BIOL 130 - Connecting to Biology

Units: 2 ; Breadth Area: GE - E
Connecting to Biology provides Biology majors with a first-year introduction to the discipline in a safe, relaxed course atmosphere, while simultaneously promoting peer-community where students with shared interests can teach, learn, and support one another within and beyond the classroom.

Prerequisites: Biology majors only
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-E Lifelong Understanding and Self Development
Course Typically Offered: Fall ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explain core biological concepts, including the structure and function of DNA, the ecological interconnectedness of living systems, the growth of biological understanding;
Apply quantitative reasoning to address biological questions in ecology and genetics;
Practice biological inquiry and communication of biological information through hands on hypothesis generation, data collection, data analysis, data visualization, and reporting conclusions on real-world case studies;
Reflect upon social-cultural aspects, including the evaluation of historical racism, sexism, and colonialism in Biology;
Develop skills and abilities that will serve students throughout their lives by making lifelong connections with the environment & natural world;
Apply learning within, and outside, of the classroom through authentic research on real-word case studies and activities;
Demonstrate the capacity to make informed and ethical decisions focusing on social justice issues in the context of biology, ethical debates in modern biology, and the interplay between biology and society.

E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development Learning Outcomes

develop intellectual, practical, and/or physical skills and abilities that will serve them throughout their lives;
apply their learning to other pursuits within and outside of the classroom; and
demonstrate the capacity to make informed and ethical decisions.