BI 213: Principles of Biology 3

Subject
Credits 5
Course Adoption Date
Course Revision Date
Audit Available

Includes plant and animal anatomy and physiology, and individual, population, community and ecosystem ecology. The third course of a three-course sequence for students majoring in biology and other sciences, including pre-medical, pre-dental, and related fields.

Addendum to Course Description

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-sciences.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion students will be able to:

  • apply biological theories and concepts to novel problems in plant/animal anatomy and physiology and ecology;
  • assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies in plant/animal anatomy and physiology and ecology and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge of plant/animal anatomy and physiology and ecology on human society and the environment.
  • apply concepts from plant/animal anatomy and physiology and ecology to their lives and community (personal, work, and career);
  • develop informed positions and opinions on contemporary issues in plant/animal anatomy and physiology and ecology, while considering ethical, scientific, community, and cultural implications;
  • communicate concepts in plant/animal anatomy and physiology and ecology using appropriate terminology in both written and verbal forms.
Prerequisite Courses
Grading Options
Letter Grades
Additional Information

This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, Computer Science/AAS, Science, Math, Computer Science/AGS, Science, Math, Computer Science/AS, Science, Math, Computer Science/AAOT, Science, Math, Computer Science/ASOT-B.