BIO 119: Contemporary Biology II

Department

Science and Technology

Course Description

Part II of an introductory laboratory biology course with for non-science majors. Topics covered in part II include: Evolution, biodiversity, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology, and environmental science. The emphasis is on application of basic biological principles to contemporary issues and problems. Students will achieve basic scientific literacy with a goal of improved critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. This course carries SUNY General Education Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) credit.

Credit Hours

4

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	2
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Prerequisites

BIO-118

SUNY General Education Course

• Natural Science and Scientific Reasoning

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will describe and apply the basic principles of biology (evolution, biodiversity, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology, and environmental science) in relation to contemporary issues
2. Students will apply the methods and process of science, and be able to critically evaluate scientific articles in the popular press
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to make informed scientific decisions as necessary in their personal life as well as their role as educated citizens
4. Students will access information needed to make informed scientific decisions as necessary in their personal life as well as their role as educated citizens.

Topic Outline

1. Theme 1: Evolution
   1. Who thought of that? - The theories and the evidence
   2. The force of change - microevolution
   3. The product of change - speciation
   4. The human story: Evidence from our past 
2. Theme 2: Life's Diversity
   1. Who's who? - Organizing Life's Diversity
   2. It's a Small World - Microbes
   3. A Green Earth - Plant Diversity
   4. Life's Zoo - Animal Diversity
   5. Preserving Diversity - Conservation and Sustainability Characteristics of Life 
3. Theme 3: Plant Anatomy and Physiology
   1. Building a Plant: Form and Function
   2. Plants on a Diet: Nutrition and growth
   3. A Plant World: Reproduction and Dispersal 
4. Theme 4: Animal Anatomy and Physiology
   1. A Life in Balance: Homeostasis 
   2. Animal Communication: Nervous and Endocrine System
   3. Finding Oxygen: Blood, Cardiovascular and Respiratory
   4. Animals in Motion: Skeletal and Muscular System
   5. Animal Defenses: The immune System
   6. Finding Food: Nutrition and Digestion
   7. Becoming Human: Human Reproduction and Development 
5. Theme 5: Ecology and Environment
   1. The Behavior of Animals
   2. Living Together: Populations and Community Interactions
   3. Life is Connected: Environment and Ecosystem Interactions