Course Abstract Details
BIOL-102, Fundamentals of Biology 2: Organismic and Population Biology
Credits: 4
Course Description
BIOL-102, Fundamentals of Biology 2, focuses on the principles of organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology with emphasis on the phylogenic and evolutionary patterns of major groups of organisms; the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems; and the principles of natural selection, population genetics and speciation. Emphasis is on formulating questions and hypotheses, designing experiments, and the collection, reporting, and interpretation of data. Prerequisite: BIOL-101 with a C grade or better. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory each week. Four credits. Four billable hours. Offered Spring Term only.
Course Objectives and Grading Information
COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Recognize the concepts underlying the principles of evolution, natural selection, and population genetics. (GE3, PG4)
2. Describe the origin, evolution, and characteristics of organisms from the three domains and major phyla of life. (GE1, GE2, GE3, PG1, PG2, PG4)
3. Relate the phylogenies of plants and animals to the development of key variations and adaptations in response to environmental influences. (GE2, GE3, PG4) \
4. Explore the evolutionary patterns and strategies of growth and reproduction of different plant and animal divisions emphasizing the relationship of form and function. (GE3, PG4)
5. Describe the dynamics of populations and community structures. (GE1, GE2, GE3, PG1, PG4)
6. Recognize and describe the biotic and abiotic relationships in ecosystems and human impact. (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE6, GE7, PG1, PG4)
7. Formulate hypotheses, collect and interpret data, and communicate conclusions. (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4)
Learning Goals
The abbreviations in parentheses represent Learning Goals which have been identified for this course and program of study:
