Transcript Reflections on Teaching a Course on Gender and Science

Changes to the CSEC Biology
Syllabus
NESCent Evolution Workshop
Jamaica 2013
Elvis Enrique Nunez, M.Sc.
General Goals
The study of Biology is intended to assist students in:
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recognizing the dynamic nature of the interrelationships
between organisms and their environment;
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developing a natural curiosity about living organisms and a
respect for all living things and the environment;
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applying biological knowledge for further studies as well as
in everyday life situations;
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recognizing the social and economic implications of Biology.
Rationale for Changes to
the Syllabus
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More emphasis on Understanding Concepts &
Principles; less on Rote-Learning
Applications of Knowledge.
Less content; ready availability of content online
Facilitate Critical Thinking- “Think Like A
Biologist”
More Inquiry-based Teaching &Learning
Inter-relationship with Chem., Phys., Math etc.
Better prepared for CAPE
Improving pass Rate & Performance (See JEDIC;
Nunez et. al, 2010)
Some Major Changes
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Five (5) Sections  Three (3) Sections
(A) Living Organisms in the Environment
(B) Life Processes and Diseases
(C) Continuity and Variation
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Removal of some topics e.g. Nitrogen Cycle;
Bones of the vertebral column; auxins…
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Simplification of other topics e.g. kidney;
hormones
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More details on some topics e.g. Classification
(A 1.1; 1.2); Inclusion of bacterium & Protista;
Cell organelles.
Focus Shift
Greater emphasis on Molecular
Biology; Genetics & Evolution; local &
regional context (e.g. birds, lizards)
Suggested Teaching and
Learning Activities
◦ At the end of each section
◦ Designed to promote inquiry-based learning
that caters to students with various learning
styles
◦ Visual, Poetry, Posters, Models, Projects,
Group discussion, Interpreting data
Suggested Approach
Teach Section A followed by B & C
 Teach to the Inter-relatedness; Suitability
for assessing Practical Skills
 Place emphasis on concepts & skills;
Ecological approach; local/regional
examples
 Structure/Function-annotation
 Educated, Ethical-decision making
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Section C
Continuity and Variation
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Sect. C- Expanded Notes to the Teacher
& General Objectives.
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Three major tenets in Biology;
- Cell Theory
- Mendel’s Laws
- Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory
Section C
General Objectives
1. Species Concept & two major forms of
speciation
2. Importance of genetic variation (genes
heredity)
5. Mechanisms for Biological Evolution (BE)Nat. Selection, mutation, gene flow,
genetic drift
6. Evidence for BE & applications in Health,
Agric., Biodiversity/Conservation
Perspective
Geologic Time; Age of Dinosaurs; Ice
age etc
 Biodiversity.– Why Variation? How
did it arise? New Species.
 Caribbean Islands
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