Course and Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the scientific method to critically evaluate experiments related to current health issues in our society.
   1. Develop a question about a current health issue.
   2. Analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data related to this issue.
   3. Form and communicate a conclusion about this issue that is based on data.
   4. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the design of experiments related to this issue.
2. Use evidence to develop and communicate informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
   1. Differentiate between questions that can and cannot be answered using science.
   2. Identify appropriate credible sources of information to research a topic.
   3. Evaluate sources of information for their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Apply concepts from basic chemistry to explain aspects of cell structure and function.
   1. Describe the structure of an atom and how this structure relates to various types of chemical bonds.
   2. Discuss how properties of water relate to biological systems.
   3. Describe the pH scale and explain the function of a biological buffer.
4. Explain how basic units of cellular structure define the function of all living things.
   1. Explain the characteristics found in all living things.
   2. Describe the structure of biologically-important molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, water) and how their structure leads to their function.
   3. Explain how various cell structures participate in the function of a cell and/or organism.
   4. Discuss the role of evolution in shaping cellular structure and function.
   5. Explain how the structure of cell membranes leads to its various functions including selective permeability and transport, and cell signaling.
5. Describe the cellular metabolic processes that lead to transformations of energy and matter.
   1. Explain how enzymes catalyze reactions and the control of these reactions.
   2. Compare energy-generating processes within different types of cells.
   3. Describe the processes used for cell division
6. Compare the process and consequences of mitosis and meiosis.
   1. Apply biological theories and concepts to solve problems related to classical and molecular genetics
   2. Describe the molecular basis of inheritance.
   3. Determine the outcome in crosses involving various types of inheritance (e.g. simple dominance, co-dominance, incomplete dominance, sex-linkage).
   4. Present and decipher information about trait information using a pedigree.
7. Discuss the mechanisms that connect an organisms genotype to its phenotype.
   1. Describe the structure of DNA and the process of DNA replication.
   2. Summarize the processes involved in protein synthesis.
   3. Describe how mutations affect the process of protein synthesis and its products.
   4. Discuss the possible evolutionary consequences of mutations.
   5. Describe the purpose of gene expression and the mechanisms by which it can be regulated.