Ashford University Basic Biology Questions.
Question Description
ANSWER the Question down by following
use grammar, syntax, and punctuation appropriate to the academic environment with the ultimate
goal of clear and effective communication
o support their own opinions with references from the reading(s) and course material
o above all, be respectful of others and their opinions, particularly when opinions differ.
o One (1) initial post expressing a thoughtful, unique answer to the discussion question(s). Your
initial post should:
o cover the subject of the question(s) adequately with specific references showcasing your
understanding of the reading.
o demonstrate reflection and integration of the reading with personal experiences.
be 300-500 words in length.
DB#1:
How do you know what you know? Tell us something you know. How do you know that? Is it true, are you right?
DB#2:
Based on this week’s reading, what do you think of Espinoza’s definition of critical thinking and wisdom? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give an example to support your position.
CHAPTERS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:
- Chapter 1: The Study of Life (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
ARTICLES:
- PDF: Espinoza – The Nature of Science (click to view/download)
DB#3:
Rephrase or summarize Kuhn’s definition of a paradigm. What effect do paradigms have on the way science operates? Give an example of how this occurs.
CHAPTERS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:
- Chapter 2: The Chemical Foundation of Life, specifically 2.1-2.2 (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
ARTICLES:
- PDF: Kuhn – The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (click to view/download)
DB#4:
What is the “Law of Nature” according to Lewis in the reading? How is the Law of Nature distinguished from other laws? How do the Laws of Nature differ in the Lewis reading vs. the video?.
CHAPTERS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:
- Chapter 2: The Chemical Foundation of Life, specifically 2.3 (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
ARTICLES/VIDEOS:
- PDF: Lewis – The Law of Human Nature (click to view/download)
- Video: Lewis – Religion and Science (7:11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJu0oYvi-cY
DB#5:
Do you think Hooke would agree that the epistemology of science depends on paradigms? Why or why not? Include specific examples from the reading.
CHAPTERS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:
- Chapter 3: Biological Macromolecules (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
- Chapter 4: Cell Structure, specifically 4.1-4.3 (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
- Chapter 7: Cellular Respiration (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
ARTICLES:
- PDF: Hooke – Micrographia: or Some Physiological Descriptions of Miniature Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses (click to view/download)
DB#6:
What do you see as the potential benefits and main drawbacks of CRISPR? Do you think it is more likely to help or hurt? Why?
DB#7:
Select and summarize one of the short articles linked under “Broad News” on the CRISPR Research News page.
( https://www.broadinstitute.org/project-spotlight/crispr-news-and-press-releases)
CHAPTERS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:
- Chapter 8: Photosynthesis (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
- Chapter 9: Cell Communication (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
WEBSITE:
- Select sections from the Broad Institute Website. Click links to navigate to the appropriate section.
- Highlights
- Questions & Answers
- Timeline
- Research News (pick three items from the “Broad News” list on this page)
DB#8:
What are some of the pros and cons of the decision resulting from the Spotted Owl controversy discussed in the article and video? What is your take on the lasting lessons to be learned from it?
CHAPTERS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:
- Chapter 18: Evolution and the Origin of Species (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
- Chapter 19: The Evolution of Populations specifically 19.2 & 19.3 (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
- Chapter 20: Phylogenies and the History of Life (click to navigate to online edition of textbook)
ARTICLES:
- Blog Article: What to Do About the Spotted Owl and Logging
