Course Syllabus

BIOL 1050 Human Biology

Course Description

Human Biology is the study of the human species seen through an interdisciplinary lens. In this introductory course, emphasis is placed on the major organ systems, health issues, genetics, and man's interaction with the environment as related to the biology of humans and the quality of life. This course is for students whose primary course of study is not in the sciences. This course will satisfy the Life Science GE requirement (LS). While not required, it is recommended that Biol 1055 (Human Biology Lab) is taken concurrently.

Justification

A basic knowledge and understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and health will have a major effect on the quality of life of those possessing it. This knowledge can also assist in interactions with the medical community as well as dealings with related issues such as diet, air quality, drugs, as well as their political activity on such issues. A course in human biology gives the student a look at biology from the human perspective, that is, how biology is directly related to everyday life.

Other colleges and universities in Utah offering comparable courses are: University of Utah, BIOL 1030; Utah Tech University, BIOL 1200; WSU ZOOL 1020

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. The primary purpose of this course is to help students understand the human experience as seen through the lens of biology. This includes how we live in, adapt to, and adapt to the world around us. As possible, different cultures are examined for similarities and differences in their views on what it means to be human. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will encounter discipline-specific information during this course through various means, including current media articles, academic journals, videos, etc. Emphasis is put on the student's ability to assess the credibility of the information presented. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Human biology at its core is an interdisciplinary field that includes social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and art. Well, this course does focus primarily on biological concepts. The human experience cannot be considered without the lens that these fields provide. Also, the scientific method is employed to aid the students in logically addressing complex problems in class. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. This course will address humans and science's role in historical and contemporary issues and problems. Lectures and discussions on ethics, medical ethics, personal and social responsibility, and current events help the students and their reasoning abilities. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the application of scientific inquiry's scientific methods and tools by actively and directly collecting analyzing the world around them and their own experiences, interpreting data, presenting findings, and using information to answer questions. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams. Students will demonstrate the application of scientific inquiry's scientific methods and tools by actively and directly collecting analyzing the world around them and their own experiences, interpreting data, presenting findings, and using information to answer questions. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
2. Demonstrate basic understanding of how organisms live, grow, respond to their environment, and reproduce.  This course will include biological concepts such as mitosis, meiosis, reproduction, evolution, adaptation, and genetics. Human sexuality is not a topic of this course. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
3. Discuss the organization and flow of matter and energy through biological systems.  This course will include biological concepts such as trophic levels, nutrient cycling, cellular respiration, macronutrients, and the basics of human nutrition. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
4. Explain from evidence patterns of inheritance, structural unity, adaptation, and diversity of life on Earth.  This course will include biological concepts such as genetics, the central dogma of biology, evolution, and human taxonomy. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, and/or exams.
5. Describe how the Life Sciences have shaped and been shaped by historical, ethical, and social contexts. Although this course will cover vital biological concepts applied to humans, a strong focus is on how science and medicine influence past, present, and future issues. Students will learn to think critically, interpret data, evaluate information, and communicate clearly about life in the world around them. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, writing assignments, library projects, and/or exams.

Course Content

Course content will be covered through reading assignments, handouts, lectures, class discussions, and special project(s). Central Topics Include:Scientific Method; Chemistry; Cells; Simple development; Cancer; Simple Genetics; Metabolism; Homeostasis; Human Evolution; Tissues; Organ systems; Population Effects; BiodiversityStudents will learn to think critically, interpret data, evaluate information, and communicate clearly about life in the world around them. Instructors will work to become aware of the unique experiences of all students, including students from all backgrounds, by creating a positive classroom environment through attitude, expectations, and behavior.