bio 100 introduction to life science with...

BIO 100

BIO 100 Introduction to Life Science with Lab Version 1 02/01/08

BIO 100—Introduction to Life Science with Lab

Course Syllabus BIO 100

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Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus Course Title: BIO 100—Introduction to Life Science with Lab Required Texts Pruitt, N. L., & Underwood, L. S. (2006). Bioinquiry: Making connections in biology (3

rd ed.).

Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Axia College’s Writing Style Handbook, available online at https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/Writing_Style_Handbook_AxiaUOP.pdf Electronic Resources Please Note: All required text and materials are found on the Materials tab of the student web page. The student web page can be accessed through the Axia College of University of Phoenix Student and Faculty Web site at https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/ Pruitt, Underwood: BioInquiry: Making Connections in Biology, 3rd Edition Student Companion Web site at http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=index&itemId=0471473219&bcsId=2118 Pearson Biology Labs Online at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/CardioLab/ http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/EvolutionLab/ http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/FlyLab/ http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/DemographyLab/ http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/LeafLab/ http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/PopEcoLab/ http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/PopGenLab/

https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/Writing_Style_Handbook_AxiaUOP.pdf

https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/

http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=index&itemId=0471473219&bcsId=2118

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/CardioLab/

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/EvolutionLab/

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/FlyLab/

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/DemographyLab/

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/LeafLab/

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/PopEcoLab/

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/PopGenLab/


Course Syllabus

Course Overview

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course applies a broad, conceptual understanding of biology. Students are introduced to scientific ideologies and concepts that not only shape the biological world, but also shape humans. Students examine the scientific method, evolution and biodiversity, the biology of cells, physiology, the dynamics of inheritance, and the effect humans have on the environment. The text emphasizes methods and the theoretical foundations of ideas, while minimizing isolated facts. It stresses the integration of ideas, making connections that form an understanding of the living world. The weekly online labs add a practical component to the class. The labs build upon the concepts in the text and offer a chance to interact with the material and further their understanding.

TOPICS AND OBJECTIVES

Introduction to Biology and the Scientific Method

Identify characteristics of living organisms.

Summarize the major theories of biology.

Define each step of the scientific method.

Apply the scientific method to a real-life scenario.

Relate the function of various lab tools to scientific inquiry.

Cells—An Introduction

Defend or dispute concepts on cell theory or spontaneous generation.

Compare and contrast the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Differentiate between the internal structures and functions of plant and animal cells.

Identify online lab components.

Cells—The Building Blocks of Life

Describe the processes and outcomes of mitosis and meiosis.

Identify an endangered ecological property.

Describe the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Determine the relationship between environmental factors in photosynthesis.

DNA, Chromosomes, and Genetics

Identify DNA’s fundamental role in inheritance.

Explain the role of chromosomes in inheritance.

Describe Gregor Mendel’s investigations into the patterns of inheritance.

Employ introductory principles of genetics.

Physiology

Compare and contrast physiology of living organisms.

Explain the relationship between human organ systems.

Examine the functions and responses of the cardiovascular system.


Course Syllabus

Evolution

Discuss the impact of natural selection in evolution.

Describe the evidence in support of evolution by natural selection.

Analyze the implications of the patterns of evolution.

Assess factors that affect species evolution.

Biodiversity

Evaluate a current theory about the origin of life on Earth.

Describe an endangered ecological property.

Compare characteristics of organisms within the kingdom Animalia.

Recognize the factors that influence species population growth.

Biotechnology and Ecology

Weigh the value of biotechnology and related ethical issues.

Describe the relationship of ecology with population growth and community interactions.

Assess the relationship between demographic factors and human population growth.

The Biological World

Correlate current environmental issues with human activities.

Assess the interconnectedness of human activities and the biological world.


Course Syllabus

Point Values for Course Assignments

Week One: Introduction to Biology and the Scientific Method

CheckPoint: Living Organisms 30

CheckPoint: Theories of Biology 30

Assignment: The Scientific Method 75

Assignment: Biology Lab 40

Week Two: Cells—An Introduction

Discussion Questions 20

Participation 10

CheckPoint: Plants vs. Animals 30

Assignment: Pearson Lab Scavenger Hunt 40

Week Three: Cells—The Building Blocks of Life

CheckPoint: Mitosis and Meiosis 30

Exercise: UNESCO Research 10

Assignment: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration 75

Assignment: LeafLab 40

Week Four: DNA, Chromosomes, and Genetics


Participation 10

CheckPoint: Mendel on Patterns of Inheritance 30

Assignment: FlyLab 40

Week Five: Physiology

CheckPoint: Basic Processes 30

Assignment: Human System Presentation 75

Assignment: CardioLab 40

Week Six: Evolution


Participation 10

CheckPoint: Patterns of Evolution 30

Assignment: EvolutionLab 40

Week Seven: Biodiversity

CheckPoint: Origin of Life 30

CheckPoint: UNESCO Research Outline 30 Assignment: Scientific Taxonomy and Earth’s Biodiversity Paper 75

Assignment: PopEcoLab 40

Week Eight: Biotechnology and Ecology


Participation 10

CheckPoint: Ecology and Population Growth 30

Assignment: DemographyLab 40

Week Nine: The Biological World


Course Syllabus

Capstone CheckPoint 50

Final Project: UNESCO Paper 200

Point Totals 1,300


Course Syllabus

Policies and Procedures All students in this course are required to abide by the policies and procedures described in the Policies section of the Student Web Page. To view these policies, students must be logged in to the Student Web Page. The same information can be accessed via the Policies link located in the Materials section of the Classroom tab on the Student Web Page.

https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/policies/


Course Syllabus

Week One

Introduction to Biology and the Scientific Method

Identify characteristics of living organisms.

Summarize the major theories of biology.

Define each step of the scientific method.

Apply the scientific method to a real-life scenario.

Relate the function of various lab tools to scientific inquiry.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Read objectives and welcome. 2. Read instructor’s bio and post your own bio.

Due Date: Day 1 [post to the Chat Room forum]

3. Read Appendix A regarding the final project requirements. 4. Read Ch. 1 in Bioinquiry. 5. Review Appendix B as a supplemental resource. 6. CheckPoint: Living Organisms

Resource: Appendix C

Due Date: Day 3 [post to the Individual forum]

Use the table in Appendix C and fill in the missing characteristics that make up a living organism.

Post Appendix C as an attachment.

7. CheckPoint: Theories of Biology

Resource: Ch. 1 in Bioinquiry


Review Ch. 1 (pp. 10-11) of the text.

Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following: In your own words, summarize each of the major theories of biology.

Choose one theory and provide an example of how this theory relates to the news today.

Use at least one outside reference in addition to your text.

8. Assignment: The Scientific Method

Resources: Appendix D and Scientific Method Web site


Review Appendix D.

Open the Scientific Method Web site at http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/sci_meth.htm

Follow the instructions at the bottom of the Web page to choose a hypothesis and prediction about growing plants.

http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/sci_meth.htm


Course Syllabus

Click on Do the Experiment. The results of the experiment you chose will appear.

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that describes how you would conduct the experiment for your chosen hypothesis:

Include an example of how you have used the scientific method in a real-life situation.

Explain each step of the scientific method as it applies to (1) your Web experiment and (2) your real-life example. (Your paper should include a total of two explanations of the scientific method.)

Format your paper, in-text citations, and references according to APA standards.

Post your paper as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

9. Assignment: Biology Lab

Resource: Biology Lab Multimedia Exercise

Due Date: Day 7 [Individual forum]

Complete the Biology Lab Multimedia Exercise at http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/axia/bio100/lab.html

Answer the open-ended question at the end of the multimedia.

Copy and paste your answer into your Individual forum.

http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/axia/bio100/lab.html


Course Syllabus

Week Two

Cells—An Introduction

Defend or dispute concepts on cell theory or spontaneous generation.

Compare and contrast the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Differentiate between the internal structures and functions of plant and animal cells.

Identify online lab components.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Read Ch. 4, 5, 10, & pp. 422-436 in Bioinquiry. 2. Discussion Question 1

Due Date: Day 2 [Main forum]

Post your response to the following: Choose one theory—spontaneous generation theory or cell theory—and select one statement that corresponds to the theory you want to refute or support:

o Spontaneous generation theory

1. Frogs come from muddy soil because they always appear in that environment. 2. Flies come from rotten meat because they always appear where meat is rotting.

o Cell theory

1. Without the invention of the microscope, the cell theory would not have been possible.

2. All living things are made up of cells.

Provide evidence for or against the statement you chose.

Include proper APA citation of outside sources if applicable.

Read another student’s post and provide another piece of evidence for his or her claim.

3. Discussion Question 2

Resources: Ch. 4 of Bioinquiry and the Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes activity


Review Ch. 4 (pp. 98-105) and the Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes activity at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch04/Flash/p0438_b.htm

Post your response to the following: Describe two similarities and two differences between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells. Why do you think eukaryotic cells developed? Describe how eukaryotic cells are similar to a production line.

4. CheckPoint: Plants vs. Animals

Resources: Plants vs. Animals activity and the Plant and Animal Cells exercise


Review the Plants vs. Animals activity at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch04/Flash/p0439_b.htm and familiarize yourself with the different structures of plant and animal cells.

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch04/Flash/p0438_b.htm

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch04/Flash/p0439_b.htm


Course Syllabus

Complete the Plant and Animal Cells multimedia exercise at http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/axia/sci230/cells.html and label the structures and functions of the plant and animal cells.

Capture a screen shot of your Conclusion screen before exiting the exercise and paste it to a Microsoft

® Word document. To do this, press the Print Screen or Prt Scr key on the

upper-right hand corner of your keyboard, open a Word document, then press Ctrl + V. Your screen shot should paste directly into the document.

Provide a list describing at least five similarities and three differences between plant and animal cells. In addition, choose five internal structures of plant or animal cells and describe their functions in your own words.

Post as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

5. Assignment: Pearson Lab Scavenger Hunt

Resource: Appendix E


Answer all the questions in Appendix E.

Post Appendix E as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/axia/sci230/cells.html


Course Syllabus

Week Three

Cells—The Building Blocks of Life

Describe the processes and outcomes of mitosis and meiosis.

Identify an endangered ecological property.

Describe the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Determine the relationship between environmental factors in photosynthesis.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Review Appendix B as a supplemental resource. 2. CheckPoint: Mitosis and Meiosis

Resources: Ch. 5 of Bioinquiry and student companion Web site


Review section 5.1 of Bioinquiry and the videos entitled “Chromosomes,” “Chromosome Replication,” “Mitosis,” and “Meiosis” at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch05/bioinquiry_section_5_1.html

Post a 200- to 300-word response explaining why the process of mitosis and meiosis are both important to a living organism. When would an organism need to undergo the process of mitosis? Meiosis? What would happen if meiosis did not occur?

3. Exercise: UNESCO Research

Resources: Appendix A and UNESCO Web site


Approach this project from the perspective of someone searching for funding to support preservation programs.

Review the ecological properties that are displayed on the World Heritage in Danger List on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Web site at http://whc.unesco.org/en/danger

Choose a property that you would be interested in supporting. This will be the topic for your final paper. (Note: Some places on the World Heritage in Danger list are not natural properties. Do not use cultural, archeological, or architectural sites for this project).

Research at least three references about the property other than the UNESCO site.

Post the name of the property that you have chosen for your final paper and an APA formatted reference list of the three sources you researched.

4. Assignment: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Energy acquisition is essential for all life. Whether the organism is classified as plant or animal, single-celled or multi-cellular, the exchange of energy and the formation of products consist of a series of chemical reactions that occur at the cellular level.

Resources: Ch. 10 and pp. 422-436 in Bioinquiry, Appendix F, and the student companion Web site


Review the following activities:

o Section 10.4: How Do Organisms Acquire Energy?

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch05/bioinquiry_section_5_1.html

http://whc.unesco.org/en/danger


Course Syllabus

Light-Dependent Reactions at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/dependent_reac.html

Light-Independent Reactions at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/independent_reac.html

o Section 10.3: How Do Organisms Use Energy?

Oxidative Phosphorylation at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/oxidative_phos.html

Krebs: Preparation and Cycle at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/krebs.html

Glycolysis at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/glycolysis.html

Complete the matrix in Appendix F.

Post Appendix F as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

5. Assignment: LeafLab

Resources: Appendix G, Appendix H: LeafLab Report, and LeafLab


Print Appendix G to easily complete the lab.

Disable your pop-up blocker.

Access LeafLab at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/LeafLab/

Read LeafLab background information.

Complete the LeafLab by following the instructions in Appendix G.

Complete Appendix H: LeafLab Report.

Post Appendix H: LeafLab Report as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/dependent_reac.html

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/independent_reac.html

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/oxidative_phos.html

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/krebs.html

http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/pruitt/0471473219/bioinquiries/ch10/flash/glycolysis.html

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/LeafLab/


Course Syllabus

Week Four

DNA, Chromosomes, and Genetics

Identify DNA’s fundamental role in inheritance.

Explain the role of chromosomes in inheritance.

Describe Gregor Mendel’s investigations into the patterns of inheritance.

Employ introductory principles of genetics.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Read Ch. 3, 6, 11, & 12 in Bioinquiry. 2. Review Ch. 5 in Bioinquiry. 3. Discussion Question 1 Have you ever tried to pack too much into a suitcase? Then, you know what a challenge it can be to fit a large amount of material into a small space. Think about the amazing elegance of the DNA molecule—fitting a blueprint for the entire organism, from the hair color to the code for every single enzyme, into a tiny nucleus.

Resource: Ch. 6 of Bioinquiry


Post your response to the following:

o What are some of the benefits of squeezing so much data into virtually every cell in the body?

o Why did humans not evolve with one central repository of DNA rather than having it replicated throughout the body?

o Assume that the hereditary information carried in genes and DNA is responsible for many differences observed in humans and other living things. How could just four different bases in DNA strands be responsible for the almost endless variety found in nature?


Resources: Ch. 5 of Bioinquiry and the March of Dimes Foundation Web site


Review Ch. 5 of the text and the March of Dimes Foundation Web site at http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1209.asp

Choose a chromosomal disorder from the March of Dimes Foundation Web site.

Post your response to the following:

o Identify the disorder and explain how it is expressed in a person and inherited. o If you were the parent of a child with this disorder, with which question would you be

most concerned? How would you find the answer to your question? o Discuss any personal experiences or news articles related to the disorder.

5. CheckPoint: Mendel on Patterns of Inheritance

Resources: Ch. 3 of Bioinquiry

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1209.asp


Course Syllabus


Review Ch. 3 of Bioinquiry.

Post a 300- to 500-word response to the following:

o How did Mendel’s approach to answering scientific questions differ from that of his contemporaries?

o How did his novel approach contribute to his success in describing how traits are inherited?

o What advantages did he enjoy by choosing to study the garden pea? o Piecing It Together on p. 78 of the text describes the six major concluding principles

Mendel hypothesized from his work. Describe three of them.

6. Assignment: FlyLab

Resources: Appendix I, Appendix J: FlyLab Report, and FlyLab


Print Appendix I to easily complete the lab.


Access FlyLab at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/FlyLab/

Read FlyLab background information.

Complete the FlyLab by following the instructions in Appendix I.

Complete Appendix J: FlyLab Report.

Post Appendix J: FlyLab Report as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/FlyLab/


Course Syllabus

Week Five

Physiology

Compare and contrast physiology of living organisms.

Explain the relationship between human organ systems.

Examine the functions and responses of the cardiovascular system.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Review Appendix B as a supplemental resource.

2. CheckPoint: Basic Processes


Select one basic physiological process from the following list:

o Acquire and process nutrients o Get rid of waste o Reproduction o Obtain information about and respond to external environment o Movement

Write a 200- to 300-word response explaining how that physiological process differs among the following organisms:

o Bacteria o Grasshopper o Fish o Bear

3. Assignment: Human System Presentation


Create a 5- to 7-slide presentation on a human organ system.

Select one of the following organ systems:

o Nervous o Hormonal o Digestive o Respiratory o Cardiovascular o Circulatory o Urinary o Skeletal-Muscular o Reproduction o Immune

Address the following points in your presentation:

o What is the purpose of the system? o What body parts make up the system?


Course Syllabus

o What are the purposes of those parts? o Select one other organ system: How do the systems interact and support each other?

Include detailed speaker’s notes on each slide.


Post your presentation as a Microsoft® PowerPoint

attachment.

4. Assignment: CardioLab

Resources: Appendix K, Appendix L: CardioLab Report, and CardioLab


Print Appendix K to easily complete the lab.


Access CardioLab at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/CardioLab/

Complete the CardioLab by following the instructions in Appendix K.

Complete Appendix L: CardioLab Report.

Post Appendix L: CardioLab Report as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/CardioLab/


Course Syllabus

Week Six

Evolution

Discuss the impact of natural selection in evolution.

Describe the evidence in support of evolution by natural selection.

Analyze the implications of the patterns of evolution.

Assess factors that affect species evolution.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Read Ch. 2, 9, & 15 in Bioinquiry. 2. Read Appendix M. 3. Review Appendix B as a supplemental resource. 4. Discussion Question 1


Post your response to the following: Describe an example of how natural selection influenced the evolution of a particular species. Include outside sources if applicable.

Review a classmate’s post and discuss additional conditions that might have contributed to the selection process.


Resource: Appendix B


Post your response to the following: Given Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, what scientific evidence best supports evolution by natural selection?

Use at least two outside sources. Refer to Appendix B under Week Six, if you need help with your search.

Review another student’s explanation and provide any additional evidence to support his or her explanation.

6. CheckPoint: Patterns of Evolution

Resources: Appendix B and Ch. 2 of Bioinquiry


Review Ch. 2 of the text. Refer to Appendix B under Week Six, for more information on the different types of evolution.

Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following:

o Humans shape their environment in ways that other organisms cannot. Are humans subject to the same pressures of natural selection as other organisms? Why or why not?

o Provide an example of convergent and divergent evolution, adaptive radiation, and co-evolution. Then, respond to the following:

Choose one of the examples you provided and discuss the implications this example may have for future humans.


Course Syllabus

Cite outside sources in APA format if applicable.

7. Assignment: EvolutionLab

Resources: Appendix N, Appendix O: EvolutionLab Report, and EvolutionLab


Print Appendix N to easily complete the lab.


Access EvolutionLab at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/EvolutionLab/

Read EvolutionLab background information.

Complete the EvolutionLab by following the instructions in Appendix N.

Complete Appendix O: EvolutionLab Report.

Post Appendix O: EvolutionLab Report as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/EvolutionLab/


Course Syllabus

Week Seven

Biodiversity

Evaluate a current theory about the origin of life on Earth.

Describe an endangered ecological property.

Compare characteristics of organisms within the kingdom Animalia.

Recognize the factors that influence species population growth.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Review Appendix B as a supplemental resource.

2. CheckPoint: Origin of Life

Resource: Ch. 9 of Bioinquiry


Read Ch. 9, section 9.1, How Did Life Originate?

Research a theory about the origin of life on Earth other than the one summarized under Piecing It Together on p. 247 of the text.

Use the following key words and Web sites to assist you with your search:

o Origin of life o Panspermia theory o Hydrothermal vent and origin of life o Prebiotic world o http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/Exobiology/sites.html o http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/abioprob/originoflife.html

Post a 300- to 400-word response to the following: Describe and evaluate both the origin of life theory summarized in Piecing It Together on p. 247 and the other theory you researched at the beginning of this CheckPoint. Be skeptical when reviewing the theories. Skepticism is the hallmark of any scientific effort. Ask the following questions about each theory:

o Where is the evidence to support this claim? o Is there any data on which to base their claim?

3. CheckPoint: UNESCO Research Outline

Resources: Appendix A and Developing an Outline Web site


Review the Developing an Outline Web site at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_outlin.html Follow the instructions when developing your outline for the final project.

Approach this project from the perspective of someone searching for funding to support preservation programs.

Develop an outline that identifies the ecological uniqueness of the plant and animal life in your chosen property and address the following:

Describe the diversity of life forms found in the area.

Describe the biological interrelationships among the life forms in the area.

http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/Exobiology/sites.html

http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/abioprob/originoflife.html

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_outlin.html


Course Syllabus

The human intrusions threatening the area.

The protections that exist to safeguard and preserve the area.

The efforts that have been made to further this preservation. o What an individual can do to help preserve the diversity of the area.

Post your outline as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

4. Assignment: Scientific Taxonomy and Earth’s Biodiversity Paper

Resource: University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Web site


Go to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Web site at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html

Review the information under the topics Mammals, Insects, Birds, and Echinoderms.

Select two mammals, two insects, two birds, and two echinoderms to research.

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that addresses the following points:

o List and briefly describe the eight species you have selected.

o What are the characteristics that classify all the species you have selected in the kingdom Animalia?

o Mammals

What are two or three characteristics shared by the two mammals you selected?

What are two or three differences between the two mammals?

To what order do each of the mammal species you selected belong? Describe why they are classified under that order.

List two other species that belong to those same orders.

o Insects

What are two or three characteristics shared by the two insects you selected?

What are two or three differences between the two insects?

To what order do each of the insect species you selected belong? Describe why they are classified under that order.


o Birds

What are two or three characteristics shared by the two birds you selected?

What are two or three differences between the two birds?

To what order do each of the bird species you selected belong? Describe why they are classified under that order.


o Echinoderms

What are two or three characteristics shared by the two echinoderms you selected?

What are two or three differences between the two echinoderms?

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html


Course Syllabus

To what order do each of the echinoderm species you selected belong? Describe why they are classified under that order.



Post your paper as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

5. Assignment: PopEcoLab

Resources: Appendix P, Appendix Q: PopEcoLab Report, and PopEcoLab


Print Appendix P to easily complete the lab.


Access PopEcoLab at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/PopEcoLab/

Read PopEcoLab background information.

Complete the PopEcoLab by following the instructions in Appendix P.

Complete Appendix Q: PopEcoLab Report.

Post Appendix Q: PopEcoLab Report as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/PopEcoLab/


Course Syllabus

Week Eight

Biotechnology and Ecology

Weigh the value of biotechnology and related ethical issues.

Describe the relationship of ecology with population growth and community interactions.

Assess the relationship between demographic factors and human population growth.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Read Ch. 7 & 16 in Bioinquiry. 2. Review Ch. 15 in Bioinquiry and Appendix B as a supplemental resource. 3. Discussion Question 1

Resource: Ch. 7 in Bioinquiry


Research an example from one of the following categories of biotechnology, which your instructor will assign to you:

o Agricultural and environmental uses o Medical and legal uses o Historical uses

Post your response to the following: For your assigned biotechnology example, provide at least two ways the use of this biotechnology could benefit society and two ways this biotechnology could be harmful.

Review another student’s example and provide a pro, a con, or your perspective on the topic.



Post your response to the following: Describe the plant life, animal life, and geology of the ecosystem in the area in which you live. What populations and communities are present? How dependent is your community on this ecosystem? What are the limiting factors of the ecosystem?

5. CheckPoint: Ecology and Population Growth

Resources: Ch. 15 of Bioinquiry and Appendix B


Review Ch. 15 of Bioinquiry.

Use the Web sites posted in Appendix B under the Week Eight topic, Ecology, to help you respond.

Write a 200- to 300-word response addressing the following points:

o What is the current estimate of the worldwide human population at this moment? Describe how this number is changing moment-to-moment, day-to-day, and from one year to the next.

o Describe how the human population growth issue has and will impact the ecosystem.


Course Syllabus

Cite all references in APA format.

6. Assignment: DemographyLab

Resources: Appendix R, Appendix S: DemographyLab Report, and DemographyLab


Print Appendix R to easily complete the lab.


Access DemographyLab at http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/DemographyLab/

Read DemographyLab background information.

Complete the DemographyLab by following the instructions in Appendix R.

Complete Appendix S: DemographyLab Report.

Post Appendix S: DemographyLab Report as a Microsoft® Word attachment.

http://www.biologylabsonline.com/axia/DemographyLab/


Course Syllabus

Week Nine

The Biological World

Correlate current environmental issues with human activities.

Assess the interconnectedness of human activities and the biological world.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Capstone CheckPoint

You have read about Earth’s numerous ecosystems and the biological diversity that inhabits them. Unfortunately, many of these habitats and the species that inhabit them are under threat from human encroachment through agricultural activities such as logging, pollution, or war.


Post a 200- to 300-word response to the following questions:

o What role, if any, do you think people should play in preserving those regions threatened by human encroachment?

o How should the interests of competing groups be balanced?

Example: Drilling in the Arctic—environmental groups oppose the plan on the grounds of the destruction to the habitat; those in favor argue that tapping into the oil there would be good for the economy and decrease reliance on foreign oil.

o What about when the habitat is not within the U.S. borders? Many international conservation groups are working to save the rainforest—what rights do people have to interfere with how another sovereign nation chooses to manage its lands? If the government of Bolivia is willing to allow millions of acres of jungle to be destroyed to promote the logging industry (which provides employment to their citizens), should people intervene? Why or why not?

2. Final Project: UNESCO Paper

Resource: Appendix A


Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word paper assessing the ecological property you chose for your final paper. Identify the ecological uniqueness of the plant and animal life in your chosen property and address the following:

o Describe the diversity of life forms found in the area. o Describe the biological interrelationships among the life forms in the area. o The human intrusions threatening the area. o The protections that exist to safeguard and preserve the area. o The efforts that have been made to further this preservation. o What an individual can do to help preserve the diversity of the area. o What additional measures to insure the preservation of the property would you

propose? o What will be lost if intrusion goes unchecked? Appeal to the biological diversity.



Course Syllabus

Post your paper as a Microsoft Word attachment.

bio 100 introduction to life science with...

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