BI 152 - Biological Diversity

*BI 151  and BI 152 can be taken in any sequence

1. Define biological diversity and its various components (genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity).
2. Apply quantitative methods to assess biodiversity within various ecosystems and understand the factors influencing diversity patterns.
3. Recognize the importance of biological diversity in maintaining ecological balance and human well-being.
4. Explain the major principles of and evidence for evolution and apply these principles to describe the diversity of living organisms. (GELO 3)
5. Solve mathematical problems and equations related to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, including the equations for calculating allele and genotype frequencies, and interpret the results of these calculations in the context of population genetics.
6. Describe the characteristics of each of the following:
   1. The domains into which living organisms are categorized.
   2. The kingdoms into which eukaryotic organisms are classified.
   3. The major phyla presented.
7. Describe structure and function, including transport mechanisms, nutritional requirements, reproduction, and development for selected plant phyla. 
8. Describe structure and function, including circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems for selected animal phyla. 
9. Investigate the microscopic diversity of life within selected bacteria, fungi, and protist groups and to distinguish characteristics within those groups. (GELO 6)
10. Gain hands-on experience in dissecting and examining the anatomy of representative animal specimens, enhancing understanding of their structural adaptations. (GELO 6)
11. Use experimentation or practice to experience and deepen understanding of scientific and mathematical theories. 
12. Develop hypotheses and draw and express conclusions based on mathematical or scientific theory and/or experimentation. 
13. Understand the role of context, audience, and purpose when developing a communication. 
14. Use visual representations such as graphs, charts, or graphics to enhance the meaning of the message being communicated. 
15. Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues. 
16. Evaluate information to identify limitations and biases.

I.         Biodiversity 

A.    Introduction to Biodiversity

1.     Genetic

2.    Species

3.    Ecosystem

B.    Importance of Biodiversity 

   II.         Evolutionary Processes and Patterns                                                        

A.    Pre-Darwinian Evolutionary Ideas

B.    Evolutionary Theory

1.     Perpetual Change

2.    Multiplication of Species

3.    Common Descent

4.    Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium

5.    Natural Selection

6.    Sexual selection

C.    Population Genetics 

1.     The Hardy-Weinberg Principle and Its Application

2.    Evolutionary Forces 

3.    Calculating Fitness

D.   Origin of Species

1.     Species Concepts 

2.    Reproductive Isolating mechanisms 

3.    Speciation types

E.    Evolutionary patterns and Evidence 

F.    Taxonomic Characters and Phylogenetic Reconstruction

1.     Structural and Developmental Homologies

2.    Analogous Traits and Convergent Evolution

3.    Genetic Homologies and Homoplasties

G.   Phylogenetic Systematics

1.     Clade types

2.    Cladogram construction

III.         Viruses 

A.    Characteristics

B.    Structure of a virus

C.    Viral replication

 IV.         Prokaryotic Diversity

A.    Archaea and Bacteria

1.     Morphological Characteristics and Diversity

2.    Reproduction and Mechanisms of Genetic Recombination

3.    Metabolic Diversity

4.    Ecological Roles

5.    Antibiotics

    V.         Eukaryotic Diversity

A.    Protists

1.     Phylogeny and clades

2.    Cell structure and specific adaptations of representative organisms from each protistan clade

3.    Primary and Secondary Endosymbiosis

4.    Ecological Importance of Selected Protists

B.    The Evolution of Multicellularity

1.     Colonies

2.    Coordination and Cooperation

3.    Diversification of Cell Types

C.    Origin and Diversification of Land Plants

1.     Charophyaceans as Ancestors to Land Plants

2.    Alternation of Generations Life Cycle

3.    Evolutionary Trends for Life on Land

4.    Nonvascular Plants

5.    Seedless Vascular Plants

6.    Gymnosperms

7.     Angiosperms

D.   Plant Structure and Function

1.     Cell Type

2.    Plant Tissue

3.    Plant Organs

4.    Plant Growth

5.    Ecological Importance of Plants

E.    Origin and Diversification of Fungi

1.     Growth Forms and Morphology

2.    Phylum classification

3.    Reproductive Strategies

4.    Ecological Role

F.    Origin and Diversification of Animals 

1.     Phylogenetic Relationship of Fungi and Animal

2.    Animal Characteristics and Classification

3.    Body Plans

G.   In-Depth Study of Animal Phyla: including body forms, cell types, body systems (i.e., nervous, excretory, digestive, respiratory), reproduction, classification, adaptations specific to phyla

1.     Phylum Porifera

2.    Phylum Cnidaria

3.    Phylum Platyhelminthes

4.    Phylum Nematoda

5.    Phylum Mollusca

6.    Phylum Annelida

7.     Phylum Arthropoda

8.    Phylum Echinodermata

9.    Phylum Chordata

a.     Derived characteristics 

b.    Subphylum Urochordata

c.     Subphylum Cephalochordata

d.    Subphylum Vertebrata

e.     Survey of mammalian body systems

H.   Ecological Considerations

Inclusion of common final exam questions for lecture.

• lecture: 50-90%
• facilitated discussion: 5-20%
• multi-media assisted instruction: 5-25%

Laboratory

• supervised group work: 80-90%
• lecture: 0-10%
• multi-media assisted instruction: 5-10%
• facilitated discussion: 5-10%

Online/Hybrid Lecture

• Direct instruction: 50-80%
• Facilitated discussion: 0-20%
• Mediated instruction: 10-50%
• Group work: 0-10%
• Other: 0-10%

LABORATORY COMPONENT:  It is the intent and design of the laboratory component of this course to be an instructor-facilitated, student-centered, hands-on, activity-based, and inquiry-based learning experience.  Instructors are expected to follow the objectives and lab supplement(s) developed and adopted by the current team of BI 152 full-time instructor(s).

The lecture component will be 70%, and the lab component will be 30% of the overall course grade. 

Unit and final exams in a lecture or laboratory course may not be administered in a take-home format. Unit and final exams that are administered online shall either be given in an assessment facility (e.g., GRCC Assessment/Testing Center) or utilizing an exam monitoring program/resource that incorporates a lockdown browser and the use of a video monitoring system, e.g., Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor. Any online administration would require that the student provide identification, e.g., driver’s license, GRCC I.D. 

Bonus/Extra Credit may only be given in the lecture portion of the course and may not exceed 2% of the total possible points in the course.    

Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend scientific observations of the natural world for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions which include distinguishing between correlation and causation.

Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct observations, judgments, and conclusions regarding the world of biological sciences.  Students must be able to meet physical expectations in order to safely engage in the practice of learning biological science, especially in the laboratory and field settings.  Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course and program expectations.  The following are specific courses that may entail significant physical challenges to accomplish:

• Courses at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and BI 215:  the outdoor learning environment is sometimes difficult to navigate, it may not be easily accessible or barrier free.

Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Biological Sciences department. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

Essential emotional coping skills: ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of science learning and investigation as determined by professional standards of practice.

Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of learning biology.

Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to work collaboratively in group learning activities in lecture class and as a team member in both laboratory class and in a field setting.