HELP 2026-2027 Catalog (BETA) Cal State East Bay Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window) Add to Folder (opens a new window)

BIOL 200 - Biological Reasoning

1. Use critical thinking to understand claims, evidence and scientific reasoning in the Biological Sciences literature;
2. Perform comprehensive scientific literature searches and evaluations of sources for credibility and relevance in the context of the Biological Sciences;
3. Appropriately use discipline-specific knowledge, style and mechanics to inform science and scientific communication to a variety of audiences in the context of the Biological Sciences;
4. Apply scientific reasoning to solve complex biological problems using a variety of scientific approaches accepted in the Biological Sciences.

1. Analyze arguments, including those that are weak or flawed.
2. Logically develop and present arguments in writing to support and refute claims using evidence.
3. Reason inductively and deductively.
4. Incorporate key critical thinking disciplinary concepts and tools when reasoning.
5. Incorporate key composition concepts and tools when writing including engaging with critical feedback, addressing different audiences, considering multiple perspectives, and integrating primary/secondary sources.

1. Write for at least two different audiences (e.g. academic, general, and/or professional).
2. Engage in writing for specific purposes (e.g. critical thinking, analytical writing, informal writing, and/or research).
3. Apply critical thinking and logical reasoning in the development and organization of ideas in written texts.
4. Consider multiple perspectives using primary and/or secondary sources, and when appropriate, incorporate key disciplinary concepts when presenting ideas in writing.
5. Revise writing with critical feedback provided by the instructor at important junctures throughout the semester in order to improve development, clarity, coherence, and correctness.