Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritural growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

Introduction:
The idea of Perspectives in Biology is to make applications of the concepts in biological science. By the end of the course, hopefully you will have a better understanding of the science involved with biology, and better understand how God has used biology to create and manage the planet.

The assignments below can be completed with a good "applied biology" book or resource. "Nature's Destiny" by Michael Denton is the course text book, but if you have one of the other books (such as Behe's "Darwin's Black Box") you should be able to complete the assignments.

No matter which book you use, you will be best served if you do the following: First, read through the table of contents and notice the key topics. Second, skim the book, to see how it is laid out; notice especially how the book uses headings, chapter titles, and illustrations to draw your attention. Finally, for some of the assignments, the index (back of the book) will be a very powerful tool for looking up concepts.

As you complete the assignments, remember that the idea is to become more familiar with the awesome way God has created and manages the planet. The "science" of it can get a bit intense, so plan to spend a little time thinking and even praying about what God is trying to show you. If you persevere, you will find a treasure of knowledge about God in biology.

We hope you enjoy the course.

Assignment 1
Introduction to Biology

Requirement:
Writing as if you were developing an introductory book for school children, explain the following biology concepts. Be sure to address two things: A simple explanation of the concept, including an example if possible, and a description of how God uses it in creation or managing the planet.

Acids, especially amino acids
Antibodies
Bacteria
Bacterial flagellum
Bases
B cells
Blood circulation
Blood clotting
Blood plasma
Carbon
Carbon dioxide
Cells, design of
Cells, human
Cells, plant
Cell membranes
Chlorophyll
Chloroplast
Cilium
Cytoplasm
Cytoskeleton
Digestive enzymes
DNA
Ecology
Ecosystem
Endoplasmic reticulum
Flagellum, bacterial
Formic acid
Genes
Glutamine
Helix
HMK (protein)
Hook protein
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbon Amino Acids
Immunoglobulins
Inheritance
Insulin
Intercellular transport
Killer proteins
Lipids
Lysosomes
Messenger RNA
Metabolism
MCH protein
Mitochondria
Mitotic spindle
Molecules, amphiphilic
Molecules in cell membranes
Motor proteins
Myoglobin
Nitrogen
NSF protein
Nucleic acids
Oxygen
Photosynthesis
Plants
Plasma cells
Platelets
Polar amino acids
Polynucleotides
Polypeptides
Polysaccharides
Primary structure of protein
Proenzymes
Prokaryotes
Proteins
Prothrombin
Regulatory proteins
Replication
RNA
SSB (single strand binding protein)
Skin
Sodium
Spontaneous generation
SRP (signal recognition particle)
Symbiosis and cooperation
Tissue
Transfer RNA
Vertebrate
Vessles, blook
Vesicular transport
Vitamins
 

Assignment 2
The Environment (Earth as the biological match for human inhabitance)

Requirement:
Some authors (including Michael Denton, in "Nature's Destiny") contend that the earth is created as a "system." That is, all of its components fit together precisely, and work together to accomplish its purpose.

Please compose a short (3-5 page) article in which you provide evidence that the earth is an integrated system, created specifically for human habitation, and that human beings are suited for earth's environment.

Assignment 3
Intelligent Design

Requirement:
As if you were writing a letter to the editor of a major national newspaper, please state the case for intelligent design, specifically as it applies to biology. Be sure to include a description of intelligent design, brief explanations of alternatives to intelligent design, and evidence of intelligent design.

Your letter should be well-written, as it is to appear in a major paper, and it may be as long as two pages.

Assignment 4
The DNA of Life (see article at Leader University)

Requirement:
Mankind has been fascinated by the possiblity of "aliens" or creatures from other planets that are very different from us. Biologically speaking, it is likely--or even possible--that life could be sustained in a completely different "form"?

Please write a defense of the following statement: Because of biological laws that apply everywhere in the universe, human-like life is the only form that could survive. (Use scientific examples and logic.)

Assignment 5
Good Science

Science can be described as the act of investigation required to discover the truth. To do "good science" or "real science" it is necessary to be diligent, persistent, and open-minded. Often in our modern society, our attention spans and our lack of deep intellectual inquiry affect our ability to "do good science." Also, scientific answers do not always agree with commonly held or politically-correct versions of events.

Sometimes, when scientific truth is difficult to grasp, or politically unpopular (as when it proves the work or sovereignty of God), even "scientists" resort to false claims. When a "scientist" makes a claim that can be demonstrated as false, they engage in "junk science."

As a student of science, it is important to take the time and invest the energy needed to dig deep. The reward for your effort is a better understanding of scientific principles and, more important, a better comprehension of the truth, and an appreciation for "good science."

Requirement:
Using your course book and/or the links available at the Resource page, find at least two examples of "junk science" (where "scientists" have made false or inaccurate claims) to which "good science" has been applied to learn the truth. Identify the issue, state the "junk science" position, then state the "good science" evidence or experiment that invalidated the "junk science."

Final Paper
Michael Denton, author of "Nature's Destiny," is often cited as an "evolutionist." In fact, it might be more accurate to say that his views differ with some interpretations of creationism.

For your final paper, assume you have been contracted by an evolutionist group to write a review of "Nature's Destiny." Write your review so that it accurately characterizes the book, yet makes your personal view about creation and evolution clear.