BIOL133

The topic for week 10 is  DNA structure and function.  In this case study you will focus on the development of scientific and information literacies, using the subject of DNA as the backdrop. Working on activities that address audience, purpose, language, authority, and use of evidence, you will examine how the ways in which information sources are constructed can impact readers' perceptions of scientific content. You will learn basic information literacy concepts and then work to apply those concepts.

You will analyze two articles (linked within the case study document) related to "bringing back" mammoths by cloning ancient mammoth DNA: one article is an original research paper and the other is a news article discussing the research.   

🦣 Part A 

Three C's (Content, Concern, Connection)

Content: Pick something from this case study that stood out to you in some way. It could be something new you learned, something that made you think about this subject in a different way, or something you found interesting. Share the content you chose with the class and explain why you chose it.

Concern, or question: After reviewing this case study, what is one question or concern this content raised in your mind? This could be something that didn't settle well with you, a question you have for future research or consideration, or something you'd like to know more about. Share this concern with the class and explain why you chose it.

Connection: Why is the content in this case study important? How does it relate to the real world and/or why is this case study important? You could draw upon real world examples like something you read in the news recently, something from your favorite TV show, or any other form of connection between this case study and the importance of its content outside the classroom.

🦣 Part B

Then, from the case study, answer the following questions :

· Part I: Pick one question from each section to answer (i.e. Answer 1 question from Comparing the Authors, 1 question from Comparing the Articles, and 1 question from Comparing the Publications)

· Part II: Answer questions 1, 2, and 3

*Make sure you include the parts and question numbers in your post so we know which questions you are answering (i.e. 'Part II, Question 4')

The topic for week 12 is  gene expression.  Despite the occasional controversy, the use of stem cells in science and medicine is increasingly important and widespread, and thus it is important to understand their basic characteristics, types, sources, and applications.

This case study tells the story of "Carl," a high school football player with an injured knee. His doctor recommends the use of stem cells in his recovery, and by reading their conversation, you will acquire basic knowledge about stem cells that you can then apply in a series of activities. 

The first activity has you choose a stem cell type and use PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov to practice basic research skills. You will then consider the options available to Carl and conclude the case by working on a "whodunit" scenario in which you must identify the kind of cells used in the treatment of another patient at the hospital.  

🏈 Part A 

Three C's (Content, Concern, Connection)

Content: Pick something from this case study that stood out to you in some way. It could be something new you learned, something that made you think about this subject in a different way, or something you found interesting. Share the content you chose with the class and explain why you chose it.

Concern, or question: After reviewing this case study, what is one question or concern this content raised in your mind? This could be something that didn't settle well with you, a question you have for future research or consideration, or something you'd like to know more about. Share this concern with the class and explain why you chose it.

Connection: Why is the content in this case study important? How does it relate to the real world and/or why is this case study important? You could draw upon real world examples like something you read in the news recently, something from your favorite TV show, or any other form of connection between this case study and the importance of its content outside the classroom.

🏈 Part B

Then, from the case study, answer the following questions :

· Part I: Answer questions 1, 2, and 3

· Part II: Answer questions 1, 2, and 3

· Part III: Answer questions 1, 2, and 3

· Part IV: Answer questions 1 and 2

· Review Parts V and VI

· Part VII: Answer questions 1, 2, and 3

*Make sure you include the parts and question numbers in your post so we know which questions you are answering (i.e. 'Part II, Question 4')

The topic for week 14 is  evolution and the origin of species.  For week 14 you will look at a case study that leads you through an exploration of the evolutionary origin of apparently cooperative guarding behavior in meerkats. You will generate hypotheses, evaluate the predictions associated with them, and then analyze graphical data from the literature to determine which hypotheses for the evolution of this behavior are supported by evidence.

You will be led to confront your misconceptions about altruism and solidify your understanding of how natural selection operates in animal groups to drive the evolution of specific behaviors. 

🦦 Part A

Three C's (Content, Concern, Connection)

Content: Pick something from this case study that stood out to you in some way. It could be something new you learned, something that made you think about this subject in a different way, or something you found interesting. Share the content you chose with the class and explain why you chose it.

Concern, or question: After reviewing this case study, what is one question or concern this content raised in your mind? This could be something that didn't settle well with you, a question you have for future research or consideration, or something you'd like to know more about. Share this concern with the class and explain why you chose it.

Connection: Why is the content in this case study important? How does it relate to the real world and/or why is this case study important? You could draw upon real world examples like something you read in the news recently, something from your favorite TV show, or any other form of connection between this case study and the importance of its content outside the classroom.

🦦 Part B

Then, from the case study, answer the following questions :

· Introduction: Answer question 1 

· Part I: Answer questions 1-4

· Part II: Answer question 2

· Part III: Answer questions 2 and 4

· Assessment: Answer questions 1 and 2

*Make sure you include the parts and question numbers in your post so we know which questions you are answering (i.e. 'Part II, Question 4')

Course wrap up

For the last discussion of the course we are going to review some of what we have learned and share where we are going with our studies. Answer the questions below and write your post in a narrative format based on your answers.

1) What was your favorite topic we covered in the textbook and why?

2) What was the most interesting thing you learned from the discussions and why did you find it interesting?

3) What degree are you working toward? What is your progress in accomplishing your education goals and what are the next courses you taking?