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

Module 1: Define biology and apply its principles

Introduction to Biology

• List the defining characteristics of biological life
• Discuss the history of the study of life and the diversity of life on Earth
• Identify the main branches of biology
• Describe biology as a science and identify the key components of scientific inquiry

Module 2: Discuss the history of life on Earth

History of Life

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

Prokaryotes

• 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 4: Discuss the organisms in Kingdom Protista

Protists

• Identify the common characteristics of protists
• Describe the role that protists play in the ecosystem

Module 5: Discuss the organisms in Kingdom Fungi

Fungi

• Identify the common characteristics of fungi
• Describe the role that fungi play in the ecosystem
• Identify common fungal parasites and pathogens
• Discuss common human usage of fungi

Module 6: Differentiate between different types of plants

Plant Diversity

• Classify seedless plants
• Classify seed plants

Module 7: Discuss the structure and function of plants

Plant Structure and Function

• Identify basic common structures of plants
• Discuss common functions of plants

Module 8: Discuss the methods and structures of plant reproduction

Plant Reproduction

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

Module 9: Discuss the importance of animal diversity

Animal Diversity

• Discuss the evolutionary history of the animal kingdom
• Chart animal phylogeny

Module 10: Discuss the common features of organism in the animal kingdom

Features of the Animal Kingdom

• 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: Classify different types of invertebrates

Invertebrates

• Identify the common characteristics of phylum Porifera Phylum
• 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: Classify different types of vertebrates

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: Describe different body systems

Overview of 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: Define the scope and components of ecology

Ecology of Living Things

• 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 15: Discuss ecology as it relates to the environment

Ecology and 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