Biol 1114 Critical Issues in Human Biology

Biol 1114 is intended for people interested in the critical and ethical issues related to how the human body functions. Topics such as ethical decision-making, genetic engineering, living wills, and issues related to prevention of cancer will be examined. The course will build the biological framework for understanding these dilemmas by exploring the scientific method and human body systems. Students have the option of taking Biol 1110 (Human Biology Lab, a 1-credit laboratory section) concurrently or following completion of Biol 1114. Completion of Biol 1110 and Biol 1114 fulfills the Natural Sciences requirement for the Minnesota transfer curriculum.

The syllabus is available on D2L. Login here: https://inverhills.ims.mnscu.edu/

 

 

Textbook:  J. Goodenough, B. McGuire & R. Wallace, 2007. Biology of Humans, Pearson Prentice Hall [Any edition is fine.]

Syllabus: On D2L.

Grading:
Each assignment will be given a point value. Exams may consist of term definitions, multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, short answers, and essay questions. Spelling matters. Lectures, journals, discussions, classroom exercises and reading assignments will be covered. Topics covered are listed on the class schedule.
Class projects will be done on a team basis for on-site classes, and individually or as a team for online classes. All team members will receive the same grade.
There may be non-graded written assignments required, which will count toward class participation.

Course content: A wide array of course content is available to registered students on IHCC's Desire2Learn site: https://inverhills.ims.mnscu.edu/

Fall 2011 Approximate Schedule for online section (PRELIMINARY)

 

Mon

Learning Topics

Other activities

Online discussion

Other Reading

Textbook (Goodenough)

8/22/11

1 Introduction, expectations. What is Human biology? What is a critical issue? Scientific method. Science. Sources of information.

Homework 1: Types of articles  Due Tuesday 8/30

Introduce yourself

Science articles (packet)

Chapter 1 - Humans in the world of biology

8/29/11

2 Chemistry

Short question 1: Due Tuesday 9/6

1. Discussion: Synthetic life

Venter creating synthetic life (online article)

Chemistry: Chapter 2

9/5/11

3 Cells, DNA, Gene Therapy

Start thinking about semester project.
Homework 2: drug testing*  Due Tuesday 9/13

   

Cells: Chapter 3  DNA: Chapter 21
Gene therapy: Chapter 21 Mitosis/Meiosis: Chapter 19

9/12/11

4 Reproductive system

Exam I.  Saturday - Tuesday.  9/10-9/13 Introduction through cells
Short question 2: Due Tuesday 9/18

2. Discussion: Genetic enhancement

Online article

Chap. 17 - Reproductive system

9/19/11

5 Embryological development; stem cells

SSD Tuesday
Short question 3: Due Tuesday 9/27

   

Chapter 18 “Development throughout Life”
Chapter 19a “Stem Cells”

9/26/11

6 ART/Cloning   Teratogens

Declare topic choice for project.  Draft summary sheet due Tues 10/4.

3. Cloning

Cloning! http://www.religioustolerance.org/cloning.htm

 

10/3/11

7 Gender determination and  identity

Homework 3: Atrazine  Due Tuesday 10/11

     

10/10/11

Pathogens, Immune system

Exam II. Sat - Tues. 10/8-10/11 Reproduction
Short question 4:  Due Tuesday 10/18

4: Gender identity

Supporting boys & girls when the line isn't clear

Chapter 13 - Body defense mechanisms

10/17/11

Pandemics

Homework 4: Epidemics  Due Tuesday 10/25

   

Chap. 17a - HIV-AIDS

10/24/11

Antibiotic resistance
Work on presentations

Short question 5: . Due Tuesday 11/1

5. Discussion: Should HPV vaccine be part of the regular childhood vaccines?

Case study on HPV vaccine http://www.sciencecases.org/hpv/hpv.asp

Chapter 13a Infectious Disease

10/31/11

Exam III - Sat - Tues.11/5-11/8 Pathogens through antibiotic resistance
Review projects

Answer questions on your own presentation

3 other student presentations

 

11/7/11

Metabolism

Student presentations & evaluations
Homework 5: Review 3 others' presentations.
Homework 6: Answer questions on your own presentation

6. Politics of corn (M. Pollan) 
Extra credit: Attend campus workshop on socioeconomic class and healthcare.  Date tbd.
Continue to review projects

Pollan from Omn. Dil. on corn

Chapter 15a: Nutrition
Chapter 2a: Food Safety

11/14/11

Metabolism

Review projects

     

11/21/11

Obesity, Eating disorders

Short question 6:    Due Tuesday 11/29

7. Discussion: Dawn of the Anthropocene epoch

Dawn of the Anthropocene epoch?  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100326101117.htm

 

11/28/11

 

Exam IV - Sat - Tues.  Metabolism. 11/26-11/29

     

12/5/11

Topic choice: Cancer, Population, Race, or Climate Change

 

EC discussion - Vom Saal

to be determined

tbd

12/12/11

Finals week

Final Exam. Sat - Tues. -12/10 - 12/13 Must be completed by 12/13

 

 

-------------------------------------

Return to my home page