BIO 102 - Biology for the 21st Century

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Biological and Physical Sciences General Education Requirement.

Learn the basic concepts of biology, their impact on society and their role in developing a personal worldview. Learn how genetics and evolution define life, determine gender, govern inheritance, create diversity and foster new species. Understand the processes used for in vitro fertilization, sex selection, and cloning. Study the applications of molecular biology for genome mapping, forensic science, and production of new domesticated organisms, genetic screening and development of new gene therapies. Recognize how scientific knowledge can be misused to support conflicting views and attitudes. This course does not satisfy a lab science requirement.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A and either eligibility for any general education math or a score of 27 or better on the Arithmetic Placement Test or a B or better in MAT 005 .

Note: Credit is not given for both BIO 101 and BIO 102 . Typically offered OL; fall, spring, and summer terms.

Course Outcomes:

Describe the process of science and the scientific method as shown by the history of evolution, genetics and the discovery of DNA.
Characterize the link between the chemical structure of molecules such as proteins and DNA and their function in cellular processes.
Distinguish among characteristics controlled by biology, the environment and culture.
Investigate the diversity of life on Earth and the genetic basis of diversity.
Determine how the numerous patterns of genetic inheritance have led to the current diversity of life on Earth.
Identify key issues in biotechnology such as the production of genetically engineered foods and the cloning of stem cells for medical research.
Discuss the role of ethics in science as it relates to topics such as genetic testing, personal medicine and bioterrorism.
Assess the Human Genome Project results with respect to its implications for our future including issues related to human cloning, racism, and fetal genetic testing.
Practice the diverse skills necessary to understand and communicate current biological issues by preparing and presenting critiques of current topics in biotechnology and genetics.
Critically assess media items related to biological concepts for content, accuracy, and bias.
Identify how organisms interact to form populations.
Identify biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem.