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10-806-105 Principles of Animal Biology
Course Information
Description
Introductory course focused on general biological principles, cell structure and function, genetics, organ system anatomy and physiology, behavior, evolution, and ecology. May include dissection of fresh and/or preserved materials.
Total Credits
4

Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Compare body organization among various classes of animals
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe characteristics of various tissue types found in animal bodies
    identify principal characteristics of various animal classes
    investigate the concepts of homeostasis
    relate anatomic similarities and differences among animal classes to evolutionary processes

  2. Describe musculoskeletal systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify bones of vertebrate skeletons
    identify muscles of vertebrates
    analyze musculoskeletal function of vertebrates
    describe the characteristics of the three histological types of muscle tissue
    explain bone physiology
    explain muscle physiology

  3. Describe digestive systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify digestive organs of vertebrates
    analyze digestive organ function of vertebrates
    analyze digestive system function of vertebrates
    explain the process of macronutrient digestion in vertebrates

  4. Describe urinary systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify urinary system organs of vertebrates
    analyze urinary organ function of vertebrates
    trace the path of urine through the urinary system
    describe the role of the kidneys in homeostasis

  5. Describe cardiovascular systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    trace the path of blood through systemic circulation
    trace the path of blood through pulmonary circulation
    explain cardiac conduction
    relate cardiac conduction to an EKG
    characterize blood components
    describe the functions of blood components
    explain the anatomy of the heart
    characterize the three types of blood vessels
    compare circulatory systems among vertebrates

  6. Describe lymphatic/immune systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify lymphatic organs of vertebrates
    identify components of vertebrate immune systems
    analyze lymphatic organ function in vertebrates
    explain innate immunity
    explain acquired immunity
    explain cell-mediated immunity
    explain humoral immunity

  7. Describe respiratory systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify vertebrate respiratory system organs
    analyze vertebrate respiratory system functions
    characterize internal respiration
    characterize external respiration

  8. Describe nervous systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    analyze components of the nervous system
    describe general senses
    describe special senses
    explain functions of nervous system components
    analyze structure of sensory organs

  9. Describe endocrine systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify glands of the endocrine system
    associate endocrine glands with hormone secretion
    analyze hormone functions
    explain negative feedback loops
    explain positive feedback loops

  10. Describe reproductive systems of vertebrates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify female reproductive organs
    analyze functions of female reproductive organs
    identify male reproductive organs
    analyze functions of male reproductive organs
    analyze female reproductive cycles

  11. Describe eukaryotic cells
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe structures of the cell
    analyze functions of cellular organelles
    describe the four types of macromolecules
    compare osmosis and diffusion
    analyze enzyme function
    analyze chemical reactions within cells
    describe the cell cycle
    describe meiosis
    analyze the functions of the four types of macromolecules

  12. Describe genetic principles in animals
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe phenotype
    describe genotype
    differentiate between dominant and recessive
    differentiate between autosomal and X-linked
    analyze genetic interactions among loci
    predict outcomes of genetic crosses

  13. Describe ecological principles
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate between habitat and niche
    differentiate among community, population, and ecosystem
    connect ecological interactions to evolutionary processes
    connect behavior to evolutionary processes

  14. Describe anatomical principles of vertebrate bodies
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe the body planes of vertebrate animals
    apply directional terminology to vertebrate animals
    describe the body cavities of vertebrate animals
    describe the body regions of vertebrate animals