Course Syllabus

BIOL 1465 Birds, Biology and You Lab

Course Description

This course is the laboratory component of Birds, Biology and You, BIOL 1460 and gives students the opportunity to study birds in the laboratory and the field. It must be taken concurrently with BIOL 1460.

Justification

The laboratory component of Birds, Biology and You (BIOL 1460) allows for student application of the principles learned in the lecture with an emphasis on investigative and observational learning through field experience and the use of various laboratory materials including anatomical models, histological slides, and dissecting material. It must be taken concurrently with the lecture.

The Birds, Biology and You (Biol 1465) fulfills the science laboratory GE requirement for Snow College. Some majors at the four-year colleges and universities require both the laboratory and the lecture. This course is designed to transfer to other schools in the state of Utah to fulfill general education science lab requirements.

For the natural sciences, science is the systematic inquiry into natural phenomena and 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 the life sciences, the emergent properties resulting from the complexities of life require additional study to amplify and clarify the scientific mechanisms of nature.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Not assessed in Lab
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will be introduced to science literature that is written for the general public/scientists through reading and writing assignments. Their learning will be assessed through class discussions and lab assignment questions and reflections.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Not assessed in lab
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Through lab assignments, exercises and field-based experiences, students learn how to identify birds, their environments and effects of the modern world on ecosystems. Each lab assignment will have a written component which may include labelling, definitions, concept application questions, and reflections. Participation in field trips is essential for credit.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can communicate effectively through writing and speaking. Through lab assignments, exercises and field-based experiences, students will gain confidence in communicating about various aspects of bird and human biology, including bird identification. Each lab assignment will have a written component which may include labelling, definitions, concept application questions, and reflections.
6. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason quantitatively.  Not assessed in lab

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. The Birds, Biology and You (Biol 1465) lab is designed to enhance the learning of content from Biol 1460 through direct hands-on and field-based exercises and assignments. Emphasis will be placed on using the Scientific Method to answer questions in lab (when applicable). Written lab assignments will be included for each lab activity. Students will learn to identify birds by sight using birding books and online APPs as well as direct observation.
   Students will also learn basic human biology, anatomy and physiology as well as basic ecology and evolution. Assessment of students will be through written lab reports, short answer and essay questions. A midterm and/or final exam with multiple choice, short answer and/or essay questions will also be used to assess concept and bird identification mastery.
   
    The Birds, Biology and You (Biol 1465) lab is designed to enhance the learning of content from Biol 1460 through direct hands-on and field-based exercises and assignments. Emphasis will be placed on using the Scientific Method to answer questions in lab (when applicable). Written lab assignments will be included for each lab activity. Students will learn to identify birds by sight using birding books and online APPs as well as direct observation.
   Students will also learn basic human biology, anatomy and physiology as well as basic ecology and evolution. Assessment of students will be through written lab reports, short answer and essay questions. A midterm and/or final exam with multiple choice, short answer and/or essay questions will also be used to assess concept and bird identification mastery.
   
   
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Course Content

This laboratory course will cover Introduction to Biology, Cells, Anatomy and Physiology of birds and humans, Ecology, Evolution, How to identify birds, Taxonomy, Migration, and Birds of Utah. An emphasis will be placed on direct observation (when possible) of birds in the area and in natural settings. The instructor will present material in a manner as to respect the experiences of students and will incorporate information that illustrates the variety of people that have contributed to the fields of Biology and Birding.