BIOL 1544H - Principles of Biology I, Honors

Description
This EAST/EMPACTS course covers the same course content as BIOL 1544. Students will work collaboratively to analyze a problem related to science and society. The course is open to motivated students who wish to gain a better understanding of the richness and complexity of the scientific
processes. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory weekly. This is an honors course. Please refer to the NWACC Honors Program section in the current catalog for more information.

4 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture contact hours; 45 lab contact hours

5 load hours Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall

ACTS Equivalent
BIOL1014 Biology for Majors

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will:

Demonstrate college-level knowledge of cell structure and function, and the chemistry of life.
Demonstrate college-level knowledge of the inheritance of genetic traits, the relationship between genetics and evolution, and genetic technology.
Describe the interdependence of organisms and their environment.
Describe connections between course content and personal, community and global issues.
Develop a hypothesis, gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present findings in a written form.

Honors Outcomes

Honors classes (and the Honors Program) promote the following core values:

Community students will demonstrate civic engagement through Service Learning and exploration of local, national, and global communities.
Curiosity students will cultivate personal and intellectual curiosity through investigation, discussion, and scholarship.
Diversity students will explore multiple perspectives through interdisciplinary learning.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills.

Standard Practices
Topics list

Scope & Science of Biology
Chemistry of Life
Cell Structure & Function
Metabolism: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
Reproduction & Genetics
DNA & Gene Activity
Basics of Evolution
Principles of Ecology

Learning activities

Courses must, at a minimum, cover the core learning outcomes for each topic.
Lab safety orientation and enforcement of safety protocols is the responsibility of each faculty. Scoring 100% on a mandatory department-provided lab safety quiz is required before students may participate in lab.
Laboratory exercises should include cellular building block and nutrients, microscopy and the cell, diffusion, osmosis, tonicity, functional proteins (enzymes), photosynthesis, mitosis, mendelian and human genetics, DNA isolation and fingerprinting, and population genetics and natural selection.
Individual projects/presentations
Group projects/presentations
Field Trips/events
Guest Speakers
Service Learning and/or
Conference Poster

Assessments

Student writing should be an element of student learning. Lab reports should be used as part of grading.
Midsemester evaluation of scientific method proficiency.
Course material proficiency assessment given at the conclusion of the semester.

Grading guidelines

Lab activities/exams should comprise approximately 25% of the overall grade.