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Nature of course request C00902 :

Description change

Prerequisite change

Undergraduate

From:
Course Prefix & Number	Descriptive Title	Credits/Hours
BI 314	Introductory Genetics	4 - 0
To:
Course Prefix & Number	Descriptive Title	Credits/Hours
BI 314	Introductory Genetics	4 - 0

Abbreviation for Class Schedule(20 spaces) Genetics

Current Course Description: Principles and mechanisms of inheritance, including consideration of patterns of inheritance, the nature of the gene, chromosome structure, gene action, population genetics and mechanisms of mutation. Three hours lecture plus one-hour discussion section. Prerequisites: BI 211 or consent of instructor – offered fall term.

New Course Description: Principles and mechanisms of inheritance, including consideration of patterns of inheritance, the nature of the gene, chromosome structure, gene action, population genetics and mechanisms of mutation. Three hours lecture plus one-hour discussion section per week. Prerequisites: BI 211 or consent of instructor, and Math 111 or equivalent – offered fall term.

Justification for changing the course (e.g. alignment with other institutions, program revision, etc.): Facing serious annual enrollment demands in BI314, the Biology Department reassessed its second year core (which includes Biology 314-5-6, Introductory Genetics, Cell Biology, and Evolution) with an emphasis on ensuring students are more adequately prepared during their first year at WOU for entry into the second year series. For example, assessment and tracking data show that 40-50% students fail, drop out, or earn a D in freshman BI211, currently the only prerequisite for BI314. Given a new and concerted effort to screen and advise “at-risk” students into more basic coursework during their first year - including math proficiency to the 111 level – we are adding a Math 111 (or equivalent) prerequisite to BI314. From a pedagogical standpoint, this is a sound decision because genetics requires math proficiency in terms of algebra and basic statistics applications. Also, CH221 (also required for all Biology Major emphases) requires Math 111, which our majors should show they can complete by or starting their second year in our program. This course description change involves no new FTE or space requests.

Students/Program affected: Biology Majors – all emphases Biology Teacher Education degree History of the Earth and Biosphere minor NOTE: the Biology minor does NOT require genetics, but students can select it as an option.

Approval Queue C00902

Attached Files:

400 Bad Request

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