Course Syllabus

BIOL 1460 Birds, Biology, and You

Course Description

Birds, Biology, and You examines the biology of birds and compares it to human biology. To understand bird biology, students will become fluent in topics including bird classification, how to identify birds by sight, citizen science in the home, bird conservation, and how bird anatomy and physiology compares to that of humans. The course consists of lectures, participation exercises, and application assignments (in-class and field-based) - all of which will require critical thinking and data analysis.

Justification

Birds, Biology and You (BIOL 1460) is an introductory course that provides non-life science majors with a general survey of the science of bird biology. It is designed to transfer to fulfill Biology General Education (GE) requirements. 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 that 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.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of biological processes to better understand how our world functions and recognize the inter-connectedness of humans and ecosystems. Students will become aware of the influences of human population growth on organisms, communities, and ecosystems. Students will read textbook and primary literature and participate in class discussions. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will be encouraged to foster an interest in, and an ability to understand and critically analyze, information from the news media and other sources. Students will research current environmental biology topics, with emphasis on using varied sources, and present the project in a defined format such as a library project or written assignment. Work will be evaluated for skills in reading, writing, synthesis and critical thinking.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. As students read the textbook, primary literature, complete library projects, and participate in class discussions they will be able to gather information across disciplinary topics (i.e. math, statistics, analyzing data, etc.) to address complex biological problems. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: participation, multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Students will demonstrate scientific reasoning throughout the various topics considered in course content as they read the text and primary literature, especially for their library project(s). The library project(s) and test essay questions are evaluated for analytical and critical thinking. Student's approach to answer essay questions and/or complete library projects are open to creative licensure.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. The main purpose of this class is to illustrate how, using the scientific method, humans have become knowledgeable about how patterns of life have evolved in this world. This knowledge of life will be explored with an emphasis on the diversity and unity of all life, but especially birds and to a lesser extent, humans. Instruction and activities will include examples of how biologists have used the scientific method to further knowledge of the natural world. Students may read the textbook, primary literature, problem-solving exercises, complete library projects and participate in class discussions. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project. The main purpose of this class is to illustrate how, using the scientific method, humans have become knowledgeable about how patterns of life have evolved in this world. This knowledge of life will be explored with an emphasis on the diversity and unity of all life, but especially birds and to a lesser extent, humans. Instruction and activities will include examples of how biologists have used the scientific method to further knowledge of the natural world. Students may read the textbook, primary literature, problem-solving exercises, complete library projects and participate in class discussions. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.
2. Demonstrate basic understanding of how organisms live, grow, respond to their environment, and reproduce.  Using birds as the model organism, students will study biological concepts including anatomy and physiology, sexual and asexual reproduction, mitosis, meiosis, metabolism, adaptation, evolution, ecosystems, mendelian genetics, and central dogma. Students may read the textbook, primary literature, problem-solving exercises, complete library projects and participate in class discussions. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.
3. Discuss the organization and flow of matter and energy through biological systems.  Emphasizing bird biology and ecology, students will demonstrate competency in the topics of metabolism, enzymes, cell respiration, photosynthesis and ecosystem structure/services. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.
4. Explain from evidence patterns of inheritance, structural unity, adaptation, and diversity of life on Earth.  Students may read the textbook, primary literature, problem-solving exercises, and participate in class discussions. Concepts include: inheritance, Mendelian genetics, taxonomy, phylogenetics, adaptation, and evolution of cellular and acellular life. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.
5. Describe how the Life Sciences have shaped and been shaped by historical, ethical, and social contexts. Students may read the textbook, primary literature, complete library projects, and participate in classroom in discussions during which they will gain awareness of the complex and unique ways in which scientific discoveries were made. The instructor will also highlight scientists that represent various backgrounds when presenting material. Student knowledge will be assessed through one or more of the following: multiple choice, short answer and essay exam questions, problem-solving exercises, quizzes, written assignments and at least one library project.

Course Content

Content will be covered by reading assignments, lectures, and class activities. Topics include but are not limited to:Introduction to science, ecology, evolution, biodiversity, taxonomy (concentrating on birds), birding, the chemistry of life, cell structure, central dogma of biology, Mendelian genetics, evolution, development of birds and humans, organ systems of birds compared to humans, mating behavior and preferences, costs and benefits of social behavior, flight, migration and dispersal, bird conservation.