BIOL 106 - Contemporary Biologic Issues

Credit Hours: 4

Intended for non-science majors, although two credit hours from any one of the following classes may be applied toward the biology major. In addition, more than one course may be taken for graduation credit, but only one counts for the gen ed requirement. Topical offerings provide students with current content knowledge within important fields of biological science and also serve as a platform for illustrating how scientific inquiry develops and addresses scholarly questions. Following are descriptions of the different course offerings: a. Environmental Science examines the basic principles of evolution, ecology, and population biology. These principles lay the groundwork for a detailed look at world biodiversity, conservation, sustainable resource use, and anthropogenic-based water and air pollution. b. Conservation Science deals with the threats facing the Earth’s biological diversity such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, and exotic species introductions. In addition, practical approaches to maintaining and managing biological diversity are examined and the critical linkages between ecology, economics, and politics are emphasized. c. Concepts in Evolution provide an introduction to fundamental principles underpinning contemporary evolutionary biology. In addition to lecture and text readings, weekly discussion meetings provide a forum for evaluating the extent to which evolutionary principles may provide a contextual framework for understanding a number of contemporary social issues. d. Genetic Frontiers and Biotechnology surveys the scientific principles, applications and social implications of genetic engineering. e. Human Biology surveys basic biological chemistry, scientific method, tissues and organ systems and applies this to demonstrate how biology influences our quality of life. f. Human Diseases surveys microbes and disease with special emphasis on infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. The characteristics of microbes, interaction between microbes and host, immunity to disease, and treatment are also emphasized.

Note: Lecture and laboratory experiences are included.