BIOL 107 - Introduction to Evolution

Number of Credits: 3
Introduction to Evolution focuses on the processes of evolution and how evolution impacts society. Topics include micro and macroevolution, population variation and conservation, evolutionary medicine and disease, human evolution, and cultural impacts of evolution. Attention is given to the development of a scientific way of thinking about biological diversity and change that equips students to discuss and address modern issues. This course is intended to meet science requirement for non-science majors. (Fall & Spring Only) Three hours lecture. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): exemption/completion of MAT 095 with a minimum grade of C or better, plus eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Discuss how the organizing principle of evolution by means of natural selection explains the diversity of life (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Discuss the process of scientific inquiry and explain how scientific knowledge is acquired and validated (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Access and use scientific literature to support arguments for open ended questions (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Apply the principles of evolutionary theory to address current issues (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Explain the genetic principles underlying evolutionary mechanisms (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)
Discuss how geological change impacts evolutionary change (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7)
Interpret basic phylogenetic trees and discuss why they are expected to change over time (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6)
Describe the principle mechanisms of evolution (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE5, GE6, GE7, GE8)