Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, the Portland Community College Biology Departments stand by the following statements about what is science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory in the discipline of the biological sciences.

• Science is a fundamentally non-dogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither a guess, dogma, nor myth. The theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation.
• The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, creation "science" is neither self-examining nor investigatory. Creation "science" is not considered a legitimate science but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004)

Biology instructors of Portland Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity of life. We, the Biology Subject Area curriculum Committee at Portland Community College, therefore stand with such organizations as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of psuedo-sciences in our science curricula.

Upon completion of the program students should be able to:

1. Apply basic knowledge of general biology terminology, cell structure and function, histology, gross anatomy, and physiology related to the body systems to novel technical and/or clinical scenarios.
2. Use an introductory understanding of how human organ systems are interrelated and change over the lifespan to apply a holistic approach to human health.
3. Research and critically evaluate sources of information related to human organ systems in order to discern reliable scientific information from unsourced information and pseudo-science.
4. At a fundamental level, communicate information related to human organ systems through written, verbal, or multimedia formats in order to assess current knowledge, answer investigative questions, and explore new questions for additional research.
5. Evaluate the impacts of medical research and social and environmental inequities on health care disparity.

Proceed through life with an increased appreciation and curiosity about the human body and an ability to apply scientific tools to lifelong learning and exploration. 

This course will be taught in a traditional lecture and laboratory format. Lecture will be presented utilizing a variety of multimedia and interactive presentations. Additionally students will have reading assignments and will use case-studies and projects to practice application of their knowledge. Laboratory experiences will be combination of faculty lectures and guided  hands-on and team-based activities, utilizing a variety of resources including (but not limited to): multimedia, prepared microscope slides, human models, and animal specimens. 

Assessments focused on the course content acquisition and application  (1 and 2) will be achieved using a some or all of the following: group projects and/or individual projects, quizzes, tests, in-class activities, case studies, laboratory activities, presentations, and journals. Formative feedback will be provided on these assessment. Lab quizzes and exams will be practical in nature and will require set-up and grading outside of lab time. The use of guided written projects and/or presentations will provide assessment of source evaluation and communication (3 and 4). Use of selected case-studies and projects will provide assessment opportunities for application and social context (3, 4 and 5)

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Microscope skills
• Dissection skills
• Interpretation of data
• Proper usage and pronunciation of terms
• Positive group interactions
• Locating and accessing reliable information
• Study skills

CONCEPTS- See detailed concepts below

• Homeostasis
• Interrelationship between form and function
• Scientific method

I. Structural organization

• Identify the levels of structural organization that make up the human body
• Identify the principle organ systems of the body
• List by name and location the principal body cavities and their major organs
• Describe the body in terms of planes, positions and directions, and anatomical divisions

II. Homeostasis

• Define a feedback system and explain its role in homeostasis
• Compare negative and positive feedback systems
• Give examples of homeostatic mechanisms in the body
• Relate disruptions in homeostasis to the disease process

III. Cell Structure and Function

• Identify the organelles found in human cells
• Explain the function of the organelles found in human cells
• Describe the processes by which materials are transported across cell membranes
• Describe the mechanism of mitotic cell division
• Understand the relationship between cell structure and function.

IV. Cellular Chemistry

• Understand the basis of pH and its affect on cells
• Describe the major categories of organic molecules and their functions in the human body
• Describe the mechanism of enzyme activity

V. Tissues

• Identify the major categories of tissues in the human body

VI. Integumentary System

• Identify the principle structures and layers of human skin
• Explain the functions of the principle structures and layers of human skin
• Explain the role of the integumentary system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with skin

VII. Skeletal System

• Identify the major bones of the human body
• Describe the processes of bone formation
• Describe the processes of bone replacement and repair
• Explain the homeostasis of body calcium
• Differentiate between the types of joints found in the human body
• Identify the types of joint movement
• Explain the role of the skeletal system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the skeletal system

VIII. Muscular System

• Identify the major muscles of the human body
• Explain the physiology of muscle contraction
• Differentiate between muscle types
• Explain the role of the muscular system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the muscular system

IX. Nervous System

• Differentiate between the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
• Discuss pathways associated with the human nervous system
• Identify and state the function(s) of the major regions of the human brain
• Explain the mechanism of nerve impulse conduction
• Identify the components of the major sensory systems
• Define the functions of components of the sensory systems
• Explain the role of the nervous system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the nervous system

X. Endocrine System

• Define hormone
• Identify the hormones and glands of the human endocrine system
• Describe the synthesis, storage, and release, and function of human hormones
• Outline mechanisms for hormonal feedback
• Explain the role of the endocrine system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the endocrine system

XI. Cardiovascular System

• Identify the major components of the human cardiovascular system
• Describe the function(s) of the major components of the human cardiovascular system
• Differentiate between systemic, pulmonary, and cardiac circulation
• Describe the control of blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, and blood volume
• Describe the heart conduction system
• Explain the functions of blood
• Identify the formed elements of blood and understand their functions
• Explain the role of the cardiovascular system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the cardiovascular system

XII. Lymphatic System

• Identify the components of the human lymphatic system
• Describe the function(s) of the human lymphatic system
• Describe the relationship between the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
• Explain the role of the lymphatic system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the lymphatic system

XIII. Digestive System

• Identify the principle components of the human digestive system
• Explain the function(s) of the principle components of the human digestive system
• Describe processes involved in the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination of organic molecules
• Discuss the role(s) of enzymes and hormones in the digestive process
• Explain the role of the digestive system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the digestive system

XIV. Respiratory System

• Identify the principle components of the human respiratory system
• Describe the major function(s) of the principle components of the human respiratory system
• Explain the processes of gas exchanges in the respiratory system
• Describe the relationship between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
• Describe the regulatory mechanisms of the respiratory system
• Explain the role of the respiratory system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the respiratory system

XV. Urinary System

• Identify the principle components of the human urinary system
• Describe the major function(s) of the principle components of the human urinary system
• Discuss the formation of urine
• Describe the regulatory mechanisms of the urinary system
• Explain the role of the urinary system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the urinary system

XVI. Reproductive System

• Identify the principle components of the male and female human reproductive system
• Describe the major function(s) of the principle components of the male and female human reproductive system
• Outline the steps in gametogenesis in males and females
• Discuss regulatory mechanisms in male and female reproductive systems
• Explain the role of the reproductive system in homeostasis of the human body
• Describe diseases/disorders associated with the reproductive system