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Course Descriptions

BIO 156 - Introduction to Organismal Biology and Ecology

4 Credits

Principles of biology with an emphasis on the diversity of life, the structure and function of plants and animals, and general ecological principles. The laboratory features activities and experiments that reinforce the concepts presented in lecture. This course is one of two foundation courses in introductory biology for science majors or science-interested students. This course may also fulfill a natural science elective for science-interested students.

Prerequisite(s): Living Environment Regents Exam score of 80 or higher (or equivalent for students that did not attend New York State Public School), or a C or better in BIO 120 or BIO 155.

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning)

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. List the general characteristics of the domains and kingdoms of living organisms. List differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
2. Describe the hierarchical system for classification of organisms, the species concept, and be able to apply the basic rules of Phylogenetic Systematics (cladistics) to show evolutionary relationships among taxa.
3. Compare the characteristics of selected taxonomic groups of: bacteria, fungi, protists, animals and plants with respect to evolutionary relationships, cell and/or tissue types, body plans, modes of reproduction, and life cycles (including development.
4. Describe the evolutionary changes necessary for aquatic organisms to make the transition to life on land.
5. Describe the structure of an energy flow through ecosystems.
6. Provide examples of contemporary environmental issues.
7. Describe the tissues and organs present in plants in terms of both structure and function; explain the mechanisms of growth, and transport of nutrients and water in plants.
8. Define homeostasis and provide examples of homeostatic regulation in plants and animals.
9. Compare the osmoregulatory mechanisms, developmental processes and patterns, and the structure and function of other selected organ systems in animals.
10. Demonstrate written communication competency in the form of laboratory reports, writing assignments, or short answer/essay exam questions.
11. Demonstrate problem-solving skills as they relate to biological topics.
12. Demonstrate competency in the performance of appropriate experimental protocols.
13. Demonstrate competency in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

Course Offered Fall; Spring

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Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024