BIOL 200, BIOLOGY OF THE CELL: This course provides an understanding of the fundamental processes of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Life is addressed in its most fundamental level at the cell. The technology of science is considered in an historical perspective and examined through hands-on application. The classical and recent experiments in cell biology are examined. Students examine the process of science, effects of scientific finding, and how progress in scientific thought is linked to advances in technology which influences further development of ideas. The laboratory takes students through various exercises that introduce them to scientific inquiry by solving biological questions. Students gain experience in using scientific instruments as well as in practicing computational, analytical, and critical thinking skills by preparing written laboratory reports. The lecture examinations require students to demonstrate ability in writing skills, interpretations of biological phenomena in short answers, and answering objective questions. Oral communication exercises are limited due to a large lecture format but oral communication and computational are addressed in the laboratory. No course objectives were presented in the syllabus. Neither were office hours indicated; these need to be stated. Apart from these points, from the materials submitted the Committee believes that this course satisfies category requirements, and recommends that it be recertified as a G.E. course.

BIOL 250, BIOLOGY OF ECOSYSTEMS: No materials were submitted for this course, and the department has requested that it be removed from the G. E. program.

HSCI 120, HEALTH AND SOCIETY: AN ECOLOGICAL APPROACH: This course is described as an introduction to the nature and function of health in society through the study of the fundamental concepts of living systems and their implications in the process of health and illness in humans. The course introduces the students, briefly, to scientific methodology and measurement techniques (appropriate to the measurement of human health). While the general approach of the course encompasses an ecological perspective, the majority of the material appears to focus on health promotion for the individual. The text and laboratory exercises appear appropriate for a lower division general education elective. The laboratory exercise Manual has been custom tailored to the course and appears to meet the course objectives, as listed in the syllabus. The examinations are objective, mostly multiple choice tests, but students are required to do a number of writing assignments as part of the lab. These lab assignments appear to fulfill the requirement that breadth area courses encourage the development of students' basic writing and computational skills. The laboratory exercises also require observation and are directed toward developing students' critical thinking regarding the application of scientific knowledge to health related issues. From the materials submitted, the course appears to meet the requirements of its category and is recommended for recertification as a G.E. course.