BIOL
1030
DESCRIPTION: A one-semester course covering selected topics in
Life Science. Intended for students whose program of study requires one
semester of laboratory science or to
be combined with one semester of physical science in satisfying the general
education requirement.
This course will NOT substitute for
BIOL 1010 or 1020, apply toward a major or minor in biology, nor satisfy any
part of the pre-professional curriculum.
It is recommended for elementary teacher preparation.
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INSTRUCTORS:
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David Boehmer
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Office: Mattox 118B ext. 3268 |
Daniel P. Walker |
Office: Warf 107A ext. 3534 |
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Adjunct Stacey Riggins |
C@H and Hybrid 615-230-3261 |
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TEXTBOOKS: |
The Living World
(4th edition) by Johnson |
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Photographic Atlas for Biology Laboratory by Van DeGraaff & Crawley |
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Unity and Diversity in Biology Laboratories (WEB) by David Boehmer, et al Lab may be printed from the biology webpage http://www2.vscc.cc.tn.us/msd/bio/bioindex.htm |
ASSESSMENT: Students will be given a series of lecture
examinations, which, while mostly of an objective nature, will often contain
subjective components. In general, each
exam will cover material discussed in lecture, covered in audio-visual
presentations and assigned as readings in the textbook, beginning where
previous exam material stopped. The
final exam will be given during the final exam period as published. See your examination schedule for specific
dates. Additionally, a series of
worksheets will be completed during the viewing of audio-visual programs. The average grade earned on these worksheets
will be equivalent to an exam in calculating the lecture average.
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GRADING:
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The grades for this course
will be determined as follows:
70% - Lecture average
(Exams/worksheets determined by the lecture
instructor)
30% - Laboratory average
(Determined by the lab instructor) |
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Letter grades will be
assigned based on the following averages:
A ..... 90 - 100 B ..... 80 - 89 C ..... 70 - 79 D ..... 60 - 69 F ..... < 60
(Consult the college
catalog for descriptions of the I, N and W symbols.) |
COURSE OUTCOMES:
1. Outline and briefly explain the basic steps of the scientific method.
2. Name and discuss the five characteristics of living things.
3. Name the subatomic particles, give their location in the atom and their electrical charge.
4. Describe the ways in which atoms and ions may bond for form compounds.
5. Differentiate between acids and bases.
6. List and briefly discuss the unique properties of water.
7. Name and briefly discuss the structure and function of the four basic categories of organic molecules important in living systems and give examples of each.
8. Explain the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
9. List and give the functions of the common cellular organelles.
10. Write the general equations for photosynthesis and cellular respiration and show how the two processes are interrelated.
11. Compare the energy efficiency of aerobic versus anaerobic cellular respiration.
12. Describe the relationship which exists between science and religion.
13. Show how mitosis and meiosis are similar, how they differ and why they are significant.
14. Explain how meiosis differs in males and females.
15. Briefly describe and criticize Lamarck's mechanism for evolution.
16. Discuss Charles Darwin and his voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle.
17. Describe the process of evolution by means of natural selection as proposed by Darwin and Wallace.
18. List and discuss some evidences for evolution.
19. Discuss the importance of variation in the survival of species.
20. Explain how gradualism and punctuated equilibrium differ in explaining the evolution of new species.
21. List and discuss the arboreal characteristics possessed by early primates which have been retained in modern humans.
22. Distinguish among prosimians, anthropoids, hominoids, hominids and humans.
23. Show a knowledge of modern evolutionary theory concerning the development of Homo sapiens.
24. List, in order, the seven major categories in the hierarchy of biological classification and classify yourself according to this scheme.
25. Have a general knowledge of the "Big Bang" theory of cosmic origin and the mechanistic view of the origin of life on this planet.
26. Describe the probable atmospheric conditions on the primitive earth and tell how it changed over time.
27. Explain why land animals are more likely to practice internal fertilization.
28. Contrast asexual and sexual reproduction and relate their advantages to environmental conditions.
29. Name and give the functions of the organs in the reproductive systems of the human male and female.
30. Describe, in terms understandable to the layman, the human menstrual cycle.
31. Indicate a knowledge of the effects, means of transmission and treatment of the major sexually-transmitted diseases.
32. Discuss various birth control options, giving the advantages and disadvantages of each.
33. Compare and contrast the general life cycles of plants and animals.
34. Distinguish between sporic and gametic meiosis.
35. List and briefly describe several types of asexual reproduction.
36. List and briefly explain some methods of fertilization which do not involve special organs on the part of the male.
37. Name several epidermal structures found in vertebrate animals.
38. List and briefly discuss the functions of the vertebrate skeleton.
39. Name the various types of joints, describing also their location, function and type of movement.
40. Distinguish among the various parts of the spine.
41. Given an illustration of the
human skeleton, identify the following bones: Cranium, scapula, sternum,
humerus, pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula,
radius, ulna, carpals, metatarsals, phalanges.
42. Tell the ways that cartilage is used in the human body.
43. Explain why muscles work in antagonistic pairs.
44. Given a drawing of the human body, be able t identify the following muscles: Biceps, triceps, pectoralis major, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, hamstring, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus.
45. Name the parts of the human excretory system, and discuss their functions.
46. Discuss the structure and function of the kidney.
47. List the parts of the human respiratory system.
48. Discuss the risks and benefits of the habitual use of tobacco.
49. List the components of the circulatory system and discuss their functions.
50. Compare the structures and functions of arteries, veins and capillaries.
51. Discuss the risk factors involved in coronary heart disease and ways in which people may reduce their chances of contracting this condition.
52. List the formed elements of the blood and tell how each functions.
53. Describe the components of the healthful human diet.
54. Name the four factors involved in population dynamics.
55. Explain the "J" population growth curve and show how it is converted to and "S" curve.
56. Distinguish between density-dependent and density independent factors affecting populations and give examples of each.
57. Describe the three types of age structure diagrams; explain their predictive value for future populations and give examples of each.
58. Describe the three types of age structure diagrams, explain their predictive value for future populations and give an example of a country illustrative of each.
59. Explain how a growing human population can precipitate an environmental crisis.
60. Give some realistic steps which can be taken to arrest the growth of human populations.
61. List, describe and give examples of the various types of interspecific interactions in a biotic community.
62. List and briefly describe the four aspects of ecosystems.
63. Distinguish between a species' ecological niche and its habitat.
64. Show a general knowledge of the biogeochemical cycles discussed in class.
65. State and explain the First and Second Energy Laws.
66. Construct a realistic food chain and label each part as a producer or consumer.
67. List and briefly describe the major water pollutants and their sources.
68. Explain why we should be concerned about the destruction of tropical rainforests.
69. Distinguish between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
70. List and evaluate, from an environmental perspective, the energy sources available to modern humans.
71. Demonstrate an ability to use the student microscope at a level of skill sufficient to perform the required laboratory activity.
72. Identify representatives of the major animal and plant taxa and correctly place them in the taxonomic hierarchy.
73. Show an understanding of the various types of coelom in the animal kingdom and give an animal characteristic of each.
74. Describe the concept of symmetry as applied to animals and illustrate with examples.
75. Have an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of life on Earth.
76. Show a general knowledge of reproduction among the vascular plants.
ATTENDANCE: Roll will be called and your attendance will be recorded. You will not be graded on the basis of class
attendance; however, leniency should not be expected in borderline situations
where attendance has been poor. Please note that student success in this
course is tied closely to class attendance.
TEST MAKEUP
POLICY: Your instructor will make
clear his/her individual policy with regard to missed exams and quizzes.
INCLEMENT
WEATHER POLICY: If Vol State is officially
open, any biology class or laboratory section will meet as scheduled, all
assignments will be due and any scheduled quizzes or exams will be given. In the event that the college is officially
closed, any missed lecture assignments will be due and any missed quizzes or
exams, either lecture or lab, will be administered at the next regular class
meeting. Missed laboratory exercises
will be skipped. If the college opens
late, check the snow schedule for the time your class or lab will be held.
ADA STATEMENT: It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services to receive accommodations and services in accordance with The Americans With Disabilities Act. (ADA) Only those students with appropriate documentation will receive services. For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services at 615-230-3472 or visit the office which is located on the ground floor of the Wood Campus Center.
Volunteer State Community College is an equal
opportunity Affirmative Action Educational Institution. No person shall be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefit of, nor be subjected to discrimination
under any program or activity of the College because of race, color, national
origin, age or handicap.
MISCELLANEOUS RULES: No smoking, eating, drinking or children in class please. Prohibited items include any electronic or other noise- or light-emitting device that can distract or disturb its owners or others, such as beepers, cell phones, palm pilots, laptop computers, games, and the like. Cellular telephones are not to be used during class for any purpose, including making or receiving calls, photographs, or text messages, or playing games. Students cannot wear headphones or ear buds in class. Prior permission of the instructor is required to permit use of cellular telephones and/or “beepers” in case of emergency. The instructor may exclude any student from the class in which a disturbance occurs. The student is responsible for any missed material and class assignments made during his/her absence.
A NOTE FROM
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Like most professors, we would love to have classes filled
with intelligent, motivated, well-prepared students who hang on every word we
say, memorize the textbook, do outside research on most topics and make 100% on
every test we give. Like most
professors, we have never had such a class.
We accept reality and try to deal with such students as fate deals
us. This usually works out fine and we
have many long-standing friends who are also former students. We can and will deal with poor backgrounds,
heavy work loads, lost loves and broken homes, lack of direction, general
laziness or basic stupidity. We will NOT, however, tolerate disruptive
behavior or cheating in our classes. Cheaters will receive a grade of F for the
course and be removed from the
class. Disruptive students will be asked
to leave the classroom or be removed by Campus Security. Please be respectful of yourself and your
own abilities, your classmates and your teachers.
BIOL
1030
TOPIC
OUTLINE, EXAM SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
I |
History, Scientists and Their Methods |
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II |
The Chemistry of Life |
III |
The Cell |
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IV |
Energy and Energy Pathways |
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V |
Cell Division |
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VI |
Genetic Engineering |
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VII |
The Origin of Life |
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VIII |
Organic Evolution |
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IX |
Taxonomy |
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X |
Plant Reproduction |
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XI |
Animal Reproduction |
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XII |
Sexual Diseases and Reproduction Control |
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XIII |
Human Development |
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XIV |
Protection, Support and Movement |
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XV |
Homeostasis and Internal Environment |
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XVI |
Respiration |
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XVII |
Circulation |
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XVIII |
Digestion and Human Nutrition |
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XIX |
Population Ecology |
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XX |
Community Interactions |
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XXI |
Ecosystems |
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XXII |
Human Impact on the Biosphere |