BIOL 106 Biology II. Along with BIOL 104 (Biology I), this course provides an overview of the study of living things. Biology 106 presents topics in population, community and ecosystem ecology, and classical and molecular genetics. Evolution provides a unifying theme for the course. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, case studies and laboratory investigation.
Prerequisites: Biology 12 and Chemistry 11 both with a minimum grade of 60%.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- List the stages of cell division and distinguish between mitosis and meiosis
- Use Punnett squares to assess the probability of inheriting a particular trait
- Describe the process by which DNA replicates and repairs itself
- Describe the transcription of genetic material from DNA to RNA, and translation of that genetic information into proteins
- Describe how organisms interact which each other and with their environment in terms of behaviors of individuals, populations, and communities
- Articulate the role of natural selection in the evolution of species
- Relate fundamental evolutionary processes to ecology and genetics
- Suggest methods of testing particular evolutionary hypotheses
- Describe the basic structure, physiology, life cycle and ecology of selected prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals
- Conduct all aspects of a research project, including information retrieval, investigative design, data collection, statistical analysis, and formal scientific report writing
- Think critically, problem solve, and use scientific reasoning skills
- Use laboratory techniques common in biology laboratories
- Effectively communicate orally and in writing
- Locate and assess information
- Learn cooperatively and independently
Teaching and Learning Approach
Class meetings will focus on broad principles in biology through lectures, videos, and case studies. Students are
expected to effectively utilize the textbook, Moodle course package, and weekly Moodle quizzes independent of
class meetings. The lab provides opportunities to develop laboratory skills and completion of an original research
project.Learning Resources
Required:
Freeman S, Quillin K, Allison L, Black M, Podgorski G, Taylor E, Carmichael J, Harrington M, Sharp J. 2024.
Biological Science, 4th Canadian ed. Toronto: Pearson.
OR
Freeman S, Quillin K, Allison L, Black M, Podgorski G, Taylor E, Carmichael J, Harrington M, Sharp J. 2019.
Biological Science, 3rd Canadian ed. Toronto: Pearson.
AND
Pavan L. Biology 106 Laboratory Manual E7M. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College (available for purchase in the
college bookshop).
Recommended: McMillan VE. 2021. Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences (7th edition). Boston/New York: Bedford/St. Martins
(optional; copies of earlier editions will be available in the lab and the college library).
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. PART I: GENETICS The Cell Cycle Mitosis Meiosis
2. 2. Genetic Functioning Heritability DNA Structure
3. 3. Genetic Expression Transcription & Translation Genetic Regulation
4. 4. PART II: EVOLUTION Introduction to Evolution History of Evolution
5. 5. Evolutionary Processes Population Genetics Natural & Sexual Selection
6.
6. Systematics Speciation Phylogenies
7. 7. READING BREAK
8. 8. PART III: ECOLOGY Evolutionary Ecology Distribution Behaviour
9. 9. Population & Community Ecology Population Ecology Community Ecology
10.
10. Global Ecology Energy & Nutrients Conservation
11. 11. PART IV: DIVERSITY Eukaryote Diversification Protists
12. 12. Plant Diversity Non-Flowering Plants Flowering Plants
13. 13. Fungal Diversity Fungi
14. 14. Animal Diversity Protostomes Deuterostomes
15. 15. Final Exam Period
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Weekly Quizzes | 1-9 & 11 | 10% |
| Midterm Exam I | 1-4, 11 & 13 | 15% |
| Midterm Exam II | 5-8, 11 & 13 | 15% |
| Final Exam | 1-9, 11 & 13 | 20% |
| Lab Assignments | 1-9, 11-15 | 15% |
| Independent Research Project | 10-15 | 20% |
| Oral Presentation | 13-15 | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.