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, 2nd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall
ISBN 0-13-178999-6

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 2009 Approximate Schedule – subject to change

Mon

Monday

Wednesday

Reading

Homework

8/24/09

Introduction, expectations. What is Human biology? What is a critical issue? Scientific method.

Science. Nature of Science. Sources of information.

Identifying types of writing. (Research article/review article/popular press/ advocacy.) 

Homework 1: Identifying types of writing. (Research article/review article/popular press/ advocacy.) 

8/31/09

Chemistry
Homework 1 due
Quiz 1
- scientific method

Molecules

Textbook: Chapter 2 
Essay*: Bernd Heinrich on ravens

9/7/09

Holiday

Cells & DNA
Quiz 2 - chemistry

Textbook: Chap. 3 & 23

9/14/09

Gene therapy

Biol Exam 1 - through gene therapy

Textbook: Chap. 23

9/21/09

Reproductive system

Reproductive system

Textbook: Chap 17
Essay: Olivia Judson

9/28/09

ART & Cloning
Quiz 3 - reproductive system

Student success Day

Textbook: Chap 18
Essay: Octuplets

10/5/09

Embryological development & gender

Critical issues - gender, identification, orientation.

Article: What makes people gay?  OR  Supporting boys and girls when the line isn't clear

Begin planning for project - groups, topics.

10/12/09

Teratogens & EDCs 

Biol Exam 2 - through gender

Textbook: Chap 10
Essay*: Louise Erdrich, "Broken Cord" foreword (required journal)

10/19/09

Pathogens

Pathogens & diseases
4 journals due  OCT 21

10/26/09

AIDS - model of a critical issue. What the HIV virus does.

Issues - Effect of AIDS on society. Other diseases.

Textbook: Chap 13 & 13a
Essay: Trouble in the Gut

Homework 2: Historical, current, or potential epidemic.

11/2/09

Antibiotic resistance TB & MRSA
HW 2 due

Metabolism

Essay: What kills billionaires

11/9/09

Biol Test 3 - diseases and disorders

Holiday

Textbook: Chapter 15a 
Essay: Lewis Thomas on Healthcare

Project topics due

11/16/09

Metabolism

Diet, nutrients
Quiz 4 - metabolism

Essay*: Pollan (NYT)

Homework 3: diet analysis

11/23/09

Obesity, metabolic syndrome
HW 3 due

Eating disorders

Textbook: Chap 4
Other essays: 1665 bubonic plague, 1976 swine flu

11/30/09

Student Presentations

Student presentations
Last 4 journals due

Textbook: Chap 23
Outside article* - your choice

Project summary sheets due

12/7/09

Student Presentations

Population

12/14/09

Final Monday Dec. 14th, 2009, 12:00 – 2:00 pm