BIOL 480 Outline

THE KING'S UNIVERSITY

TERM:

2021-22 Fall

COURSE NUMBER:

BIOL 480

COURSE TITLE:

History and Theory of Biology

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Heather Prior

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 1.5 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The history of biology from early times to the present. Ideas influencing the study of biological phenomena will be discussed. Some of the theories we will study still hold sway today; others have been replaced by more current ones. The effects of biological developments upon human ideas and culture and the converse will be studied.

This course does not meet the natural science (with lab) breadth requirement.

Prerequisites: At least 9 credits in biology at the 300-level

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Magner, Lois, History of the Life Sciences, 3rd ed. - instructor will give information for less expensive digital edition in class. ISBN: 9780824708245 (Mandatory).
Darwin, Charles, The Origin of Species. ISBN: 9780553214635 (Mandatory). Ebook version is available online for no cost.
Additional readings as provided.

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Quizzes	10%
Midterm	15%
Other Assignments	15%
Research Project	25%
Participation	5%
Final Examination	30%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

We will examine the historical development of the ideas and practices of the modern science of biology. Our approach will be a thematic survey of the various periods and their major thinkers. We will use a variety of tools to explore these periods, including readings, online sources, discussions, and especially the close examination of representative primary sources. Seminars will provide opportunities for discussion of primary sources, supplementary presentations, audio-visual materials, and group activities.
Learning Outcome Reflective Questions:

How has biological knowledge and biological science changed through history?
How does science grow, gradually or in fits and starts?
What is the importance of objectivity /subjectivity and creativity in science, particularly biology?
How has Christian belief influenced biological theory, particularly the theory of evolution?
What are some of the lenses through which biologists have viewed their discipline (e.g. determinism, mechanism, reductionism, materialism, romanticism, vitalism, and naturalism)?

COURSE OUTLINE:

Section I: Historical Foundations

Introduction and Overview
The Origins of the Life Sciences
The Greek Legacy
The Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution

Section II: Beginnings of Modern Biology

Preformation and Epigenesis
Organisms, Embryos, Cells

Section III: Disciplinary Developments

Physiology
Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
Evolution
Genetics
Molecular Biology

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.