BI 110 - Biology in Society

2. Apply general science principles to evaluate historical events and scientific processes that lead to current developments in biotechnology. 

3. Use critical thinking to develop a position on biotechnological issues and defend these positions by using scientific principles. (GELO3)

4. Explain the biological principles that underlie modern biotechnology in the following areas: (GELO5)

1. DNA Testing
2. Recombinant DNA  
3. Stem Cell Research
4. Gene Therapy
5. Genetically Modified Organisms

5. Discern relevant and irrelevant information when making ethical decisions in the following areas: (GELO5)

1. DNA Testing
2. Recombinant DNA
3. Stem Cell Research
4. Gene Therapy
5. Genetically Modified Organisms

6. Explain the biological principles that underlie research and modern medicine to deepen the understanding of scientific theories in the following areas: 

1. Vaccines
2. Antibiotics
3. Modern Reproduction
4. Cancer Treatment

7. Defend or oppose the use of biological techniques in society using scientific principles and merits. (GELO3)

8. Consider the context, cost, benefits, and consequences of potential solutions to problems or issues. 

9. Identify ethical dilemmas associated with environmental, social, or cultural issues. (GELO5)

I. Introduction to the Scientific Method

A. The Process of Science

B. Hypothesis Testing

C. Evaluating Scientific Information

II. Process of Science

A. The Importance of Sample Size

B. Scientific Bias

C. Peer Review

D. Reproducibility

III. DNA Structure and Function

A. DNA Historical Events Leading to Discovery of the Structure and Function

1. Griffith, Avery, and Chargaff

2. Maurice Wilkins and Franklin

3. Watson & Crick

B. Cell Cycle and DNA Replication

C. Protein Synthesis

    1. Process

    2. Mutation

IV. DNA Technology

A.  Recombinant DNA Technology

            1. Procedure and Techniques

2. Application of Technology

B.  Genetically Modified Foods

      1. Introduction

      2. Procedure

      3. Application in Society

      4. Ethics

C.   Gene Therapy

            1. Introduction

            2. Procedure

            3. Application in Society

            4. Ethics

D.  Transgenic Animals

            1. Introduction

            2. Procedure

            3. Application in Society

            4. Ethics

E. Stem Cells

            1. Introduction

            2. Types

1. ​​​Adult
2. Embryonic

            3. Methods for Obtaining and Specializing

            4. Application in Society

            5. Ethics

V. Forensic Biology

A.  DNA evidence: Potential Sources, Use, and Misuse of Data

            1. History of DNA Profiling

            2. Procedure

            3. Application in Society

            4. Ethics

B. Fingerprinting

            1. History of Fingerprints

            2. Classification of and Methods for Detecting

            3. Application

VI. Medical Applications of Biological Principles

A.  Pharmaceutical Development Process

            1. Research and Development

            2. Preclinical Research

            3. Clinical Research

B.  Chemotherapy

            1. Impact on Cell Cycle, Cell Growth, and Division

            2. History of Chemotherapy

            3. Advancements in Chemotherapy

C.   Artificial Reproduction

                        1. Hormonal Mechanisms of Birth Control

                        2. Infertility

1. Hormone Treatment
2. In vitro Fertilization
3. Artificial Insemination

          3. Practicality and Ethics of Designer Babies

VII. Bacteria, Viruses and Transmission

A. Infectious Agents and their Transmission

                       1. Viruses

1. Size, Shape, and Structure of Viruses
2. Viral  Replication

                        2. Bacteria

1. Prokaryotic Cell Structure
2. Bacterial Gene Transfer
3. Antimicrobial Agents
   1. Properties and Mechanisms
   2. Susceptibility
   3. Resistance     
   4. Transmission

                       3.  Immunity

1. Immune Responses
2. Vaccines and Immunization
3. Herd Immunity

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 of the course.

Lecture

    -    Unit Tests:  60-70%

    -    Presentations/Case studies:  15-20%

    -    Assignments and Online Tutorial/Homework:  15-20%

    -    Common Final Comprehensive Exam:  10-20%

    -    Service Learning:  0-10%