Course Description:   
Explores fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molecular level to the ecological community with emphasis on general biological principles.  Introduces the diversity of living organisms, their structure, function and evolution.

Through the year, students will conduct independent and group investigations at the Natural History Museum, National Zoo, Sherando Park Recreation Area, BRCC Arboretum, and more. (click here to see the original course description - archived summer 2001)

Student Performance Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Summarize Mendel's contribution to genetics.
2. Correctly work through Mendelian and non-Mendelian problems (including sex-linked, incomplete dominance & pedigree charts).
3. Predict outcomes in population genetics using the Hardy-Weinberg theory.
4. Explain different mechanisms for speciation.
5. Discuss gradualism v. punctuated equilibrium.
6. Explain the relationship between phylogeny and animal development.
7. Describe each human system at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels (including homeostatic mechanisms for each system).
8. Summarize the evolution of land plants.
9. Distinguish between the major groups of plants with respect to reproduction and alternation of generations.
10. I'm a botanist, so you can bet your sweet bippie that you will know plant anatomy and physiology inside and out! This includes two of my favorites: transpiration and translocation :-)
11. Identify a tree using a dichotomous key.
12. Discuss the genetic basis and subsequent development of behavior.
13. Describe adaptive behavior and current aspects of sociobiology.
14. Describe population ecology and community ecology using examples from the Shenandoah Valley.
15. Summarize the human effect on the ecosystem by describing the chemical cycling.
16. Perform some basic demographic analyses (includes interpreting population growth rate and survivorship curves).
17. Understand the importance of conservation biology and the direct and indirect value of biodiversity.

 Evaluation and Requirements:
Attendance Policy:  Mandatory On-campus meetings - Only YOU are to attend. I love kids too, but you must not bring children (or any other close relatives/friends/pets) to lab.

Grading Policy: Your semester grade will be based on a 10 point scale, with:

Test Policy and Procedure:
For more information on testing please click on the above link.

Withdrawal:
If you must withdraw from the course it is your responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork for the withdrawal at the Admissions Office. If you stop attending lectures or labs without officially withdrawing from the course, you will receive the grade earned based on your point total (at the time you stop coming) divided by the maximum points (as if you had completed all work). This usually means a grade of F will be recorded.

Text (required):

• Set of CDs (Thinkwell Biology). These CDs will serve as our official course textbook. Each CD has dozens of "mini-lectures" on specific topics (i.e. one may be on microevolution and another on macroevolution) which feature video clips of a biology instructor and several smaller screens illustrating terms and concepts used in his lecture. Click on the Thinkwell link and view their preview for more information. Our campus bookstore has them in stock. In addition to purchasing the CDs, I still strongly recommend you purchase a used biology book, or at least check out one at your local library. 
• BiologyLabs On-Line. Michael A. Palladino. These are also on sale in our campus bookstore.

Instructional Materials:

Academic Dishonesty:
I will follow the written description of what constitutes academic dishonest acts described in your 2000-2001 Student Handbook (pp. 42-43).

Class Schedule and Sequence of Instruction: 
See Fall 2001 Schedule    Spring 2002 Schedule

J. Murray
Copyright © 2001 Blue Ridge Community College
All rights reserved.
Revised: May 19, 2004 .