Introduction to Biology II

DESCRIPTION:
An integrated exploration of major principles of biology. Emphasis on diversity of life, development, cell division, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Consideration of issues and applications related to society.

RATIONALE: 
The typical second half of the introductory biology 4cr. course with labs, suitable for science oriented programs which provides a good understanding of what biology is and why it has assumed such an important role in society today. Many aspects of human activity are specialized examples of more universal biological principles, making knowledge and understanding imperative to the educated individual. Besides the direct relationship of biology to one's own existence and to certain fields of study, such as life sciences and medicine, it is also closely associated with environmental science and psychology. The course is also closely connected with the disciplines of technology, philosophy and sociology, where some knowledge of ethical and social and technology related issues is essential. Biological concepts are indirectly considered in many professional activities such as writing poetry, legislating and engaging in commerce.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate good knowledge of the embryonic and fetal stages of vertebrate and human development.
2. Outline the stages of the cell cycle, and how it is controlled together with the stages of mitosis and meiosis and their relationship to the human life cycle
3. Explain the Mendel’s laws of inheritance in terms of a single trait and two trait crosses. Explain inheritance beyond simple Mendelian patterns and analyse family pedigrees.
4. Demonstrate good knowledge of the chromosomal basis of inheritance and disorders.
5. Explain the DNA structure and replication. State and explain the steps of gene expression and gene regulation. Define gene mutations and their relation to cancer. Discuss the implications of Biotechnology and Genomics.
6. Explain the theories of origin of life in relation to the theory of evolution and in terms of evidences for evolution, the Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium, the agents of evolutionary change and types of natural selection. Describe the process and pace of speciation.
7. Classify and characterize the major phyla of organisms in the five kingdoms. Evaluate the interactions of organisms in ecosystems, the energy flow, the chemical cycling, the nature of biomes and aquatic communities, the human population concerns and the human impact on ecosystems.
8. Develop the necessary analytical skills to understand the nature of scientific inquiry by practicing inquiry in the laboratory and by addressing the right questions and applying the appropriate methodology.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work) video presentations, and practical problems solved in class.
- Use of the online Learning Center: http://www.mhhe.com/maderinquiry14
- Exercises and primary source documents are assigned as homework, the solutions of which are reviewed in class
- Laboratory work (some laboratory reports and drawings may be required).
- CD-ROMS (The Dynamic Human, Explorations in Human Biology. Virtual Biology Laboratory, Explorations in Cell Biology & Genetics).
- Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor, where they can ask questions, see their exam paper, and/or go over lecture/lab material.
- Use of a blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources.