BIO 275 - Biology Practicum

1-4 credit hours -
Focus on varied biological topics not ordinarily emphasized in basic survey courses. Practicum courses may not include a laboratory component, unless the practicum exceeds three credit hours. A maximum of eight credit hours earned from practicum courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Because practicum courses may present transfer problems, students should check with their transfer institution or the Anne Arundel Community College transfer coordinator before enrolling. Refer to current schedule of classes for term offerings. Lab fee varies.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A and eligibility for any general education math.

Course Outcomes:

Outline a plan to develop a base of knowledge in the subject under scrutiny utilizing all methods (reading resources, training in protocols, experimentation, field data collection, etc.) necessary to fully master the topic
- To function as an integral part of a team including the student, instructor(s), librarians, and possibly other mentors
- Acquaint self with the body of work that has been performed in the area.
- Develop a comprehensive reading list giving relevant background material in the topic
- Define the scope of the topic
- Define time required to achieve goals
- Generate a statement detailing the course proposal
Master all relevant information available on the topic
- Use the appropriate terminology associated with the field.
- Discuss the information gained in an appropriate medium (report, paper, tests, etc.)
- Critically assess reading material to determine if they meet the criterion of sound science.
Generate, organize, interpret and apply information derived from laboratory experiences, while applying the methodology of scientific investigation (if applicable)
- Develop a testable hypothesis from an observation.
- Design an experiment to test a hypothesis.
- Analyze graphs to determine if hypotheses have been supported in experiments performed.
- Critically assess experiments to determine if they meet the criterion of sound science.