This course is designed for the science major with a strong background in introductory biology and laboratory techniques. The course is an introduction to the evolution, diversity, anatomy, reproduction, development, and behavior of living organisms. Topics include the study of the structure, life history, and function of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals along with the theory of evolution; speciation, and systematics. The course also focuses on further developing laboratory skills to think critically, make observations and record data. 

Prerequisite Requirement: BIOL1406 Cellular & Molecular Biology or comparable course from an accredited college with a grade of at least C.

There is an expectation that the student of BIOL1407 is motivated in the biological sciences, has good independent-study skills, and works effectively as a team member.

A more detailed syllabus outlining the required materials, exams, grading criteria and course policies is available on Blackboard to students officially enrolled in the course.

The student will be assessed using lecture exams, lab quizzes, lab worksheets, and self-directed homework assignments.

Unit Exams - assessing content knowledge, concept understanding, and application of core topics covered in the lecture videos.  The format for Unit Exams consists of a combination of multiple choice, short-answer, and essay questions. Unit Exams are taken in class on scheduled days.

Lab Quizzes - assessing understanding and content knowledge of specimens and organism structures that are studied during lab exercises.  The format for lab quizzes are multiple-choice and short answer questions administered online through Blackboard. Lab Quizzes are taken online within specified time windows.

Lab Worksheets - data entry and question-based worksheets to complete in combination with lab activities.

iNaturalist Project - a self-directed species diversity project using the iNaturalist online platfrorm.

Research Paper - writing of a species life history profile from independent research of a a specific animal species..

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK

Campbell Biology.  12th ed. by Reece, et.al, Pearson Publishers. 2020. ISBN: 0135188741(Note:  The Mastering Biology Access Card version is NOT required.  A previous less expensive edition of this book will suffice)

OPTIONAL LAB ATLAS

Van de Graaff’s Photographic Atlas for Biology Laboratory, 8th ed. 2018. by Adams and Crawley. Morton Publishing. ISBN-10: 1617317659 (A previous less expensive edition will also suffice.)

COURSE LECTURE TOPICS:

Unit 1

• Scientific Classification
• Theory of evolution
• Methods of speciation
• Systematics and cladistics methods

Unit 2

• Origins of cellular life
• Structure and function of prokaryotes & viruses
• Structure and function of eukaryotic protists

Unit 3

• Structure and function of plants
• Structure and function of fungi

Uniit 4

• Animal embryological development
• Structure and function of animals (invertebrates and chordates)

LAB SESSIONS

Lab activities consists of the qualitative study of ogranismal specimens and their structures in the following topics:

• Lab safety & equipment use
• Prokaryotes
• Eukaryotic protists
• Plants - seedless non-vascular, seedless vascular, and seed-bearing vascular
• Fungi
• Animals - invertebrates and chordates
• Concepts of phylogenetic relatedness / cladistic methods

A web-based ACC Blackboard Ultra Learning Management System is used for this course that is accessible by login from the main ACC homepage.   Blackboard will be used to post course content material including announcements, lecture outlines, the lab manual, lab worksheets, lab quizzes and instructions for completing the assigned projects, .  An individual student's grade book is also maintained on Blackboard.  Students are required to use Blackboard throughout the semester as a supplement to class-room activity and to stay current on all current events and materials for class.