BI-132: Laboratory: Foundations of Biology

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: BI-132 Laboratory: Foundations of Biology

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

Credits: 1

Pre-requisites (if any): BE-131

Co-requisites (if any): BE-131

Course Description in college catalog:

An introductory laboratory course that provides an opportunity for students to get hands on experience in biology. It centers around performing laboratory experiments that explains biological concepts like cellular basis, properties and diversity of life, microscopic world of cells, ecological interactions, photosynthesis, respiration, evolution of life, patterns of inheritance and human genetics. Fetal pig dissections are also part of the course to familiarize students with mammalian organ system anatomy and physiology. 

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

This course satisfies one credit laboratory requirement for a degree.

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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. Outline principles of genetics, theory of evolution, components of cell theory and ecological interactions among all living organisms

2. Demonstrate an understanding of life at its many levels starting, cells, organisms to ecosystems and the global biosphere

3. Connect the concept of cellular basis of life with that of “Unity” in the immense “diversity” of life on Earth.

4. Describe cell types and some basic cellular processes like respiration and photosynthesis and apply this knowledge to understanding the connection between various components of any ecosystem.

5. Show an understanding of origin of life by assembly of atoms of simple elements into molecules to biomolecules and the eventual formation of a cell.

6. Demonstrate an understanding for the theory of natural selection and apply it to evolution of diversity of life and human ancestry.

7. Show an understanding of patterns of inheritance of traits including some select human disorders.

8. Apply the information they learned to think critically and make informed decisions about global issues that affect living organisms and their environment.

9. List various mammalian organ systems, their component organs and their function and relate the information to general health and well-being.

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:

Quizzes (6 in all):  75% (15 % each, lowest grade being dropped)
Fetal Pig Lab Practical:  20%
Lab performance:  5% (class participation, performance in laboratory exercises; attendance etc.

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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