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BI-131 : Foundations of Biology

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: BI-131 Foundations of Biology

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites (if any): Students must complete any developmental requirements in English (see Proficiency in Math and English) prior to taking this course.

Course Description in college catalog:

An introductory course that provides an understanding of the natural world and how this knowledge can be applied to everyday life. Basic concepts in biology are explained with emphasis on cellular basis of life, genetics, reproduction, evolution, and ecology. Hands-on laboratory experience reinforces concepts learned in lecture and also includes dissection of selected vertebrates. 

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

Course qualifies as Pathways Common Core 1C–Life & Physical Sciences

A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

  1. Communicate effectively in various forms

  2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

  3. Reason quantitatively as required in various fields of interest and in everyday life

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate basic understanding of topics essential to the understanding of biological sciences and relate information to explaining the living world around us.

2. Understand how scientific inquiry is used to explain natural phenomenon through evidence and reasoning.

3. Demonstrate that they can process and analyze data to make informed decisions about the health of the environment and individual

4. Apply information about cellular functioning to understand the evolutionary significance of microscopic cell size

5. Demonstrate an understanding for the theory of natural selection and apply it to evolution of diversity of life, human ancestry and natural phenomenon of antibiotic resistance.

6. Use their understanding of evolution of life with the concept of Unity in Diversity of life on Earth

7. Identify principles of genetics, patterns of inheritance of traits including human disorders, and apply principles learned to understand concepts in applied biotechnology.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of ecological relationships between organisms and their environment and relate the knowledge acquired to global environmental issues.

9. Think critically and make informed decisions about global issues that affect living organisms and their environment

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

  1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

4 EXAMS               = 80% (~27% EACH, lowest grade dropped)                                       

Class performance = 5% (Attendance; lab performance; classroom participation, meeting submission deadlines)

Lab Reports:          =15% (5-6 lab reports in all)

4 QUIZZES             = (Extra Credit) (maximum of 4 points added to the overall class average)

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window.

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.

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