BI 103 General Biology: Plant/Animal Structure and Function

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Introductory biology course designed for students not majoring in biology or a biology-related field. Investigates plant and animal structure and function. Emphasizes homeostasis, nutrition, and elements of the reproductive, internal transport, gas exchange, and defense systems in both plants and animals. (BI 101, BI 102, and BI 103 may be taken in any order.)

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify basic plant and animal tissue types and give their functions.
Diagram and label the parts of the urinary, reproductive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems in humans (other systems and animals covered in less depth).
Use examples to explain how organ systems and tissues interact to maintain internal homeostasis in a variable environment.
Relate the structure of the parts of several plant and animal systems to the overall function of those systems.
Describe the sequence of changes in embryonic and fetal development of plants and animals with emphasis on humans.
Diagram and label the basic structure of a vascular plant

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

Cells, Tissues and Systems
Homeostasis
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Plants (Emphasis on Angiosperms) and Animals (Emphasis on Humans)
Reproduction and Development
- Plants
- Animals
Internal Transport
- Plant transport systems (xylem and phloem)
- Circulatory Systems
Gas Exchange
- Plants
- Respiratory system
Defense
- Plants defenses
- Immune system
Nutrition
- Plant nutrition
- Animal digestive system and nutrition
Interaction with the Environment
- Plant hormones and regulation
- Nervous system
Labs and Project
- Project: Individual research on specific body system and related medical condition with group presentation
- Labs:
  - Homeostasis
  - Nervous system
  - Cardiovascular
  - Respiratory
  - Immune system
  - Digestion
  - Animal reproductive and development
  - Plant structure
  - Plant reproduction and development