MCCCD Program Description

General Biology (Majors) II

Course: BIO182XT

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: The study and principles of structure and function of living things at cellular, organismic, and higher levels of organization. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, biology of organisms, and ecology.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe and apply the scientific method to investigate biological phenomena. (I) 2. Explain and compare characteristics common to all living organisms. (I) 3. Describe the organizational hierarchy of living things from organic molecules to biomes. (I) 4. Identify and describe the principles of evolution by natural selection. (I, II) 5. Analyze the relationships between the genetics of populations and evolution. (II) 6. Explain the processes of speciation. (II) 7. Describe the hierarchical classification scheme used to categorize organisms. (III) 8. Describe how DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) research has modernized bio-systematics. (III) 9. Compare and contrast traditional taxonomy to cladistics. (III) 10. Analyze modern phylogenetic trees to assess evolutionary relationships among organisms. (III, IV, V) 11. Compare and contrast the general characteristics of each of the domains of life and major taxonomic groups within each. (III, V) 12. Relate the structure of organisms to the way they function. (IV, V) 13. Explain how the unique natural histories of organisms enables them to survive in different ecological niches. (IV, V) 14. Describe the ecological roles played by organisms in each of the major taxonomic groups. (V, VI) 15. Compare basic ecological principles at the population and community levels of organization. (V, VI) 16. Describe and compare the flow of energy and the cycling of matter in ecosystems. (V, VI) 17. Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety skills and procedures. (I-VI) 18. Apply principles of scientific method while conducting laboratory and field investigations and activities. (I-VI) 19. Use relevant laboratory equipment, chemical reagents, and supplies to observe biological specimens and investigate natural phenomena. (I-VI) 20. Correctly operate dissecting and compound light microscopes to observe biological specimens. (IV-VI) 21. Demonstrate the ability to construct a graph that accurately portrays quantitative data and to interpret graphical representations of information. (I-VI) 22. Analyze and report data collected during laboratory and field investigations and other activities. (I-VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Foundational concepts in biology A. Principles of scientific method B. Fundamental characteristics of living matter 1. Levels of organization 2. Responsiveness and homeostasis 3. Metabolism 4. Reproduction and heredity C. Theory of evolution by natural selection II. Evolution A. Definition and principles B. Natural selection C. Population genetics D. Microevolution E. Speciation F. Macroevolution III. Classification A. Binomial nomenclature B. Taxonomy C. Modern systematics IV. Domains and their major taxonomic subgroups A. Biodiversity and evolution B. Structure and function C. Natural histories D. Behavior E. Ecology V. Ecological Principles A. Population B. Community C. Ecosystem D. Human impact VI. Laboratory activities and experiments A. Laboratory safety B. Scientific method 1. Making observations 2. Developing hypotheses 3. Determining variables 4. Designing controlled investigations 5. Representative sampling 6. Collecting and analyzing data 7. Evaluating validity 8. Documenting results 9. Drawing conclusions 10. Reporting a. Graphical b. Scientific writing c. Scientific posters and oral presentations C. Equipment, reagents, and supplies 1. Light microscopes 2. Wet-mount slides and staining techniques 3. Field equipment

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 28, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.