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Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to --

Describe the scientific process.

Explain organic and inorganic compounds, their roles in biological systems, and their bonding properties.

Describe the properties of water and how they make life possible.

Describe how pH and buffers influence processes.

Identify and describe the structure and function of the 4 biological macromolecules that compose all life on the planet.

Describe dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions and their importance in living systems.

Describe the role of enzymes in regulating life processes.

Distinguish between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Explain the interrelationship of structure and function in biological membranes.
Describe the major cellular organelles and their functions.
Explain the importance of membranes and compartmentalization of cellular functions.
Describe the importance of membrane proteins including serving as receptors, regulating metabolic pathways, facilitating cellular communication, and establishing cellular identity.
Explain the basic laws of thermodynamics and their application to living organisms.
Explain the metabolic pathways through the study of cellular respiration (including glycolysis, krebs cycle & the electron transport chain) and photosynthesis.
Differentiate between somatic (mitotic) and germinal (meiotic) reproduction.
Explain the Central Dogma (from gene to protein) and its centrality to life.
Explain in simple terms, the molecular evidence for evolution.
Describe basic Mendelian genetics and be able to correctly predict outcomes from monohybrid and dihybrid crosses including those involving traits that are X-linked, show co-dominance, are controlled by multiple alleles, or are complicated by crossing over.
Explain the chromosomal basis for genetics.
Describe the shortcomings of Mendelian genetics as applied to modern genetics.
Describe how the genetic message can be altered through mutation and recombination.
Explain gene regulation through study of the lac operon, the trp operon, and metabolism.
Be able to explain genetic engineering including the techniques involved in electrophoresis, creating recombinant DNA, cloning, PCR, DNA sequencing, and restriction mapping.
Explain how genetic engineering is currently being used in society and how it may be used in the future, including its role in gene therapy and development of genetically engineered crops, and livestock.
Skills specific to the discipline --

Demonstrate your knowledge of how to use scientific equipment, computer software, and microscopes.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the safety features of the Biology laboratory by practicing safe science when doing laboratory science work.

Professional Development Skills -- that you need to develop regardless of your field of study

Demonstrate the ability to gather information from the library and other resources.

Practice solving problems, in individual and group settings, and in doing so, incorporate a diversity of values and approaches.

Demonstrate an ability to "learn how to learn" by interpreting and applying information from textbooks and other resources.

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrate the ability to properly cite resources.
(Cheating, dishonesty, and plagiarism will not be tolerated and may result in failure of the assignment and/or course. Please review these articles on plagiarism: "What is Plagiarism at Indiana University"; "How to Avoid Plagiarism"; "Avoiding Plagiarism" )
Natural Science students should realize that this course serves as a beginning point in exploration of the Sciences. The following outcomes have been developed by the Natural Science faculty at FGCU to help guide your education:

1. All science students must demonstrate the ability to evaluate and to implement the scientific process, its application in different settings and, creative alternative problem solving approaches that are explored within the context of standard scientific conventions.
Students must demonstrate the ability to:
• gather and critically evaluate information including library research skills, experimental design in laboratory or field settings, and the use of technology for gathering information;
• analyze information;
• synthesize information via the formation of hypotheses, the use of numerical and statistical techniques, the use of simulation models, and the ability to apply a system approach;
• effectively communicate in a professional setting, including technical writing, oral presentations and use of available technology;
• design and conduct a research investigation.

2. Students must demonstrate a knowledge of the interactions between science and society.
Students should:
• be aware of the ethical aspects of science; their conduct as scientists, and their conduct as citizens;
• develop abilities important in understanding and participating in the development and implementation of public policy;
• be able to solve problems in individual and group settings and to incorporate a diversity of values and approaches.

3. Students must demonstrate the development of a knowledge base that includes the prevailing scientific paradigms, the historical nature of these paradigms, and aesthetic considerations of that knowledge.
• the origin of life on earth, and the mechanisms of evolution that shape that life, including an emphasis on natural selection;
• the origin of the earth and the processes that shape the globe, including an emphasis on plate tectonics. The origin of the universe and the mechanisms that control it;
• the structure and organization of biotic systems from cells through the biosphere. Including and emphasis on the organization and functions of the human organism.
Biology Specific Outcomes
The ability to function effectively and safely in research settings.
Knowledge of biological systems from the molecular, cellular, and organismic perspectives, including an historical view of their development.
A holistic understanding of organismal systems.
An understanding of ethical complexities of biological research.
University Student Learning Outcomes -- Upon completion of this course, students should also have gained experience and an increased proficiency in the following:
University Goal #8: Technological Literacy
Develop knowledge of modern technology.

Process information through the use of technology.

Collaborate with others using technology tools.
University Goal #7: Problem Solving
Understand the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of knowledge.

Apply critical, analytical, creative and systems thinking in order to recognize and solve problems.

Work individually and collaboratively to recognize and solve problems.
University Goal #6: Information Literacy
Identify and locate multiple sources of information using a variety of methods.

Analyze and evaluate information within a variety of disciplinary and professional contexts.

Participate in collaborative analysis and/or application of information resources.

University Goal #4: Effective Communication.
Know the fundamental principles for effective and appropriate communication, including reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Organize thoughts and compose ideas for a variety of audiences, using a full range of communication tools and techniques.

Participate in collaborative projects requiring effective communication among team members.

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Last updated January 16, 2006