District Syllabus
BSC1005
Introduction to Biology


Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Laboratory Fee: None.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.
Comments:
Catalog Description: 
Survey of biological principles as they apply to lifestyle choices, 
health and nutrition, bioenergetics, environmental impact, heredity, 
physiology, and organismal change over time; and the application of 
these principles to issues of current interest. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 
BIOLOGY MAJORS. Meets AA general education Core Course Requirements, 
Natural Sciences (Biological Sciences).
Required Materials: Books:
  • Belk and Borden-Maier. Biology Science for Life with Physiology, 4th ed., Pearson, 2013. ISBN: 0321767837
Supplemental Materials: -->
Special Requirements: The Special Requirements are currently being revised.
Program Learning Outcomes: 
GLOBAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

GLO 1 - Critical Thinking: The student evaluates the validity of 
ideas, developing informed opinions or defensible conclusions.

GLO 3 - Scientific and Mathematical Literacy: The student properly 
identifies and applies scientific or mathematical principles and 
methods.

GLO 4 - Information Literacy: The student effectively locates, 
evaluates, and applies information from a variety of sources.
Course Learning Outcomes: 
Upon successful completion of BSC1005, the student will:

1.   Become familiar with the principles of biology including the 
     cell theory, cellular processes, theory of heredity and
     evolution, and the major groups of organisms.
2.   Describe the levels of organization of life.
3.   Identify characteristics of living organisms.
4.   Describe the structure of an atom.
5.   Explain the various types of chemical bonds and how they are 
     formed.
6.   Relate chemistry and chemical processes to living organisms.
7.   Differentiate between organic and inorganic molecules that are 
     important for the survival of living organisms.
8.   Explain the cell theory.
9.   Distinguish among various cell types including prokaryotes and 
     eukaryotes.
10. Identify major cellular organelles and their functions.
11. Explain the function of the cell membrane including the various 
    types of transport across the cell membrane.
12. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
13. Explain the basic concepts of heredity.
14. Describe the basic structure and function of DNA and RNA.
15. Explain the process of protein synthesis.
16. Discuss cellular respiration and photosynthesis
17. Distinguish between anaerobic and aerobic respiration.
18. Evaluate evolution and the role of random mutation and natural 
    selection to the adaptation of organisms.
19. Describe species and speciation.
20. Relate the importance of other living organisms to the existence 
    of humans.
21. Categorize living organisms according to domain, kingdom and 
    phyla. 
22. Identify the major organs, functions and homeostatic imbalances 
    of the human body systems. 
23. Compare human body systems to the systems of other living 
    organisms.
24. Evaluate the effect of various human practices on the 
    environment.
Methods of Evaluation: 
Evaluation of student progress towards achieving the stated learning 
outcomes and performance objectives is the responsibility of the 
instructor, within the policies of the college and the department. 
Detailed explanations are included in the expanded Syllabus 
developed by the instructor for each section being taught.
Flexibility: It is the intention of the instructor to accomplish the objectives specified in the course syllabus. However, circumstances may arise which prohibit the fulfilling of this endeavor. Therefore, this syllabus is subject to change. When possible, students will be notified of any change in advance of its occurrence.
Student Email Accounts: Pensacola State College provides an institutional email account to all credit students. Pirate Mail is the official method of communication, and students must use Pirate Mail when communicating with the College. In cases where companion software is used for a particular class, emails may be exchanged between instructor and student using the companion software.
Note: For students with a disability that falls under the Americans with Disability Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, it is the responsibility of the student to notify Student Resource Center for ADA Services to discuss any special needs or equipment necessary to accomplish the requirements for this course. Upon completion of registration with the Student Resource Center for ADA Services office, specific arrangements can be discussed with the instructor.
Equity Statement: Pensacola State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in its programs, activities and employment. For inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination policies, contact: The Executive Director of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct 1000 College Boulevard. Building 5, Pensacola, Florida 32504 (850) 484-1759