Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
ICS-0207
Organization's ID:
SCI120
Organization:
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
Self-paced (52 weeks)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Introduction to Biology
This course is recommended for non-science majors.
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to explain the origin of life and the relationships between all living things. It describes how a significant number of organisms are structured and how they work, to enable students to intelligently discuss the various forms of life and their processes.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the characteristics of living things
  • Explain and apply the scientific method
  • Explain the process of photosynthesis
  • Describe the basic traits of organic molecules
  • Describe the traits of cancer and explain how it develops
  • List the characteristics of the major classes of invertebrates
  • Discuss the functions of four types of animal tissues
  • Identify the components and functions of major human organ systems
  • Identify and explain the components of the immune system
  • Describe the organization and development of communities, as well as the characteristics of ecosystems
  • Identify the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
  • Identify basic chemistry and the properties of water
  • Describe the steps involved in cellular respiration
  • Explain the processes of mitosis and meiosis and identify the phases of each
  • Discuss the basic principles of both Mendelian and modern genetics
  • Describe the structure and function of DNA and RNA
  • List the domains and kingdoms of living organisms
  • Discuss Darwin's theory of natural selection and evolution
  • Compare and contrast the types of natural selection and evolution
  • Compare and contrast the traits of microorganisms
  • Differentiate between major plant groups and outline their characteristics
  • Identify and describe basic plant anatomy, responses, and reproduction
  • Name and describe seven classes of nonextinct vertebrates
  • Explain the factors that influence population growth
  • Explain the effects modern human society has had on many of the world's ecosystems

General Topics:

  • The cell, genetics, evolution and the diversity of life, structure and function in plants and animals, and ecology
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Discussion
  • Lectures

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes
  • Written Papers

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials

Other offerings from Penn Foster College

(ICS-0044)
(ICS-0208)
(ICS-0160)
(ICS-0240)