Jul 12, 2025

GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)

BI 110 - Biology in Society

Description
In this course, students apply the scientific method and biological principles to problems and decisions confronting society today. Students develop their basic biological knowledge of DNA, molecular biology, and physiology in order to discuss the importance and ethical impact of the biological sciences on society. General topics include DNA technology, stem cells, genomics, and forensic applications of biology. Specific topics discussed may vary from semester to semester as new issues and biological developments warrant.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
None

General Education Requirement:
Natural Sciences
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
3. Critical Thinking: Gather and synthesize relevant information, evaluate alternative perspectives, or understand inquiry as a means of creating knowledge, 5. Information Literacy: Discover, ethically apply, or disseminate scholarly information
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe the scope, limitations, and process of science.

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)

DNA Testing
Recombinant DNA
Stem Cell Research
Gene Therapy
Genetically Modified Organisms

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

DNA Testing
Recombinant DNA
Stem Cell Research
Gene Therapy
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:

Vaccines
Antibiotics
Modern Reproduction
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)
Course Outline:
Course Outline: Biology in Society

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

Adult
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

Hormone Treatment
In vitro Fertilization
Artificial Insemination

3. Practicality and Ethics of Designer Babies

VII. Bacteria, Viruses and Transmission

A. Infectious Agents and their Transmission

1. Viruses

Size, Shape, and Structure of Viruses
Viral Replication

2. Bacteria

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

3. Immunity

Immune Responses
Vaccines and Immunization
Herd Immunity

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
In-seat Lecture

Lecture: 50-80%

Facilitated discussion: 10-30%

Mediated instruction: 10-20%

Group work: 5-15%
Mandatory Course Components:
- All instructors teaching this course will use Blackboard for posting grades and accessing curriculum materials.

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%
Equivalent Courses:
None

Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 99

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

Course Type:
General Education- Offering designed to meet the specific criteria for a GRCC Distribution Requirement. The course should be designated by the requirement it fulfills.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 104776
Course CIP Code: 26.0101
Maximum Course Enrollment: 36
General Room Request: Calkins Science Classroom

School: School of STEM
Department: Biological Sciences
Discipline: BI
First Term Valid: Fall 2017 (8/1/2017)
1st Catalog Year: 2017-2018
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Instructors must possess a minimum of a Master of Science degree in the biological sciences or a Master’s degree in a related field with at least 18 semester credit hours in the biological sciences. All lecture instructors, including instructors of online/hybrid sections, must be trained in the online tutorial/homework system.

Major Course Revisions: General Education Review
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220211T14:42:22
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027