BLGY1355

Meets MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 3 Natural Sciences. This course covers biological processes, including a survey of life forms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), their evolution, and ecology. The laboratory focuses on organism taxonomy, classification, and mammalian systems including comparative anatomy, organism dissections, ecological interrelationships of organisms and their environment. This standard science course design is 2 hours face-to-face lecture and an accompanying 4 hours hands-on laboratory application of major scientific concepts which include some dissection of preserved animals and animal organs. This course meets the General Biology II requirement component of the MN State ASP, Biology.Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand and apply knowledge of plant biology, animal biology, evolution and diversity, and ecology.
• Recall, explain, and apply concepts, knowledge, and vocabulary of biology at the level necessary for success in subsequent biology courses for science majors.
• Demonstrate understanding of the scientific theories in biology.
• Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills at a level appropriate for subsequent course in biology for science majors.
• Distinguish between and demonstrate appropriate use of primary and secondary scientific literature.
• Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory experiments in biology that include the collection of data, statistical analysis, graphical presentation of results and interpretation of sources of error and uncertainty.
• Communicate experimental findings both orally and in writing.
• Understand and apply knowledge of use of the microscope and other biological laboratory equipment, and apply that knowledge in the proper conduct and interpretation of laboratory investigations.
• Interpret how the history of life over the geologic time scale explains patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural system.
• Diagram major taxa of organisms by morphology.
• Examine the effect of humans on the environment.
• Evaluate the major threats to biodiversity.
• Summarize how organisms interact with each other and their environment.