Course Overview and Rationale
This course focuses on life’s diversity and its unity through thinking critically about the natural world. Key concepts, current understandings, and research trends are highlighted throughout the course.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define and discuss the integration of biological systems;
- Define and explain cellular organization;
- Define and explain nutrition, energy catalysis, metabolism, photosynthesis and respiration in carbon, and energy flow;
- Define and explain DNA, RNA, chromosome structure, and the function of DNA and RNA;
- Define and explain Mendelian genetics in terms of global changes and world population and health issues;
- Successfully examine and critique opposing viewpoint/positions concerning addressed topics and how they pertain to current world problems;
- Explain some of the current problems presented in the texts;
- Take a position on controversial topics and social issues;
- Look at the course content and issues from multiple, interdisciplinary perspectives;
- Make connections between course content and one’s experiences; and
- Place the ideas, problem-solving and analytical strategies within one’s life, academic, or professional objectives.
