Biology 103 Course Outcomes

 Biology 103 - General Biology III

Upon completion of this course, students will be expected to be able to:

• Recognize and characterize major features of structure and function, behavior, life cycle, classification, ecological roles and common representatives in a survey of major groups of bacteria, protists, fungi and plants (moss, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms).  Describe how "alteration of generations" is displayed in typcial plant life cycles.  Contrast basic characteristics of familiar life forms to those of typical viruses and viral "life" cycles.
• Be able to properly and effectively use a microscope (to 1000X) and a dissecting scope to view representative specimens.
• Understand the basic features of populations and communities of organisms, and their interaction, including coevolutionary characteristics of plants and animals.
• Describe the typical patterns of energy flow thorugh ecosystems and the key components and life-supporting roles of Earth's major biogeochemical cycles:  water, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
• Recognize the major biomes of Earth, characteristic biotic and abiotic features and locations.  Explain the limiting factors and corresponding features of those biomes.
• Discuss the effect of increasing human populations upon species richness and abundance.  Relate the vital interactions and interdependency of all living organisms in our ecosystems.