SCI 201 - Integrated Life Science

1. Describe the nature of science; use the principles of science to evaluate hypotheses, theories, and sources of scientific information, and use the scientific method to solve geological and biological problems. (GELO3)
2. Describe scientific models and different model types used by scientists. (GELO7)
3. Develop hypotheses, use experimentation, make and record accurate observations, organize data into tables and graphs, and draw scientifically valid conclusions based on experimental results. (GELO7)
4. Use cell theory to describe the requirements for life and the basic characteristics of living organisms.
5. Use cell theory and the principles of genetics to describe cell division and its relationship to cancer and reproduction.
6. Use the principles of genetics to explain the sexual life cycle and the inheritance and expression of traits in organisms.
7. Apply an understanding of biotechnology learned in this course to identify ethical dilemmas and to make responsible decisions about the ethical use of biotechnology.
8. Define evolution, explain its mechanisms (especially natural selection), and summarize the geologic and biologic evidence for evolution.
9. Use evolutionary theory to account for both the unity and diversity of living things, to explain human evolution, and to describe its effects on issues that affect human health, such as the evolution of drug resistant pathogens.
10. Use the principles of cell respiration and photosynthesis to describe how energy flows and materials cycle through cells, organisms, and ecosystems.
11. Apply basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology to discern between relevant and irrelevant information when making decisions that affect health.
12. Apply knowledge learned in this course to identify how structure fits function in living organisms to support growth, behavior and reproduction.
13. Examine the distribution of geologic phenomena and features on Earth and use data to identify the three major types of plate boundaries in the Theory of Plate Tectonics. (GELO3)
14. Identify common rocks and minerals and determine the processes that lead to the formation of these geologic materials based on their observable properties.
15. Interpret patterns in rock strata and fossil distribution to explain the theory of continental drift and changing climate through time
16. Learn and apply the principles of relative and absolute age dating and be able to combine them with data from rocks to provide an interpretation of geologic evolution of an area.
17. Describe the water cycle and understand water’s role as both a resource and a hazard and its distribution on the planet
18. Model how water and glaciers and the combined processes of weathering, erosion and deposition form sediments and influence the shape of the land
19. Observe the general pattern of global climate and weather and describe the controls on weather
20. Discuss anthropogenic impact on natural resources such as water, soil, energy or mineral resources and generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce any negative impact
21. Use theory and data to understand both anthropogenic and natural controls, including Earth’s rotation and orbit, on the composition of the atmosphere and global climate
22. Apply knowledge learned in this course and identify quality sources of data and information to make informed decisions about human activities that impact climate and formulate possible solutions to climate change
23. Use population growth theory and an understanding of ecological principles to explain the growth of the human population and the impact that growth has on resources, biodiversity, and the environment.
24. Analyze data to determine the risk associated with natural hazards, explore human’s role in increasing the probability and severity of natural hazards, including landslides and flooding, and develop solutions to reduce risk based on the acquired data
25. Identify ethical dilemmas associated with environmental, social, or cultural issues.

Week #1

I. Introduction to the Scientific Method 

A. The Process of Science

B. Hypothesis Testing

C. Evaluating Scientific Information

II. Chemistry and Cells

A.Water, Biochemistry, and Cells

1. Definition of life

2. Structure of water and importance to life

3. Organic chemistry and macromolecules, Enzymes

4. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Week #2

B. Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, and Climate Change

1. The greenhouse effect

2. The flow of carbon and climate change

3. Cellular respiration

4. Photosynthesis

5. Decreasing the effects of climate change

Week #3

III. Genetics

A. DNA Synthesis, Cancer, Mitosis, and Meiosis

1. Cancer properties, detection, and treatment

2. Genes, chromosomes, and DNA replication

3. The cell cycle and mitosis

4. Cell cycle control and mutation

5. Meiosis

B. Mendelian and Quantitative Genetics

1. The inheritance of traits/reproduction

2. Diversity in offspring

3. Using Punnett squares

4. Quantitative genetics

Week #4

C. Complex Patterns of Inheritance and DNA Fingerprinting

1. DNA Fingerprinting

2. Extensions of Mendelian genetics

3. Sex determination and sex linkage

4. Pedigrees

D. Gene Expression, Mutation, and Cloning

1. Protein synthesis and gene expression

2. Producing recombinant proteins

3. Genetically modified foods

4. Stem cells, gene therapy, and cloning

Week #5

IV. Evolution

A. The Evidence for Evolution

1. The process and theory of evolution

2. The evidence for evolution

3. The    origin of life

4.  Mass extinction, speciation

B. Natural Selection

1. Process of natural selection

2. Modern Synthesis

3. Drug resistance

Week #6

V. Ecology

A. Population Ecology

1. Human population growth and structure

2. Demographic transition

3. Carrying capacity and logistic growth for humans

4. The future of the human population

B. Community and Ecosystem Ecology

1. Define community and ecosystem ecology.

2. Explain how GCC is impacting Antarctic and coral reef ecosystems.

C. Trophic Interactions

1. Trophic interactions of producers, consumers, and decomposers. 

2. Energy and biomass at trophic levels.

3. Food chains, food webs, biomass pyramids and trophic interactions. 

4. Protecting biodiversity versus meeting human needs

D. Biogeochemical Cycling 

1. Provides material to build major molecules of life. 

2. Carbon Cycle and Global Climate Change

Week #7 

VI. Human Structure and Function

A. Tissues, organs, and organ systems

1. Tissue types

2. Organs and organ systems

B. Respiratory and Cardiovascular System

1. Structure and function of the respiratory, cardiovascular system

2. Effects of smoke on the respiratory, cardiovascular systems

C. Immune System, Bacteria, Viruses, and Other Pathogens

1. Infectious agents and transmission

2. The immune system

Earth science topics-Lecture outline (7 weeks)

Weeks 1 and 2: The big picture 

1. Plate Tectonics
   1. Theories and the scientific method: Continental Drift, Seafloor Spreading, Mantle Convection, and Plate Tectonics
   2. Plate Boundaries
   3. Geologic Hazards: Earthquakes and Volcanoes
2. Introduction to Earth Systems
   1. Geospheres: Lithosphere (rock cycle), Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere

Weeks 3-4: Earth materials

3. Rocks, minerals, and fossils-geologic interpretation
   1. Rocks and minerals
   2. Sedimentary rocks and depositional environments
   3. Geologic time
   4. Paleoclimates and geologic evolution
4. Resources
   1. Soil, energy or mineral resources: uses, impact, and solutions

Week 5: Water

5. Water
   1. Hydrologic cycle: Running water, groundwater and glaciers
   2. Shaping the land
      1. Topographic maps
   3. Water resources and Hazards: Distribution, impact and mitigation

Weeks 6-7: Weather and Climate

6. Weather and Climate
   1. Weather and weather patterns
   2. Climate and Climate controls: Natural and anthropogenic
      1. Earth’s position and orbit
   3. Climate change: Consequences and solutions

Biology Labs

1. Lab 1: Using Microscope to Observe Cells 
2. Lab 2: Cellular Energy Lab
3. Lab 3: Genetics
4. Lab 4: DNA Fingerprinting
5. Lab 5: Natural Selection
6. Lab 6: Water Ecology
7. Lab 7: Investigating the Effects of Alcohol and Caffeine 

Earth Science Labs:

1. Lab 1: Plate Tectonics Inquiry
2. Lab 2: Minerals and Mineral resources
3. Lab 3: Rocks, fossils and geologic interpretation
4. Lab 4: Grand Rapids flooding
5. Lab 5: Groundwater contamination
6. Lab 6: Controls on Michigan Weather
7. Lab 7: Climate change and sea level

Labs and hands-on activities 20-40%

Group work and class discussion 10-20%

Projects and presentations 0-10%

Service learning 0-10%
Mandatory Course Components:
All instructors teaching this course will use Blackboard for posting grades and assessing curriculum materials
Equivalent Courses:
None