Presents protein synthesis, cell division, genetics, reproduction and development, and evolution. Designed as a laboratory science course for non-biology majors. The second course of a three-course sequence.
Upon successful completion students will be able to:
- Apply the scientific method to topics including genetics, evolution and reproduction.
- Gather and organize information on current issues in genetics, evolution and reproduction, assess its validity, and differentiate factual information from
- opinion and pseudoscience.
- Apply concepts of genetics, evolution, and reproduction to novel problems, discern their meaning, and communicate their understanding to others.
- Develop informed positions or opinions of a responsible citizen on contemporary issues in genetics, evolution and reproduction.
- Apply course concepts in genetics, evolution and reproduction to their lives (personal and career) and to the world about them.
Equivalent placement test scores also accepted.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, Computer Science/ASOT-B, Science, Math, Computer Science/AAOT, Science, Math, Computer Science/AS, Science, Math, Computer Science/AAS, Science, Math, Computer Science/AGS.
Evolution Statement
To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, Oregon Coast Community College affirms the following statements about what qualifies as science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory within biology:
- Science is a non-dogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither a guess, dogma, nor myth. Instead, theories are explanations for natural phenomena based on a preponderance of evidence. Theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are revised through observation and experimentation.
- The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, “creation "science", “intelligent design” or similar designations are neither self-examining nor investigatory. “Creation science” is not considered a legitimate science, but instead a form of religious advocacy and pseudoscience. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).
- Teaching evolution is a necessary foundational framework for understanding biology because it explains the unity and diversity of life past and present. Evolution is not a controversial topic in the scientific community because it is overwhelmingly supported by scientific evidence.
Biology instructors of Oregon Coast Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity and unity of life. Furthermore, they will stand with such organizations as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the teaching of pseudo-science.