Course Syllabus

BIOL 1625 Biology II Laboratory

Course Description

The Biology II laboratory component allows for student application of the principles learned in the Biology II lecture course with an emphasis on investigative learning and collaboration. (Lab fee required)

Justification

The Biology II laboratory (BIOL 1625) and Biology II lecture course (BIOL 1620) have been designed as the second semester courses in a year-long exposure to biology as recommended by the State Biology Group. Biology I lecture (BIOL 1610) and Biology I laboratory (BIOL 1615) will constitute the first semester courses for the majors biology sequence. For the natural sciences, science is the systematic inquiry into natural phenomena organizing and condensing those observations into testable models and hypotheses, theories or laws. The success and credibility of science is anchored in the willingness of scientists to: 1) expose their ideas and results to independent testing and replication by other scientists which requires the complete and open exchange of data, procedures, and materials; 2) abandon or modify accepted conclusions when confronted with more complete or reliable experimental evidence. Adherence to these principles provides a mechanism for self-correction that is the foundation of the credibility of science. (Adapted from a statement by the Panel on Public Affairs of the American Physical Society, which was endorsed by the Executive Board of the American Association of Physics Teachers in 1999.) While properties of matter and energy in the physical sciences are common to life science, the emergent properties resulting from the complexities of life require additional study to amplify and clarify the scientific mechanisms of nature.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will develop a strong understanding of animal biology. Specifically how biological principles cell structure and function, metabolism, meiosis (life cycles), and biological information in DNA, RNA and protein are integral to our understanding of evolution, systematics and taxonomy, diversity and ecology of animals.
2. Students will develop a strong understanding of plant and algal biology. Specifically how biological principles such as cell structure and function, metabolism, meiosis (life cycles), and biological information in DNA, RNA and protein are integral to our understanding of evolution, systematics and taxonomy, diversity and ecology of algae, and plants.
3. Develop proficiency in laboratory techniques such as light microscopy and organism identification.

Course Content

Laboratory topics include the following laboratory exercises (labs). Content will be covered by reading these labs in context with pertinent lecture course content, making critical observations, dissections, comparative analyses and answering questions in the labs and on quizzes. Attendance at least one field trip is required. Laboratory topics: Chromista and red algae; Green algae and bryophyte phyla; Lycopod group and Sphenophyta, Psilophyta and ferns; Gymnosperm phyla; Angiosperms -- flowers. Contrast monocots and dicots; also fruits, seeds, embryo development; Cells, tissues, meristems; stems, leaves, and roots; Woody tissues of conifers and dicots; Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes; Nematoda and other pseudocoelomates; Mollusca and Annelida; Arthropoda and Echinodermata; Early Chordates and Fishes; Amphibia and Reptilia; Aves and Mammalia; ecology field trip; sage grouse lek field trip (at appropriate date). Consistent with the lecture course, the lab will also highlight the contributions of scientists from various backgrounds.