Course Catalog

BIO105E Biological Science Survey w/ Lab (4 credits) 9660

COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to basic observations, hypotheses, and theories of biology with emphasis on cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution. Scriptural perspectives on the study of God's creation and contemporary biological controversies are explored.

LEARNING RESULTS
Students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of cellular biochemistry.
• Describe cellular components and basic cellular processes.
• Describe the structure and formation of DNA.
• Identify organisms to kingdom.
• Describe the anatomy and basic physiology of plants.
• Describe the anatomy and basic physiology of several human organ systems.
• Describe several properties of ecological populations, communities, and ecosystems.
• Explain the theories of biological origins.
• Elucidate a Christian worldview perspective on a variety of biologically related topics.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
• Starr, Cecie. Biology: Concepts and Applications, 6th ed., Thomson, Dec. 2005. #0495188352
OPTIONAL TEXT
• Wright, Richard T. Biology Through the Eyes of Faith. Harper and Row, 2003.

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LEARNING EVALUATION
Evaluation is on a point system:
Exam 1 80
Exam 2 80
Exam 3 80
Cumulative Final (80 + 50) 130
Soul Projects (4 @ 20) 80
440
There are 13 lessons, 3 examinations, 1 final exam and 4 Soul Projects for this course.

LESSON TITLES
Lesson 1 – Cell Structure
Lesson 2 – Cell Mitosis
Lesson 3 – Diversity: Introduction to the Kingdoms

Lesson 4 – Biochemistry
Lesson 5 – Genetics: DNA
Lesson 6 – Botany: Angiosperm Anatomy and Physiology
Lesson 7 – Human Biology: Tissues and the Circulatory System
Lesson 8 – Human Biology: The Reproductive System and Meiosis
Lesson 9 – Genetics
Lesson 10 – Ecology
Lesson 11 – Origins: Microevolution
Lesson 12 – Origins: Speciation, Abiogenesis and Macroevolution
Lesson 13 – Christianity and Views about Origins

DISCLAIMER: THE CHRISTIAN AND EVOLUTION
The use of this text does not imply endorsement of all its views. It was chosen for academic and professional excellence. In fact, you will probably find something that is objectionable to you in any top-of-the-line biology text. Evolution may be one of these areas. It is one of the main organizing themes around which most biology texts are written. It permeates all biology to the extent that Dobzhansky has written that, "nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."
At Taylor University, we affirm that God is the Creator of the entire material universe (Gen. 1 and 2). This includes life in all of its forms. We also affirm that all of the creation has been affected by man's fall (Gen. 3 and Rom. 8), and that the biological creation has changed since its inception.
We also recognize that evangelical Christians hold a variety of viewpoints on the topic of origins and that there is no one "Christian viewpoint." For example, Christians differ on the age of the Earth-- some will assert that God created all life in six, 24 hour days, whereas others will claim that He did so over a much longer period. Christians will also differ in the degree of modification that has occurred to the originally created species. Some will have no problem with the theory of evolution as presented in introductory texts, whereas others will assert that extant species were created "as is" by God.
For the above stated reasons, studying the topic of evolution is important. My goal is to help you in your education and not simply to indoctrinate you. It is my opinion that we should understand and be able to articulate the views of others whether or not we agree with them. Perhaps then further discussions on this topic (which will occur) will generate light and not just heat.