Creation and Life - An Introduction to Biology
Syllabus
CAM109 Creation and Life - An Introduction to Biology
Course Overview
Course Description
Creation and Life introduces you to the world of biology within a Christian framework, weaving together the study of life with insights from a Christian worldview. The course explores the fundamental concepts of biology—including cellular structure, genetics, biological change, and ecology—while examining how these scientific ideas intersect with Christian beliefs about creation, stewardship, and the value of life. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to engage in thoughtful dialogue, explore diverse perspectives, and integrate biology with your faith.
Credit Hours: 3hrs
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain key biological concepts, including cellular structure, genetics, biological change, and ecology, as well as their relevance to the natural world.
- Explore the intersections between biology and Christian faith, examining how scientific principles can integrate with your faith.
- Evaluate scientific evidence both from a Christian and scientific perspective.
- Recognize our role as stewards of God’s creation.
- Engage in respectful discussions about the relationship between science and faith, valuing diverse viewpoints and fostering a spirit of open-minded inquiry.
Resources
- Creation and Life: An Introduction to Biology (course materials)
- Biology 2e, OpenStax. Rice University, 2018.
- Labster | Online Virtual Labs (view hardware/software requirements)
- Geoblox, “Anatomy of a Flowering Plant” and “Plant Cell” models (PDF).
- Other common materials from around the house
Course Outline
Module Zero: Getting Started
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Meet your Instructor |
Page |
.5 hrs |
-- |
|
Syllabus |
Page |
1 hr |
-- |
|
Course Materials |
Page |
.5 hrs |
-- |
|
Using Virtual Labs (Labster) |
Page |
1 hr |
-- |
|
Totals |
3 hrs |
-- |
|
Module One: The Science of Life
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
Framework of Faith |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
|
Biology Journal |
Journal |
3 hrs |
15 |
Reading Quiz 1 |
Assessment |
4 hrs |
20 |
Labster: Introduction |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
|
Vaccines? |
Extra Credit |
3 hrs |
*20 |
|
Totals |
21 hrs |
100 |
|
Module Two: The Cell: Structure and Function
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
Our Spiritual "Membrane" |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
Lab: Naked Egg |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
Labster: Cellular Structure |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
Labster: Osmosis/Diffusion |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
|
Using a Microscope |
Extra Credit |
3 hrs |
*20 |
Start Lab for Next Module |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
5 |
Reading Quiz 2 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
|
Totals |
21 hrs |
135 |
|
Module Three: Cellular Energy: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
Breath of Life |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
Labster: Photosynthesis |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
Labster: Glycosis |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
Reading Quiz 3 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
Lab: Sourdough Bread |
Experiment |
4 hrs |
25 |
|
Magnifying Glass |
Extra Credit |
3 hrs |
*20 |
|
Totals |
20 hrs |
130 |
|
Module Four: Genetics and Cell Growth
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
"Wonderfully Made" |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
Reading Quiz 4 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
|
Labster: Cell Division (Principles) |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
Labster: Meiosis, Mitosis, and Plant Gametes |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
Labster: Animal Genetics |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
25 |
Lab: Extract Your Own DNA |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Mid-Term Tune-Up |
Survey |
.5 hrs |
-- |
|
Totals |
18.5 hrs |
155 |
|
Module Five: Patterns and Processes of Development
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
Micro- vs. Macro-evolution |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
|
Reading Quiz 5 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
Biology Journal |
Journal |
3 hrs |
15 |
Labster: Mendelian Inheritance |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Labster: Gene Linkage |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Totals |
18 hrs |
120 |
|
Module Six: Simple Forms of Life
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
The Substance of Things Unseen |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
|
Biology Journal |
Journal |
3 hrs |
15 |
Reading Quiz 6 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
Labster: Bacterial Cell Structures |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
Labster: Blood Components |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Totals |
18 hrs |
120 |
|
Module Seven: Plants and Animals
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
Genesis 1 |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
|
Biology Journal |
Journal |
3 hrs |
15 |
Reading Quiz 7 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
Labster: Building Animal Cells |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
Lab: Geoblox |
Experiment |
5 hrs |
25 |
|
Start Winogradsky Column |
Experiment |
2 hrs |
-- |
|
Totals |
22 hrs |
120 |
|
Module Eight: Ecology
|
Title |
Type |
Duration |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Read and Watch |
Input |
4 hrs |
-- |
|
Genesis 2 |
Discussion |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Q & A Session |
Discussion |
1 hr |
10 |
|
Reading Quiz 8 |
Assessment |
1 hr |
20 |
Labster: Biomes |
Experiment |
3 hrs |
25 |
|
Lab: Winogradsky Column |
Experiment |
5 hrs |
50 |
|
Totals |
21 hrs |
130 |
|
Live Sessions
This course has live meetups for Q & A, typically one hour every other week. If you cannot attend, you can recoup the points for the session by watching the recording and submitting a 300-word summary/response. Since these sessions will be audio-visually recorded, those who participate with their camera engaged are agreeing to have their video, image, or voice recorded.
Grading
- Discussions: 200 points
- Quizzes: 160 points
- Journals: 60 points
- Live Q&A Sessions: 80 points
- Labs: 500 points
(1000 points total)