BIO091 - Biology

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2025-09-22 01:59:23.406
Last review date 2025-11-10 00:15:20.57


Subject Title
Biology

Subject Description
This course is intended for students wishing to enter Practical Nursing or other Health Sciences/Health Care programs. The student will become familiar with the scientific knowledge of the human body necessary to recognize, accept and use the important principles in all phases of study in the Health Sciences. This course is no longer acceptable as a Science required to enter Nursing at the B.Sc N. level.

Credit Status
Credit 

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.      Describe the characteristics of life and important life processes of humans.
2.      Describe the structural organization of the human body and how body systems relate to one another.
3.      Explain the fundamental characteristics of cell structure, function, and reproduction.
4.      Describe the general characteristics and function of the four major tissue classifications.
5.      Describe the structure and basic functions of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, nervous and excretory systems.
6.      Explain the relationships between identified human body systems, homeostasis, and health.
7.      Explain the personal, ethical, sociocultural, economic and environmental impacts of changes being brought about by biological research.
8.      Describe lab safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for self and others.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
Grade 11 or higher math skills required

Topic Outline
1.      Characteristics of Living Things & Properties of Matter
·         Building-blocks of matter
·         Associations among atoms
·         Special purpose chemicals
·         Molecules of Life
 
2.      The Cell
·         Topography, Organelles, Cell membrane
·         Cellular metabolism & energy
·         Organization of the body
 
3.      Tissues
 
4.      Integumentary System
 
5.      Musculo-Skeletal System & Movement
·         Anatomical Position & Planes
·         Joint types & Movements
·         Muscle
 
6.      Respiratory System
 
7.      Circulatory System
 
8.      Endocrine System
 
9.      Nervous System
·         Central Nervous System
·         The Nerve Impulse
·         Sensory & Motor Function
·         Autonomic Nervous System
 
Excretory System

Mode of Instruction
In-class:
Students attend classes on campus each week. Most instruction is delivered in a face to face environment.

Online - Virtual classroom
Provides students with an opportunity to attend a weekly online class at a scheduled day and time. These classes combine real-time activity led by an instructor and self-diected study.

Online - Self Directed
Provides students with significant flexiblity to learn and study at their desired time. There are no scheduled attendance requirements (some exceptions apply); however, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the course outline details and deadlines.  Students may interact with their instructor or each other through the Learning Management System, including Blackboard discussion boards, email or other techniques. 
 
Teaching and Learning Methods:
To ensure that students are engaged as much as possible in the learning process, instructors can use such teaching methods as class and small group discussions, essays and research, individual and group presentations, readings, lectures, workshops, in-class exercises, and/or web-based instruction. The mode of delivery will dictate the most appropriate teaching methods available to an instructor.

Prescribed Texts
Latest edition of:
Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Sciences
by Wendi Roscoe
ISBN: 9780176739157
Top Hat
Available as an E-book
ISBN: 9781774945353

To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Reference Material
None

Required Supplies
None

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation
To be successful in this course, you must complete all course work as specified and achieve an overall grade of 50% or higher. For further information on evaluation and academic standing, see a copy of the Academic Policy available at Seneca registration offices.

In Class Section Online Section  
2 Term Tests 30% Online Quizzes 30%
2 Quizzes 10% Mid Term Exam (Wk 8) Online 35%
3 Labs 20% Final Exam Online 35%
1 Assignment 10%    
Final Examination 30%    
Total 100%   100%


Term Work:

All term work assignments must be completed prior to the time of the examination. Unless students have been granted an extension in advance, late take-home assignments will be penalized one letter grade per day and will not be graded after one week (there is no provision for rewriting late assignments, regardless of the grade).  Students must contact faculty in advance of due date to discuss extensions.
If a student has to miss any in-class quiz/test, he/she must notify the faculty via email or phone messages prior to start time of the quiz/test date.  Valid documentation (such as original stamped doctors’ note) must be submitted to the faculty on or before the next scheduled class.  Make-up opportunities may be arranged at the Test Centre.
 
Student Success:

In-Class
Please come prepared to participate in class. Make sure you bring your course text to each class, participate in class discussions, hand in any assigned work on time and attend each and every class. Following these suggestions will increase your chances of success.


Online
Please access the course every week (or more) and keep up with assigned readings. Make sure you participate in online discussions and hand in any assigned work on time. Following these suggestions will increase your chances of success.

Approved by: Rosemare Mariaseelan