EBIO 1040 Biology: A Human Approach 2

Instructor Contact:

Amanda Edmiston Schaetzel, Ph.D.


Email: Amanda.Schaetzel@colorado.edu

Instructor Bio:

I have been teaching in the biological sciences for over 20 years, many of which have included teaching online classes. I love what online classes offer: a means for getting a quality education in a flexible setting. Having taken a number of online classes, I am very aware of what works and what doesn’t work in an online class. I know that having clear guidelines are important in detailing expectations for the students as well as the instructors. I know that clear communication is paramount for the functioning of a successful online class. I also know that much of what a student learns in an online class is done on their own; therefore some of the material can be difficult to understand. I will do my best to establish clear expectations for the class, to communicate in a timely and effective manner with you, and to help you understand challenging concepts.

A little about my background: My undergraduate degree in biology is from Boston University. My graduate degree is from the University of Colorado (Go Buffs!) and my focus of study was neuroscience. While in grad school I developed a real love for teaching and have been teaching since. I have taught different biological topics at a number of different schools (both online and in the classroom) including the University of Colorado, the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Colorado Community College Online, and Front Range Community College.

About the Course:

This lecture-based (no lab) class focuses on how animals work. A central theme for this course is the structure and function of different animal systems, especially of the human. This course is recommended for non-science majors and meets MAPS (minimum academic preparation standards) requirement for natural science. It is approved for the Arts and Sciences core curriculum for natural science (3 Credits).

Objectives:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the chemical basis of life, emphasizing how atoms interact with each other.
• Distinguish between the different macromolecules that construct living organisms.
• Summarize the structure and function of the various cellular components.
• Distinguish between bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.
• Differentiate between the four types of tissues found in animals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of homeostasis.
• Describe human skin, including structure and functions.
• Describe neural control and structures within the animal body.
• Examine the different forms of sensory perception, including the special senses.
• Compare different forms of animal behavior, including instinctive versus learned behavior.
• Summarize the actions and targets of different animal hormones.
• Describe the components of structural support and movement for animals.
• Discuss the different types of circulatory systems while addressing topics such as blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
• Compare the different types of immunity, and address instances when the immune system malfunctions.
• Identify different modes of respiration and explain how gases are exchanged.
• Outline the components of digestive systems and detail the way nutrients are absorbed.
• Describe how the urinary system contributes to the maintenance of the internal environment.
• Compare different methods of reproduction and detail stages of development.

Required Texts:

• Biology: Concepts and Applications, 9th Ed., Cecie Starr, Christine A. Evers, Lisa Starr, Cengage Learning, 2015, with associated digital course supplement MindTap®.

These can be purchased as a bundle: ISBN 978-1-305-52276-3 (loose-leaf paper text with MindTap® access for 12 months, 2 terms) or ISBN 978-1-305-52277-0 (with loose-leaf paper edition of the text and one term, 6 months, access to MindTap®). Link to the publisher.

Grading: