BIOL 100 – Survey of Biology

This course will introduce you to a general overview of the biological world. Important concepts will be reinforced and expanded upon through completion of weekly laboratory activities and homework assignments. Upon successful conclusion of the course, students will be able to do the following:

  • Describe the nature of science, including its methods and its limitations.
  • Describe the basic methodology of doing science and the scientific method.
  • Use the scientific method to study everyday situations as well as in laboratory/field investigations.
  • Identify, describe, and explain at a rudimentary level and present examples of, the characteristics common to all living things.
  • Explain that living organisms are composed of molecules which interact in a variety of different chemical reactions necessary to sustain life.
  • Explain that living organisms are comprised of one or more cells and are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic based on cellular characteristics.
  • Describe the hereditary information possessed by living and explain how that information determines the cellular characteristics and functions (including basic Mendelian genetics).
  • Explain and describe, with examples, the diversity of life, at different levels (basic molecular to ecological) and how it is hierarchically organized into systems.
  • Explain how evolution by natural selection occurs, and describe the evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
  • Articulate the importance of biology to their lives by applying the concepts and information of basic biology to problems that affect their lives in particular, and our society in general.
  • Communicate effectively using the language of biology.
  • Collect and analyze data correctly, reliably and in an organized fashion (including creation of graphs from data and correct interpretation of graphed data).
  • Produce written explanations of biological concepts in assignments, laboratory exercises/reports and other assessments.
  • Find and evaluate sources of information as credible.