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Course Syllabus

BIOL 2980 Special Topics in Biology

  • Division: Natural Science and Math
  • Department: Biology
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1-3; Lecture: 0; Lab: 0
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Corequisites: None
  • Semesters Offered: TBA
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2030
  • End Semester: Fall 2031
  • Optimum Class Size: 7
  • Maximum Class Size: 15

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth study of a particular topic in biology. The topic changes each time the course is offered and can vary between sections. These courses are designed for students seeking additional study beyond the standard lower-division business courses. These courses have variable credits, from one to three, and are repeatable if different topics.

Justification

This course is an effort to expand the offerings at this institution. It provides an opportunity for faculty to develop unique courses with flexibility in their approach and topic. The course could also be used to try out a class before permanently adding it to the college's catalog. Additionally, it provides students with a chance to explore a variety of topics in greater depth. Similar courses are offered at other USHE institutions.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to recognize and identify different concepts central to the topic of the class.
  2. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to reason analytically, critically, and creatively about a particular topic in the area of study.
  3. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to read, retrieve, evaluate, interpret, and deliver information using a variety of media.

Course Content

As a Special Topics course, the content will vary from class to class. If a Special Topics course is offered, faculty have ensured there is sufficient interest in the topic to create the course. Course content and assignments will align with sophomore-level
demands rather than being the equivalent of an upper-division course at a four-year institution.