The content, assignments, and assessments for Biology for Majors II are aligned to the following learning outcomes. A full list of course learning outcomes can be viewed here: Biology for Majors II Learning Outcomes.

Module 1: Introduction to Biology

Define biology and apply its principles

• List the defining characteristics of biological life
• Identify the different kinds of cells that make up different kinds of organisms
• Describe classification and organizational tools biologists use, including modern taxonomy
• Describe biology as a science and identify the key components of scientific inquiry

Module 2: Viruses

Identify different viruses and the methods they use to infect humans

• Discuss the basics of virus discovery, evolution, and classification
• Describe a viral infection and explain what impact an infection has on its host
• Compare vaccinations and antiviral drugs as medical approaches to viruses
• Describe prions and viroids

Module 3: History of Life

Discuss the history of life on Earth

• Explain the theory of evolution
• Define species and identify how species form
• Discuss the ways populations evolve
• Read and analyze a phylogenetic tree that documents evolutionary relationships

Module 4: Prokaryotes

Identify the different kinds of prokaryotes and common bacteria that infect humans

• Discuss the diversity of prokaryotic cells
• Describe the structure of prokaryotic cells
• Identify the metabolic needs of prokaryotes
• Identify common bacterial diseases in humans
• Identify common prokaryotes that are beneficial to humans

Module 5: Protists

Discuss the organisms in Kingdom Protista

• Identify the common characteristics of protists
• Classify protists into unique categories
• Describe the role that protists play in the ecosystem

Module 6: Fungi

Discuss the organisms in Kingdom Fungi

• Identify the common characteristics of fungi
• Classify fungi into unique categories
• Describe the role that fungi play in the ecosystem
• Identify common fungal parasites and pathogens

Module 7: Plant Diversity

Differentiate between different types of plants

• Classify seedless plants
• Classify seed plants

Module 8: Plant Structure and Function

Discuss the structure and function of plants

• Identify basic common structures of plants
• Describe how water and solutes are transported in plants
• Identify common sensory systems and responses in plants
• Identify the key elements and processes in plant growth
• Discuss the common nutritional needs of plants

Module 9: Plant Reproduction

Differentiate between different types of plants

• Discuss the reproductive development and structure of plants
• Describe how plants reproduce asexually
• Describe how plants reproduce sexually

Module 10: Animal Diversity

Discuss the importance of animal diversity

• Discuss the evolutionary history of the animal kingdom
• Chart animal phylogeny
• Describe the various types of body plans that occur in animals
• Discuss the tissue structures found in animals
• Discuss methods and features of animal reproduction
• Discuss the importance of homeostasis in animals

Module 11: Invertebrates

Classify different types of invertebrates

• Identify the common characteristics of phylum Porifera
• Identify the common characteristics of phylum Cnidaria
• Identify the common characteristics of superphylum Lophotrochozoa
• Identify the common characteristics of superphylum Ecdysozoa
• Identify the common characteristics of superphylum Deuterostomia

Module 12: Vertebrates

Classify different types of vertebrates

• Identify the common characteristics of chordates
• Identify characteristics of fishes
• Identify characteristics of amphibians
• Identify characteristics of amniotes
• Identify characteristics of reptiles
• Identify characteristics of birds
• Identify characteristics of mammals

Module 13: Overview of Body Systems

Describe different body systems

• Discuss how different body systems interact with one another
• Describe the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, and sensory systems
• Describe the circulatory, immune, respiratory, and digestive systems
• Describe the muscular, skeletal, and integumentary systems

Module 14: The Nervous System

Describe the components and role of the nervous system

• Identify the two primary parts of the nervous system and describe the function and structure of neurons and glial cells
• Explain the way neurons communicate
• Identify the components of the central nervous system
• Identify the components of the peripheral nervous system
• Describe the symptoms, potential causes, and treatment of several examples of nervous system disorders

Module 15: The Endocrine System

Describe the components and role of the endocrine system

• Identify different types of hormones and explain the regulation of hormone production
• Describe the two types of hormone receptors
• Describe how hormones regulate body processes
• Describe the role of different glands in the endocrine system

Module 16: The Reproductive System

Describe the components and role of the reproductive system

• Describe advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction
• Describe human male and female reproductive anatomies
• Describe the roles of male and female reproductive hormones
• Discuss internal and external methods of fertilization
• Explain how the embryo forms from the zygote
• Explain fetal development during the three trimesters of gestation

Module 17: Sensory Systems

Describe the components and role of the sensory system

• Identify the general and special senses in humans
• Describe how somatosensation, the sense of touch, works
• Explain how taste and smell work together
• Trace the path of sound through the auditory system to the site of transduction of sound
• Trace the path of light through the eye to the point of the optic nerve

Module 18: The Circulatory System

Describe the components and role of the circulatory system

• Describe the organization of the vertebrate circulatory system
• Describe the structure and function of blood in the body
• Describe the structure of the heart and explain how cardiac muscle is different from other muscles
• Explain the structure of arteries, veins, and capillaries, and how blood flows through the body

Module 19: The Respiratory System

Describe the components and role of the respiratory system

• Describe the passage of air from the outside environment to the lungs
• Understand how gas pressure influences how gases move into and out of the body
• Describe how the structures of the respiratory system control the mechanics of breathing
• Explain how gases are transported in the body

Module 20: The Immune System

Describe the components and role of the immune system

• Explain immediate and induced innate immune responses
• Explain adaptive immunity
• Describe the structure and function of antibodies

Module 21: The Digestive System

Describe the components and role of the digestive system

• Compare and contrast different types of digestive systems
• Explain how energy is produced through diet and digestion
• Discuss the processes and regulations involved in digestion

Module 22: The Excretory System

Describe the components and role of the excretory system

• Explain why osmoregulation and osmotic balance are important body functions
• Describe the structure of the kidneys and the functions of the parts of the kidney
• Explain how different excretion systems function

Module 23: The Musculoskeletal System

Describe the components and role of the musculoskeletal system

• Discuss the different types of skeletal systems
• Discuss the structure and function of bones
• Classify the different types of joints on the basis of structure
• Explain the role of muscles in locomotion

Module 24: The Integumentary System

Describe the components and role of the integumentary system

• Describe the layers of the skin and the functions of each layer
• Identify the accessory structures of the skin
• Describe the different functions of the skin
• Identify different diseases, disorders, and injuries of the integumentary system

Module 25: Ecology of Living Things

Define the scope and components of ecology

• Identify the scope of ecology
• Distinguish between abiotic and biotic components of the environment
• Identify different biomes of our world
• Discuss the scope and study of population ecology
• Discuss the scope and study of community ecology

Module 26: Ecology and the Environment

Discuss the ecology as it relates to the environment

• Describe how organisms acquire energy
• Discuss the biogeochemical cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
• Identify evidence of climate change
• Explain why conservation biology and biodiversity are important