BI 222Z Principles of Biology: Organisms

Lecture Hours: 4
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 5

Explores fundamental biological concepts and theories about the structure and function of diverse organisms (including plants and animals), evolution and development, transformation of energy and matter, and body systems at a multicellular organismal level. Intended for science majors.

Prerequisite: Placement into MTH 112Z (or higher); or completion of MTH 111Z (or higher); placement into WR 121Z (or higher), or completion of WR 115 (or higher); and completion of BI 221Z; and completion of CH 121, or CH201, or CH 221Z; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Differential Fee Yes
Student Learning Outcomes:

Common Course Numbered Outcomes:

Apply the iterative process of science to generate and answer biological questions by analyzing data and drawing conclusions that are based on empirical evidence and current scientific understanding.
Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues and explain the implications of those issues on society.
Explain how morphology relates to physiology across diverse organisms.
Describe how biological systems detect and respond to different internal/external environmental conditions through feedback.
Compare and contrast strategies for achieving homeostasis.
Explain how developmental and environmental processes influence the evolution of structures, functions, and life cycles across diverse organisms.

Additional General Education outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.

Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline

Homeostasis
- Enzyme Function
- Diffusion, surface area and absorption
- Thermoregulation
Cell-Cell Communication
- Cell Signaling (reception, transduction, response)
- Hormones
- Nervous system
Diverse Approaches to Structure & Function in Plants
- Tissue systems and organs
- Energy Metabolism (Photosynthesis)
- Nutrition and Nitrogen Metabolism
- Gas Exchange
- Internal Transport Systems
- Reproduction and development
- Growth
Diverse Approaches to Structure and Function in Animals
- Tissue systems and organs
- Energy Metabolism (Cellular Respiration)
- Nutrition and Digestion
- Gas Exchange Systems
- Excretory System
- Internal Transport Systems
- Reproduction and development
- Growth
Scientific Process
- Research and experimental design
- Scientific presentation of research
- Term-long group or Individual Inquiry Project
Weekly Laboratories (select from the following topics)
- Homeostasis
- Fermentation
- Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
- Comparative Anatomy: Tissues & Organs
- Internal Transport Systems
- Surface Area & Absorption
- Gas Exchange Systems
- Comparative Reproduction & Development
- In-lab time for Inquiry Project
- Project Presentations