BIOL& 212 Majors Animal

5 credits

Continuation of the three quarter majors biology series. Emphasis is placed on the evolution and biological diversity of animals; general principles of animal physiology, growth, and development; select animal systems; and how animal systems interact. Includes laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL& 211

Student Outcomes/Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Apply scientific methodology to evaluate and draw conclusions about original and published data and experiments
Describe the theory of evolution through natural selection and identify and describe the scientific evidence used to support evolutionary theory
Identify and evaluate the factors responsible for evolution within a population (microevolution)
Define the term biological species and explain how new species emerge
Describe the macroevolutionary history of animal evolution and diversity
Describe how organisms are classified on the basis of evolutionary relationships using standard taxonomy and hierarchical phylogenetic trees
Identify the characteristics used to classify an organism as an animal, and compare and contrast the body plans and developmental characteristics of key animal phyla
Describe select major animal organ systems and physiological processes for diverse animal phyla, including homeostasis; nutrition and digestion; circulation; immunity; fluid balance; reproductive, sensory and motor systems
Use appropriate biological terms to provide oral and written explanations of scientific concepts and lab results
Safely implement laboratory procedures and methods, including comparative dissections and use of the scientific method to investigate animal biology topics
Observe, measure, record, and analyze data using standard scientific instrumentation and methods
Present lab data in graphical form, analyze and interpret results
Research course topics using various resources
Interpret scientific data through case studies