BC's Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institute

BIOL-050 - General Biology -

BIOL-050 - General Biology -

Course Details
This course covers the basic principles of biology, detailing biological processes and diversity with respect to ecology and evolution. BIOL 050 covers the Core Topics for Biology: Advanced Level set out in the A.B.E. B.C. Articulation Handbook http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/abe/docs/handbook.pdf.
Part of the:
  • ACADEMIC/CAREER PREPARATION Department
  • Developmental Studies Department
  • Available/Required in the following Programs:
  • College Readiness - Qualifying Courses
  • Prerequisites : SCIE 040, or advisor assessed equivalent or permission of instructor.
    Transferability: Provincially articulated.
    Course Outline
    Instructors Qualifications: Relevant Bachelor's Degree
    Office Hours: 1.5 per week
    Contact Hours: 90
    Student Evaluation
    Procedure:
    Assignments/Labs/Quizzes/Tests 50-70%, Final 30-50%, total 100%. Grading procedures follow NVIT policy.
    Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:
  • Obtain the prerequisite body of knowledge and skills that will provide a basis for further academic and career/vocational education and training;

  • Demonstrate awareness of the diversity and interconnectedness of organisms;

  • Use scientific method to evaluate information and to analyze experiences;

  • Communicate about life sciences in their own words and cite references appropriately;

  • Work independently and also as part of a team, where appropriate;

  • Evaluate media regarding issues in life sciences; and,

  • Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues relevant to life sciences.

  • All ABE biology courses must include a minimum of seven dedicated laboratory and /or fieldwork activities, wherein biology learners should be able to:
  • Demonstrate familiarity with common lab and field equipment and its use;

  • Conduct lab and field procedures safely and ethically;

  • Demonstrate microscope skills;

  • Collect and record data effectively;

  • Analyze and interpret data collected; and,

  • Communicate results and conclusions.

  • Core Topics
    A. Cell Biology
  • Describe the cell theory;

  • Identify the levels of biological organization;

  • Describe and compare major structures and their functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;

  • Outline the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and explain their roles in living systems; and,

  • Explain cell division in terms of sexual and asexual reproduction.

  • B. Evolution
  • Cite evidence for evolutionary theory;

  • Explain the mechanisms of evolution; and,

  • Discuss the origin of life.

  • C. Diversity of Life
  • Demonstrate an understanding of classification;

  • Identify major taxonomic groups; and,

  • Identify structures and distinguishing characteristics and describe life processes for the following groups:

  • 1. Viruses
    2. Bacteria
    3. Protists
    4. Fungi
    5. Plants – nonvascular and vascular
    6. Animals – invertebrates and vertebrates
    D. Ecology
  • Describe energy flow and nutrient cycles within ecosystems;

  • Characterize ecosystems and the interactions therein;

  • Describe ecological changes over time;

  • Define biosphere and characterize biomes; and

  • Identify and evaluate ecological issues.

  • Options
    The following topics may be included:
  • Bioethics;

  • Ethnobotany;

  • Resource management;

  • Applied ecology;

  • Methods in ecology;

  • Behavioural ecology;

  • Genetics;

  • Parasitology; and,

  • Local topics.
  • Text and Materials:
  • E.J. Simon, J.B Reece, J.L. Dickey. Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology. Latest Edition. Boston. Pearson.
  • Other Resources:
    Transfer Credits: For more information visit: www.bctransferguide.ca
    Other Information: Education Council approved October 30, 2013.