Course description: This course satisfies the general education requirements in the life sciences and is designed for non-majors. This GE requirement was established, in part, because of the potent influence of science on society. Therefore, a major objective of this course is to help develop an understanding of the nature of science, including its philosophical basis, power, and limitations. The content of the course is centered on life and its relationship to the environment. It can be taken with lab for 4 semester hours with concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101L (3 "lecture" + 1 lab), or without lab for 3 semester hours credit. It fulfills the following general education requirements for School of Continuing Education students at the University of La Verne: GELS, and GELS-L (if taken with lab).

Goals:

• To introduce students to the defining characteristics of living organisms, basic biological principles
• To provide a brief exposure to the diversity of living organisms and a view of man from a biological perspective
• To develop a better understanding of nature and the impact of man on other living and nonliving entities
• To develop an appreciation for ecological communities and their environment
• To provide a sense of the wonder of life in the Universe
• To develop a basic understanding of laboratory methods and laboratory reinforcement of theory
• To connect learning to action in pursuit of a conditional goal

Requirements:

"Lecture"

• Visit a minimum of two ecological areas (e.g. Desert, Tide Pools, Mountains . . .) or biologically related museum etc. ( This may be done with the student's family or friends, or with your Professor.
• Three 100 pt segment exams, including a combination of objective and short answer essay questions.  Each test covers about 8 chapters
• Virtual Web tour
• One action paper, dependency log or project
• Active participation in discussions and other activities

 

• Complete all laboratory exercises
• Eight to ten laboratory quizzes
• Two laboratory exams

• Field trips provide an opportunity to make education an outing, perhaps even a social event. Enjoy the course, preferably by going with family and/or friends.
• The position paper, and project are opportunities to get involved in something you have an interest in and a passion to do something about.
• Full details about course requirements, are provided after enrollment within the Blackboard environment
• For pre-registration questions, please contact the instructor Jay Jones

Grades:
"Lecture" grades will be based on three 100 pt segment exams, a 100 point position paper/project, and participation, which includes 2 field trips and network interaction and other factors, for a total of 100 pts.

Approximate cost:
A $100 (lab fee) is assessed of those taking the laboratory portion of the course. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the student and will vary depending on the students choice of sites to visit. Some institutions, e.g. LA County Arboretum, Page Museum, and Joshua Tree National Park, charge entrance fees of a few dollars. Students can often obtain discounts at such sites by showing their University of La Verne student I.D. card. Some project costs might be incurred depending on the project chosen.

Course Questions:
Jay Jones at (909) 593-3511, ext. 4040, 4601 (secretary), or jonesj@ulv.edu