General Biology

General Biology - Plants

Fall 2008

Instructor: Christopher L. Higgins, Ph.D.

Office: 213I Science building

Phone: (254) 968-9019

Office hours: MWF 9:00 - 10:00, 11:00 - 12:00, & TR 9:30 - 11:00 (and by appointment)

Course Description:

BIOL 1204 is the first part of a two-semester sequence designed to prepare biology majors for upper level courses in biology and to provide non-majors a firm foundation in the principles of biology. Course content includes cell biology, developmental biology, classification and taxonomy, and evolutionary theory. The course also introduces the way scientists approach and attempt to solve problems leading to the discovery of and development of new knowledge. The place and role of human in the world is presented.

Major Learning Outcomes:

Students should develop a general understanding of the basic attributes of life, including cell structure and function, cell metabolism, and cell division.

Students should develop a general understanding of the inheritance of characteristics, including advances in gene technology as they relate to changes to genomes.

Students should gain an appreciation for life processes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Students should be able to compare and contrast the five kingdoms of organisms and criteria used to assign species to each kingdom.

Students should develop a general understanding of the various theories of, and evidence for, the origin of life and evolution.

Online Activities:

The publisher of the textbook has developed a wonderful website (http://www.mybiology.com) where “students can identify what they don't know, select the appropriate learning activity to match their learning style and practice outside of lecture, test their understanding before moving on to the next topic, and finally extend their knowledge with case studies and special topic material.” Because of the complex material covered in this course, students will be required to complete various activities at this website, such as watching short videos, participating in interactive tutorials, and taking online quizzes. The primary goal of these activities is to enhance biological understanding!