BIOL 101: Current Issues in Biology is a course designed for non-science majors who need a laboratory science as a required course for their program of studies. This course examines major themes in biology in the context of current issues, and allows students to apply the knowledge, skills and concepts learned in order to make informed decisions about their everyday lives. The course will have an overarching theme of human wellness, and will examine topics such as disease and health, the gut microbiome, genetically modified organisms, climate change, and overpopulation, while incorporating biological topics such cell structure and function, anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, examining current scientific events, and through laboratory analysis. This course does not fulfill the requirements for a science major's course and cannot be substituted for Biology 104 or Biology 106.
Prerequisites: English Studies 12 with a minimum of 60%
Math 11 is recommended
Corequisite: None
Crosslisted: None
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
|---|
| Total Credits | 3.00 |
|---|
| Total Hours | 75 |
|---|
Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- describe biological concepts in everyday life;
- apply biological principles and scientific reasoning skills to unfamiliar problems;
- describe concepts and themes in biology;
- apply the scientific method to social and scientific issues in order to distinguish between fact and opinion;
- use laboratory tools and techniques common in biology;
- communicate science effectively and cite references appropriately; and
- work independently and as part of a team.
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.