UMUC BIOL103 All Weeks Discussions Latest 2020 February

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 1 Discussion

The Scientific Method Tutorial

Course Outcomes:

recognize and explain how the scientific method is used to solve problems

make observations and discriminate between scientific and pseudoscientific explanations

Work through the entire Scientific Method Tutorial, then pick one (1) of the following 2 options:

Option 1: Stating a Good Hypothesis

Read step 2: The hypothesis

Answer the following questions:

What is a hypothesis?

How is a hypothesis different from a theory in science?

Describe an example of how you may use the scientific method in your daily life and state a good hypothesis for that example.

Which hypothesis did you first pick in the “Recognizing a good hypothesis” activity in the scientific method tutorial? Why? If any, which mistake(s) did you make when picking a hypothesis?

Include “Hypothesis” in the title of your post.

Option 2: Designing a Good Experiment

Read Step 3: Testing a Hypothesis

Answer the following questions:

What is a control and why is it an important part of an experiment? Provide an example of a control.

What is the difference between the control and controlled variables?

Why is it important that scientists are aware of the controlled variables in an experiment?

What are independent and dependent variables? Provide an example of each.

What did you learn from the “jelly bean” activity about sample size in experiments?

Include “Experimental Design” in the title of your post.

To obtain full credit you need to post one main response answering all the questions for option 1 or 2 and at least two replies to your classmates. Your main response and replies should contribute to your classmates’ learning.

 

 

 

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 2 Discussion

View this video carefully. This will help you understand the chemistry of biological molecules. Then write a 200 word essay on something new and exciting that you just learned. Please include all references.

Please do not repeat what other classmates have written! There are many interesting things in this video, so you should not repeat each other.

Finally, comment on TWO of your classmate’s responses. Responding to your professor also counts as a required response.

 

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 3 Discussion

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Breadcrumb:

In 6 (minimum) to 12 (maximum) sentences, briefly summarize in your own words: (1) similarities in the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis OR (2) differences in the two processes. Please include all references.

Don’t forget to comment on TWO of your classmates responses. A response to the Professor’s comment may also count as one of your responses.

 

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 4 Discussion

How do EACH of the following processes relate to your REAL LIFE? (200 words total):

Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis

(For example, how would it affect YOUR LIFE if these processes did not exist?)

COMMENT ON TWO OF YOUR CLASSMATE’s RESPONSES.

 

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 5 Discussion

View these two videos very carefully. This will help you understand DNA and RNA. Then write a 300 word essay on TWO new and exciting things that you just learned. Include your references.

Please do not repeat what other classmates have written! There are many interesting topics in these videos, so you should not repeat each other.

Finally, comment on TWO of your classmate’s responses

 

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 6 Discussion

The living organisms that exist upon the earth exhibit a wide array of physical, chemical, and behavioral variation. Each feature of an organism is an adaptation acquired by that species through evolution, which uniquely suits an organism to survival within a given set of environmental conditions.

Find an example of the weirdest, wildest, most bizarre or interesting species you can. Discuss those features that uniquely suit this organism to survival within a given set of environmental conditions. When considering the features of an organism, include its observable physical characteristics (which can be seen by the naked eye), as well as the molecular, metabolic, or chemical characteristics of the organism that can occur at the level of (or within) cells. You can draw examples from the textbook or search the Web for the organism of your choice. If you can find it on the web, include a link to a picture or description of your organism. My only requirement is, with the huge diversity of organisms available, I do not expect to see the same organism twice. Include all of your references.

 

BIOL103 Introduction to Biology

Week 7 Discussion

View this video carefully. This will help you understand the science behind climate change. Then write a 200 word essay on TWO new and exciting things that you just learned. Include any additional references. There are many interesting topics in this video, so you should not repeat each other.

Finally, comment on TWO of your classmate’s responses.