Instructor: Dr. Dan DiResta, Cox Science Bldg., Rm 182, 284-2180, DiResta@miami.edu
Office Hours: Mon,Tues 10:00 - 11:00 or by appointment
Textbook: BioInquiry, Pruitt, Underwood and Surver
Course web site: http://fig.cox.miami.edu/courses.html
Course Description: This is an introductory course for students majoring in an area other than science. The course material is presented within the context of the human experience and covers cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology and the interaction of humankind with the environment. The success of this course depends on both of us - me, by providing the opportunity for your involvement, and you, by your active participation in the process.
Class Attendance: Attendance is a matter of individual choice in this class. However, a strong association exists between attendance and grades. Students who miss regularly rarely do well in the course. There will be unannounced quizzes and assignments given with no make-ups, so it is in your best interest to attend class.
Examinations: There will be 2 regular multiple choice and short essay exams each worth 100 points, and several unannounced quizzes and assignments covering lectures and readings. The final course grade will be determined by the percentage of points out of the total. There will be no cumulative final.
Honor Code: Follow it. Those caught cheating on exams, improperly referencing published written or electronic material, or submitting work that is not your own will fail the course.
Lecture Schedule:
May 17 Chapter
1
Purpose and orientation of course. The
goal of the course is to make the student scientifically aware of questions
in biology which have an impact on society and health. The relevance of
biological science in devising solutions to world problems such as AIDS,
cancer, heart disease, antibiotic resistence, overpopulation, and environmental
degradation will be discussed.
May 18 Chapter
2
Evolution. Darwin's observations and
an idea that revolutionized scientific thought. Populations, not individuals,
evolve. Natural selection is a driving force for evolution and genetic
variation provides the raw material.
OF INTEREST:Darwin’s Revolutionary Idea(new link)
May 19 Chapter 2
Evolution continued....
May 22 Chapter
3
Mendelian Genetics. How are traits inherited?
Mendel's discovery of inheritance patterns explains the source of variation
in individuals. Mendel's concept of "units of inheritance" being responsible
for transmitting traits from generation to generation comes long before
the discovery of chromosomes and genes.
May 23 Chapter 3
Inheritance and human diseases. How
can Mendel's discoveries be applied to human health and reproduction?
May 24 Chapter
4
The dynamic cell - how does it do what
it does? Simple organic compounds are the building blocks of the complex
biological molecules that make up cells. Cell structure, function and processes.
Similarities and differences among viruses. bacteria, plant and animal
cells. Are viruses alive?
OF INTEREST: Cells and Organelles
May 25 Chapter 4
Cells continued......
May 26 Chapter
5
What are genes and how are they transmitted?
The cell cycle and cancer. Meiosis, gamete production and genetic variability.
How are traits inherited? Genes, alleles and their expression. Inheritance
of genes that are on the same chromosome. How is sex determined? What are
some of the key experiments that led to the discovery of the genetic material.
OF INTEREST: Advances
in Cancer Research
OF INTEREST: Genes
and Cancer
May 30 Chapter
6
The molecular basis of inheritance.
How is information coded in the DNA molecule? How is the information contained
in DNA used? How is gene expression controlled in different tissues and
during different developmental stages.
OF INTEREST: The
Discoverers of DNA: James Watson and Francis Crick
OF INTEREST: The
Search for the Genetic Material
May 31
Biotechnology, making designer genes
and treating genetic diseases. Bioethics...Balancing the advantages and
disadvantages of molecular advances.
June 1 Chapter
7
Population genetics. Populations, not
individuals, evolve. How are allele frequencies in populations affected
by natural selection?
OF INTEREST:Born Better? (Do Black Athletes Have a Genetic Advantage?)(new link)
June 2
If sex wasn't so important, it wouldn't
feel so good. What role has sexual selection played in the evolution of
higher processes in humans?
OF INTEREST:Human
Nature: Born or Made?
OF INTEREST:The
Immoral Animal
June 6 Chapter
8
Why does life exist on Earth? How did
life evolve? Has life evolved elsewhere in the universe? Life is discussed
in terms of its chemical and physical properties. A brief look at the evolution
of biodiversity.
June 7
Biodiversity continued.....
June 8 Chapter
9
Bioenergetics. How is chemical energy
used to do biological work? Glycolysis, fermentation and respiration are
processes involved in converting chemical energy into work. What is the
ultimate source of all biological energy? Photosynthesis traps solar energy
and converts it to chemical energy.
June 9 Chapter 9
Bioenergetics continued...
June 12 Chapter
10
Homeostasis and Physiological Systems
- Why must organisms maintain constant internal function when faced with
changing internal and external environments?
June 13 Chapter
11
How does the body coordinate functions?
Organization of the vertebrate nervous system and its role in internal
and external monitoring, information processing and initiating responses.
Along with the nervous system, hormones help coordinate body functions.
Major hormonal systems involved in regulating metabolism, homeostasis and
physiological change.
June 14 Chapter 11
Acquiring nutrients and getting rid
of wastes. The coordinated functions of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory,
excretory and immune systems.
June 15 Chapter 11
Human reproduction and development.
How does a single, fertilized egg develop into a functioning organism?
What happens when things go wrong?
June 16 Chapter
14
We are rapidly approaching the ability
of the Earth to support the human population. What limits population growth?
What effects does overcrowding have on the environment? The human effect.
How has technology enabled us to alter energy flow through the environment?
June 19 Chapter
15
The Biodiversity Crisis...How do populations
interact with other populations and with the environment? The Tragedy of
the Commons. Energy flow and nutrient recycling are important ecosystem
functions.
June 20 Chapter 15
The GAIA Hypothesis and Global change