ChabotCollege

Course Outline for Biology 6, page 1

Fall 2008

Chabot CollegeFall 2008

Replaced Fall 2011

Course Outline for Biology 6

PRINCIPLES OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY

Catalog Description:

6 – Principles of Plant Biology and Ecology4 units

Principles of the diversity, structure and function of plants, autotrophic protists, and bacteria with emphasis on cell reproduction, alternation of generations, homeostasis, development, phylogeny, taxonomy, and systematics. Principles of ecology including conservation biology. Intended for biological sciences majors. Prerequisite: Mathematics 55 or equivalent (completed with a grade of “C” or higher). Strongly recommended: eligibility for English 1A. 3 hours lecture, 3hours laboratory.

[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 52.5

Prerequisite Skills:

Before entering the course the student should be able to:

  1. graph an equation with two variables;
  2. graph logarithmic and exponential functions;
  3. apply the properties of and perform operations with rational exponents;
  4. solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values;
  5. graph linear inequalities in two variables;
  6. find the distance between two points.

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  1. apply the principles and philosophies of science;
  2. identify levels of biological organization ranging from cells to organisms and discuss their interdependencies;
  3. describe the general structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the process of cell reproduction;
  4. identify structures of autotrophic protists and plants and investigate how they obtain, manipulate, and utilize materials and energy for growth; maintenance, reproduction, and development;
  5. describe the systematics of prokaryotes, plants, and autotrophic protists;
  6. analyze interactions and changes that occur among organisms and the environment at the population, community, and ecosystem levels.

Course Content (Lecture):

1.Principles and philosophies of science; scientific method

2.Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

3.Phylogeny and systematics

4.Structure, function, evolutionary history, and classification of prokaryotes

5.Cell reproduction and alternation of generations

6.Structure, function, evolutionary history classification of autotrophic protists

7.Evolutionary history and classification of plants

8.Plant cells and tissues

9.Structure and growth of vascular plants

10.Plant nutrition

11.Transport in plants

12.Response and maintenance of homeostasis in plants

13.Plant reproduction

14.Plant development

15.Population ecology

16.Community ecology

17.Interspecific interactions

18.Ecological succession

19.Biogeochemical cycles

20.Energy flow through ecosystems

21.Terrestrial ecosystems

22.Aquatic ecosystems

23.Biodiversity

24.Conservation biology

Course Content (Laboratory Exercises):

1. Microscopy

2. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

3. Phylogeny and systematics

4. Survey of prokaryotes

5. Cell reproduction

6. Survey of autotrophic protists

7. Survey of plants

8.Plant cells and tissues

9. Structure of vascular plants

10.Plant nutrition

11.Transport in plants

12.Response and maintenance of homeostasis in plants

13.Plant reproduction

14. Plant development

15.Population ecology

16.Community ecology

17.Ecosystem dynamics

Methods of Presentation:

1.Lecture and discussion

2.Observation, collection and analysis of data

3.Laboratory studies

4.Charts, models, slides, specimens

5.Field trips

(Typical: UC Botanical Garden, Hall of Ecology at OaklandMuseum)

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1.Typical Assignments

  1. Collaborative laboratory exercise: Use dichotomous keys to identify organisms’taxa. (describe the systematics of prokaryotes, plants, and autotrophic protists)
  2. Laboratory review: Observe draw and label the stages of mitosis in onion root tips. (process of cell reproduction)
  3. Collaborative laboratory exercise: Identify characteristics and compare the structures of green algae, vascular, and non-vascular plants. (identify structures of autotrophic protists and plants)
  4. Lab report: Test the effects of excess nitrogen and phosphorus on the growth of algae. (analyze interactions and changes that occur among organisms and the environment at the ecosystem level.
  5. Lab report: Compare the effects of gibberellic acid on dwarf and normal pea plants.(investigate how plants use materials for growth and development)

2.Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

  1. Minimum of two midterm examinations
  2. Quizzes
  3. Minimum of two laboratory practicals
  4. Student projects and laboratory reports
  5. Final examination

Textbook (Typical)

Biology, Raven, Johnson, et al, McGraw Hill Publishers, 2008

Special Student Materials:

1.Coloring pencils

2.Lab coat or apron

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Revised: 10/15/08

Bio1Aoutline07.doc

Biology 6 outline Fall 08.doc