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
