College of Science

University of the Philippines

Diliman, Quezon City

SCIENCE AND SOCIETY PROGRAM

GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

NATURAL SCIENCE II

 

 

Course Title: Natural Science II : Foundations of Natural Sciences II

Course Description: Fundamental concepts, principles and theories of earth and life sciences.

General Objectives (Goals): After the course the student should be able to:

    1. gain a comprehensive, integrated and synoptic understanding of the concepts, principles and theories of the natural sciences.
    2. appreciate the natural world within the context of the concepts, principles and theories discussed in the course.

Specific Course Objectives:

    1. To develop critical and creative thinking in the formulation and analysis of hypotheses and theories;
    2. To determine the dependence and effect of the biosphere on the physical environment;
    3. To recognize the significance of interrelationship of man and the environment;
    4. To develop an appreciation and respect for life and environment.

Prerequisite : Natural Science I / For UPDiliman, Physics series and Chemistry 10 or 16 for curricula without Natural Science I.

Credit : 3 units

No. of Hours: 3 hours per week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATURAL SCIENCE II GEOLOGY PART

Specific Unit Objectives I

  1. Define geology.
  2. Apply the concept of Uniformitarianism
  3. Appreciate the role of geology in society.

    4.  

     

  4. Describe the external and internal features of the earth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specific Objectives II

  1. Explain the Continental Drift Theory and its evidences

    2.  

     

  2. Explain the Theory of Sea-floor Spreading and its evidences.

    3.  

     

  3. Discuss the Theory of Plate Tectonics

 

 

Specific Objectives III

  1. Describe the nature of minerals.

    2.  

  2. Describe the nature of rocks.
  3. Explain the Rock Cycle.
  4. Describe the processes and products of magmatism.
  5. Identify the hazards associated with volcanism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Introduction
    1. Geology: The study of the Earth
    2. Uniformitarianism: The Present is the Key to the Past
    3. The Role of Geology in Society
      1. Natural Disaster Mitigation
      2. Environmental Impact Assessment
      3. Utilization of Natural Resources
    4. Getting to Know Your Planet: The Earth’s Vital Statistics
      1. The External Features of the Earth
      2. The Internal Structure of the Earth
        1. Crust, Mantle, Core
        2. Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Meosophere, Core

    l.5 hours

  2. Our Restless Planet
    1. Wegener and the Migrating Continents
      1. Historical Development of Continental Drift Theory
      2. Evidences for the Continental Drift Theory
    2. Hess and the Migrating Sea-floor
      1. Historical Development of the Theory of Sea-floor Spreading
      2. Evidences for the Theory of Sea-floor Spreading
    3. Plate Tectonics
      1. Major Types of Plate Boundaries
      2. Possible Mechanisms
      1. Hours
  1. Taking a Closer Look at the Earth
    1. The Building Blocks of the Earth: Minerals and Rocks
      1. Minerals: Definition and Properties
      2. Rocks: Definition and the Three Basic Types
      3. The Rock Cycle
    2. Volcanism and Plutonism
      1. Magma
      2. Intrusion (plutonic rocks, textures, plutons)
      3. Extrusion (volcanic rocks, textures, volcanoes, hazards)

      1. hours

FIRST LONG EXAMINATION (1.5 hours)

6. Describe the sedimentary processes and products.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Describe the processes and products of metamorphism.

    2.  

  2. Recognize the processes and manifestations of rock deformation.

 

 

9. Describe earthquake mechanism and hazards

 

 

 

 

Specific Objectives IV

  1. Explain the concept of Geologic Time.
  2. Discuss the various techniques in age determination.
  3. Discuss the development of the Geologic Time Scale.
  4. Describe the origin of the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
  5. Discuss the highlights of physical and biological events through Geologic time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    1. Sedimentary Processes and Its Products
      1. Weathering: How Rocks Get Destroyed
      2. Erosion and Transportation: How Materials Move from Place to Place
      3. Deposition and Lithification:

      How Sedimentary Rocks are Formed

    2. Metamorphism and Its Products

      3. 3.0 hours

    3. Rock Deformation
      1. Ductile Deformation: When Rocks Bend
      2. Brittle Deformation: When rocks Break
      3. Earthquakes: When Rocks Break and Shake

3.5 hours

 
  1. Unravelling the History of the Earth
    1. Geologic Time
      1. Concept of Geologic Time
      2. Dating Techniques
      3. The Geologic Time Scale
    2. Setting the Scenario for Life
      1. The Origin of the Atmosphere
      2. The Origin of the Hydrosphere
    3. Life Through Geologic Time

3.0 hours

 

SECOND LONG EXAMINATION (1.5 hours)

NATURAL SCIENCE II BIOLOGY PART

 

Specific Unit Objectives for V A, B, C, D. V. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

TOTAL: 5 Meetings

1. Trace the possible events of the formation of biomolecules under primitive earth conditions

2. Trace the evolution of the cell and the various cellular processes.

3. State and criticize other theories on origin of life.

4. Describe the manifestations and characteristics of life

5. Describe the processes of life in the cellular and organismal level

6. Relate the use of the scientific method in biology

7. Enumerate examples of basic and applied biology and discuss their impact on society

a. Basic biology

b. Applied biology

A. Theories on the Origin of Life - 1 Mtg.

1. Biogeochemical Theories

2. Abiogenesis or Spontaneous Generation

Theory

3. Biogenesis

4. Interplanetary or Cosmozoic Theory

5. Special Creation

B. Manifestations and Characteristics of Life-

1 Mtg.

1. Discussion on the concept of life

2. Description of manifestations of life

a. Organization

b. Metabolism

c. Reproduction

d. Growth and Development

e. Irritability and movement

f. Variation, change and evolution

C. Life Processes (Plant and Animal Patterns)-

2.5 Mtgs.

1. Cellular level

2. Organismal level

D. Biology and Society - 0.5 Mtg.

1. Biology as a science

2. Role of biology in society

 

 

 

 

Specific unit objectives for VI A, B. VI. HOMEOSTASIS AND FEEDBACK

LOOPS

TOTAL: 2 Meetings

1. Present the concept of homeostasis by:

a. Defining the terms:

(1) Homeostasis

A. Concept of homeostasis

B. Homeostasis and feedback loops at

(2) External and internal environments relative to set points (norm)

b. Explaining the concept of feedback loops

(1) Positive feedback

(2) Negative feedback

 

2. Illustrate homeostasis by citing specific examples of:

a. Osmoregulation

b. Excretion of metabolic wastes

c. Other homeostatic mechanisms in humans

(1) Managing glucose level

(2) Blood clotting

(3) Defense mechanisms

(4) Temperature regulation

(5) Control of breathing

various levels of biological organization

1. Cellular level (unicellular organisms)

2. Organismal level

a. Flowering plants

b. Humans

THIRD EXAM

Specific unit objectives for VII A, B, C, D, E. VII. PERPETUATION AND EVOLUTION OF LIFE

TOTAL: 3 Meetings

1. Differentiate the methods of reproduction, their advantages and limitations.

2. Describe the role of sexual reproduction in the diversity of life.

3. Explain the mechanisms of growth and development as affected by gene action

4. State and explain the laws of heredity and solve sample problems in mendellian inheritance and give examples of non-mendellian inheritance

5. Explain reproductive health

6. Enumerate the contribution of gene tech- nology on our lives

7. State the concept of species and biological classification

8. Explain the need to conserve genetic resources

9. State the mechanisms, evidences and

issues in evolution

10. Discuss the basic concepts in human evolution

A. Reproduction

1. Asexual

2. Sexual

3. Reproductive health

B. Developmental Biology

1. Development of asexually produced organisms

2. Development of sexually produced organisms

C. Genetics

1. Mendellian and non-mendellian mode of inheritance

2. Environmental influence on gene expression in development

3. Gene technology: cloning, gene therapy, etc.

D. Change and Evolution

1. Theories

2. Mechanisms

3. Evidence, issues

4. Human evolution: Biological and cultural

E. Biodiversity

1. Concept of species

2. Biological classification

3. Conservation of genetic resources

 

 

 

 

 

Specific unit objectives for VIII A, B, C VIII. ECOLOGY

TOTAL: 3 Meetings

1. Describe the structures and relationships between biotic and abiotic components in different types of ecosystem.

2. Describe the major components of the biomes focusing on tropical areas

3. To explain the organization and functions of populations and communities

A. Structure and function of ecosystems

1. Abiotic and biotic functions

2. Processes: energy flow, food chains, food webs, matter recycling

3. Productivity

4. Nutrient cycling

B. Types of Ecosystems

1. Freshwater ecosystems

2. Marine ecosystems

3. Terrestrial Ecosystem

C. Types of biomes

1. Tropical rainforest

2. Grasslands

3. Others

D. Population

1. Characteristics

2. Regulation

E. Community (includes interactions)

1. Diversity

2. Succession

3. Stability

 

Specific unit objectives for IX A, B. IX. MAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT

TOTAL: 1 Meeting

1. To describe man’s impact on the environment by citing examples such as global warming, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, population

2. State important issues on Philippine and global settings

3. Present important issues on sustainable natural resources as reflected in Philippine and global settings

A. Anthropogenic impact on environment

B. Sustainable natural resources and management

1. Population, economics and natural resources

2. Conservation biology, protected areas and wildlife management

3. Human settlements (man-made ecosystems)

 

FOURTH EXAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATURAL SCIENCE II

GUIDELINES ON EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING
  1. EXEMPTED FROM TAKING THE FINAL EXAMINATION
    1. ALL STUDENTS WITH A GRADE OF 3.0 OR BETTER PROVIDED THAT:
    1. She/he must have a passing average in both Geology and Biology portions, i.e., a minimum average of 50 for each portion.
    2. All four (4) examinations have been taken, i.e., two (2) exams in Geology and two (2) exams in Biology.
    3. 80% attendance rule (not more than 3 unexcused absences in each portion) had been satisfied

    1. SHOULD YOU TAKE THE FINAL EXAM, WHICH CONSISTS OF THE GEOLOGY AND BIOLOGY FINAL EXAMS, THE FOLLOWING COMPUTATION WILL BE ADOPTED:

      2. Pre-final Grade (computed from the Geology and Biology average) = 80%

      Final Examination Grade = 20%

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      FINAL GRADE = 100%

    2. IF YOU DO NOT TAKE THE FINAL EXAMINATION, YOUR PRE-FINAL GRADE BECOMES YOUR FINAL GRADE.

 

  1. MUST TAKE THE FINAL EXAMINATION, i.e., GEOLOGY, BIOLOGY, OR BOTH FINAL EXAMINATIONS
    1. TAKE GEOLOGY FINAL EXAMINATION

    1. Missed one of the Geology long exams. The Geology final examination will replace the missed exam, and the final grade will be based on the average of all 4 examinations.

    2. Missed both long exams in Geology – Take Geology final examination as make-up for one of the long exams missed. However, the final grade will be INC., and a completion exam must be taken within a year.

    3. Has failing average in Geology (no mixed exams). Final grade will be computed as follows: 10% of final examination grade + 40% of pre-final average in Geology + 50% of pre-final average in Biology, provided a passing average is then obtained in both Geology and Biology portions. If the Geology average is still failing after the final examination, refer to III.

    1. TAKE BIOLOGY FINAL EXAMINATION

    1. Missed one of the Biology long exams. The Biology final examination will replace the missed exam, and the final grade will be based on the average of all 4 examinations.

    2. Missed both long exams in Biology. Take Biology final examination as make-up for one of the long exams missed. However, the final grade will be INC., and a completion exam must be taken within a year.

    3. Has failing average in Biology (no missed exams). Final grade will be computed as in II.A.3. If the Biology average is still failing after the final examination, refer to III.

 

C. TAKE BOTH GEOLOGY AND BIOLOGY FINAL EXAMINATION

    1. Missed one Geology and one Biology long exam. Take both Geology and Biology final examinations, but graded separately. Geology final examination will replace the missed long exam in Geology. Biology final examination will replace missed long exam in Biology. Final grade will be based on an average of all 4 examinations.

    2. All students with a failing average in both Geology and Biology and have no missed exams must take both Geology and Biology final examinations. The final grade will be computed as in I.B.

 

  1. After taking the final examination(s) and the student still failed in one portion (either Geology or Biology), a grade of INC will be given if the final average is passing. A grade of 4.0 or 5.0 will be appropriately given if the final average is below 50.

  2. A grade of 5.0 will be given if a student missed both long exams and did not take the final examination (in either the Geology or Biology portion).

  3. A grade of 4.0 can only be removed by passing both the Geology and Biology removal examinations.

 

GRADING SCALE

FINAL WEIGHTED SCORE FINAL GRADE

90 – 100 % 1.0

85 – 89 % 1.25

80 – 84 % 1.5

75 – 79 % 1.75

70 – 74 % 2.0

65 – 69 % 2.25

60 – 64 % 2.50

55 – 59 % 2.75

50 – 54 % 3.0

45 – 49 % 4.0

0 – 44 % 5.0

 

 

 

 

List of References used in Natural Science II

 

Dott, R.H., Jr. and Battern, R.L. (1976). Evolution of the Earth (2nd ed.).

Dott, R.H., Jr. and Prothero, P.R. (1994). Evolution of the Earth (5th ed.), Mc Graw – Hill,

Inc., New York.

Gilluly J.; Waters A.C.; and Woodford A.O. (1975). Principles of Geology, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco, USA.

Hamblin, W.K. (1991). Introduction to Physical Geology.

Hamblin, W.K. (1992). Earth’s Dynamic Systems (6th ed.), Prentice – Hall, Inc., New Jersey.

Hamblin, W.K. and Christiansen E. H. (1995). Earth’s Dynamic Systems (7th ed.), Prentice –

Hall, Inc., New Jersey.

Hamblin, W. K. and Christiansen E. H. (1998). Earth’s Dynamic Systems, Prentice – Hall, Inc., New Jersey.

Judson and Kauffman (1990). Physical Geology.

Judson and Richardson (1995). Earth.

Keller, E.A. (1992). Environmental Geology (6th ed.). Macmillan Publishing Company.

Monroe and Wicander (1992). Physical Geology, Exploring the Earth.

Montgomery (1993). Fundamentals of Geology.

Murck B. W.; Skinner B.J.; and Porter S.C. (1996). Environmental Geology, John Wiley and

Sons, Incorporated, New York.

Plummer, C. (1996). Physical Geology

Plummer and McGeary (1991). Physical Geology.

Pickering, K.T. and Owen, L.A. (1994). An Introduction to Global Environmental Issues.

Routledge: London and New York.

Press F. and Siever, R. (1998). Understanding the Earth (2nd ed.), W.H. Freeman and

Company, New York.

Skinner, B.J. and Porter, S. C. (1992). The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical

Geology (2nd ed.), John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Skinner, B. J. and Porter, S. C. (1995). The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical

Geology (3rd ed.), John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Tarbuck, E. J. and Lutgens, F. K. (1992). The Earth, Introduction to Physical Geology

(4th ed.), Prentice – Hall, Incorporated, New Jersey.

Tarbuck, E.J. and Lutgens, F. K. (1997). Earth Science (8th ed.), Prentice – Hall,

Incorporated, New Jersey.

Tarbuck, E. J. and Lutgens, F. K. (1998). Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (6th ed.),

Prentice – Hall International, New Jersey.