Topic outline

  • Welcome!

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    Welcome to Biology II for Science majors!

    Course Introduction

    This course is designed for students majoring in science or a related field. A systematic study of the structure, function, ecology and evolution or organisms including bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals.

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Apply biological concepts to the natural world and society
    • Recognize biology as an inquiry process dependent on the scientific method and requiring critical thinking
    • Interpret biological images, scientific graphs and models used to illustrate general biology concepts
    • Demonstrate biological literacy through the use of standard English and appropriae citation of outside resources.
    • Recognize fundamental biology principles in the areas of evolution, biological diversity, ecology, microorganisms, and anatomy and physiology of organisms.

    Navigating the Course
    Adopting institution should provide learners information on how to navigate the course. Consider adding an introductory navigation video. Text description could include, for example:
    This course is set up in Modules covering various topics which may be accessed from the course navigation menu on the left or by scrolling below. Modules may be collapsed in the menu and it the body of the course to minimize scrolling. Each module includes the relevant chapters followed by various activities, which may include discussion forums, listening activities and quizzes, practice quizzes, module tests, and other relevant activities as appropriate for each module. Many items are required and may be marked as completed automatically when the activity has been submitted (the broken check box), but others will marked as done by the student (the solid check box). 

    Please move through the items below and continue through the Learner Support and Getting Started modules before moving on to Module 1. Be sure to check for announcements and due dates to stay on track.
    Creative Commons attribution license This course and its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, except where otherwise noted. 

  • Learner Support

    1 Evolution and the Origin of Species

  • Getting Started

    This module contains all the items you should review and complete before you begin Module 1. Before moving on, be sure to:
    1. Check the News and Announcements Forum
    2. Read the Course Syllabus
    3. Review Grading Rubrics: Research paper rubric, Discussion rubric. 
    4. Introduce yourself to the class
    5. Read the instructions for the Q & A Forum
    Good luck in the course!
    • Forum icon
      News and Announcements Forum
      This forum contains general news and announcements. You can find all announcements listed in the "Latest News" block in Course Tools within this course or on your My Courses page.
    • File icon
      Course Syllabus and Schedule File
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • Forum icon
      Introduce Yourself! Forum
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to tell us a little about yourself and your interests. Some topic ideas:

        1. What is your field of study/research interest or concentration?
        2. What are you most interested in learning about in this class and why?
        3. Have you ever taken an online class before?
        4. Any other information you would like to share with your classmates, such as special interests or activities.

      Post a picture!  We look forward to meeting you.

    • Forum icon
      Q & A Forum for Students
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to ask your instructor any questions you have about the course. You may post at any time, and your instructor will respond here. Be as specific as possible.

      Please keep in mind that others can see your posts, so do not post any personal information. If you have questions about your grade, please email your instructor directly. You can expect a response to posts and emails within 24 hours M-F, next business day on weekends.

      Discussion Forum Rubric

  • FOR INSTRUCTORS: Using This Template and Additional Resources

    Use the information in this module to customize the template to your needs. This module is currently hidden from students, and available for you to refer to throughout the semester.

  • Module 1: Viruses/Bacteria

    Electron micrograph shows the tobacco mosaic virus (left). Orchid leaf in varying states of decay (right).

    Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit

    The tobacco mosaic virus, seen here by transmission electron microscopy (left), was the first virus to be discovered. The virus causes disease in tobacco and other plants, such as the orchid (right). (credit a: USDA ARS; credit b: modification of work by USDA Forest Service, Department of Plant Pathology Archive North Carolina State University; scale-bar data from Matt Russell)

    In these chapters you will be covering topics about viruses, bacteria, and archaea.

    Note the check boxes to the right that help you track your progress: some are automatic, and some are manual. 

    Course Outcomes:

    1. Apply biological concepts to the natural world and society
    2. Recognize biology as an inquiry process dependent on the scientific method and requiring critical thinking
    3. Interpret biological images, scientific graphs and models used to illustrate general biology concepts
    4. Demonstrate biological literacy through the use of standard English and appropriate citation of outside resources
    5. Recognize fundamental biology principles in the areas of evolution, biological diversity, ecology, microorganism, and anatomy and physiology of organisms. 

    Objectives: Viruses and Prokaryotes
    1.  Describe the different structures found in viruses
    2.  Explain viral replication
    3. Distinguish between lytic and lysogenic cycles in baceriophages
    4. Identify the major viral diseases that affect humans
    5. Describe the types of vaccinations and anti-viral humans
    6. Describe the basic features of bacteria and archaea
    7. Identify the different structures and their functions of a typical prokaryote
    8. Explain the differences between gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cells
    9. Identify bacterial diseases that caused historically important plagues and epidemics and current diseases caused by bacteria
    10. Explain how overuse of antibiotics may be creating "super bugs".
    Lab Safety and Viruses Objectives
    1.  Preform safe methods in the labs
    2. Use safety techniques and be able to identify which ones to use for a specific experiment
    3. Define virus
    4. Describe the anatomical features and shape of a typical virus
    5.  Compare and contrast enveloped and naked viruses, and lytic and lysogenic viruses
    6. Draw and label a typical bacteriophage
    7. Name significant families of viruses and the disease they cause
    8. Describe how a disease can be transmitted in a population  


  • Module 2: Protist and Fungi

    Left to right: mushroom cluster with bell domes. Lobe-shared yellowish fungus. Micrograph of long, slender chain of spores.

    Many species of fungus produce the familiar mushroom (a) which is a reproductive structure. This (b) coral fungus displays brightly colored fruiting bodies. This electron micrograph shows (c) the spore-bearing structures of Aspergillus, a type of toxic fungus found mostly in soil and plants. (credit “mushroom”: modification of work by Chris Wee; credit “coral fungus”: modification of work by Cory Zanker; credit “Aspergillus”: modification of work by Janice Haney Carr, Robert Simmons, CDC; scale-bar data from Matt Russell)


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. List the unifying characteristics of eukaryotes
    2. Explain endosymbiotic theory
    3. Identify the structures, including locomotion, of the different types of protists
    4. Describe important pathogenic species of protists
    5. List the characteristics of fungi
    6. Describe the mode of nutrition of fungi
    7. Describe the role of fungi in the ecosystem and in the food and beverage preparation
    8. Describe the different types of fungal infections in humans
    Assignments:
    1. Read Chapter 5
    2. Read the Power point on Protist
    3. Read Chapter 6
    4. Read the Power point on Fungi

    Complete all of the questions and activities in the chapters

    Lab Objectives Protist Lab:

    1. Describe the general characteristics of the protists
    2. Discuss why protists present a unique problem of taxonomists
    3. Compare and contrast traditional and modern protist classification
    4. Describe the traditional organization of the plant-like protists
    5. Describe the basic biology of the plantlike protists
    6. Describe the traditional organization of the fungus-like protinst
    7. Describe the basic biology of the fungus-like protists
    8. Descrbie the traditional organization of the animallike protists

    Lab Objectives Fungi Lab:
    1. Explain the ecological role and characteristics of kingdom Fungi
    2. Describe and identify the basic anatomical features of kindom Fungi
    3. Discuss the taxonomical organization of kingdom Fungi
    4. Describe the characteristics of and biolgy of phyla Chrytridiomycota, Aygomycota, Glomeromycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota
    5. Trace the life cycle of Rhizopus stolonifer, a typical ascomycete, and Agaricus bisprous, a typical basidiomycele
    6. Label the parts of a typical mushrooom
    7. Describe the biology of lichens and their three basic forms

  • Module 3: Invertebrates Diversity

    The photo shows a purple and orange starfish on a sandy flat beach.

    Nearly 97 percent of animal species are invertebrates, including this sea star (Novodinia antillensis). Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit: NOAA’s National Ocean Service

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
          1. Name and identify different invertebrate models
          2. Describe and provide examples of sponges and cnidarians 
          3. Describe and provide examples of lophotrochozoans and ecdysozoans
          4. Describe and provide examples of echinoderms and chordates

    To achieve these objectives:

    1. Read the Module 4 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 4 Pressbooks book
    3. Read Chapter #8 
    4. Complete the end of the chapter reading questions and review the PowerPoint

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 4: Vertebrates

    Photos show a tiger, a gorilla, and an eagle.
    Vertebrates are among the most recognizable organisms of the Animal Kingdom, and more than 62,000 vertebrate species have been identified. The vertebrate species now living represent only a small portion of the vertebrates that have existed in the past. (Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit a: modification of work by Dave Pape; credit b: modification of work by Dave Proffer; credit c: modification of work by Haui Ared). 


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of chordates.
    2. Describe the developmental fate of the notochord in vertebrates.
    3. Describe the difference between jawless and jawed fishes.
    4. Discuss the distinguishing features of sharks and rays compared to modern fishes.
    5. Describe the important difference between the life cycle of amphibians and the life cycles of other vertebrates
    6. Describe the main characteristics of amniotes
    7. Identify the characteristics of reptiles
    8. Describe the evolutionary history of birds
    9. Describe the derived characteristics in birds that facilitate flight
    10. Name and describe the distinguishing features of the three main groups of mammals
    11. Describe the derived features that distinguish primates from other animals
    12. Explain why scientists are having difficulty determining the true lines of descent in hominids


    To achieve these objectives: [Edit these items to match your resources and activities.]

    1. Read the Module 3 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module  Pressbooks book
    3. Read Chapter # in Textbook Title, Article Title, etc. [Include all reading assignments here that are outside of Moodle. Be as concise as possible. More information can be included in the third-party section below, if necessary.]
    4. Complete the [Learning Objectives in each section of the chapter and submit them to the assignment Due link]


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module on the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

    • URL icon
      9.1 Introduction URL
    • URL icon
      9.2 Chordates URL
    • URL icon
      9.3 Fishes URL
    • URL icon
      9.4 Amphibians URL
    • URL icon
      9.5 Reptiles URL
    • URL icon
      9.6 Birds URL
    • URL icon
      9.7 Mammals URL
    • URL icon
      9.8 The Evolution of Primates URL
    • URL icon
      General Biology II Wikimedia Commons Lecture Notes (PDF file) URL
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This link provides you with access to lecture notes for General Biology II.  This is a complete lecture note series.  These lecture notes were licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license.  This is an ancillary tool to assist you.  These lecture notes are not associated with the General Biology 2E Pressbook.  Should you have any questions, please contact your instructor.


    • Assignment icon
      Module 4: Chapter: 9 Vertebrates: Assignment
      Students must
      Mark as done
      Instructions

      Complete the Learning Objectives in each section of Chapter 9.  These objectives should be completed as an MS Word document and submitted in this link by the due dates outlined in your course syllabus.  Please make sure you save the document as: i.e. (Module 3: Chapter 9 Learning Objectives, etc..)

      Additionally, please make sure that you complete the Review Questions and Critical Thinking sections located in Chapter 9 in Pressbooks.




    • Forum icon
      Module 4 Vertebrates Discussion Forum
      Students must
      Post replies: 1
      Make forum posts: 1
    • File icon
      Module 4: Chapter 9: Vertebrates Lecture Outline File
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This lecture outline was created by Wikibooks: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License and complements Chapter 9:  Vertebrates. 



    • URL icon
      Lab Module 4: Vertebrates URL
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This laboratory activity is from an OER Resource.  In this laboratory, we will dive deeper into the animal world and learn about some of the organisms that are vertebrates.  Animals that belong to the Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata (from the Latin word vertebratus, which means 'jointed'), in addition to the notochord, pharyngeal gill slits, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, and a post-anal tail possess a backbone or vertebral column.  

      This is the Lab Exercise: Animals II - Vertebrates from the CUNY General Biology Laboratory Manual. 

      Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-SA (attribution - non commercial - share alike)

    • Assignment icon
      Lab Module 4: Vertebrate Laboratory Activity Worksheet Assignment
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This is the Open Educational Resources laboratory worksheet that accompanies the laboratory manual to be completed.  This worksheet has the information that is included in the weblink.

  • Midterm Assessment/Additional Exam Module


    In this module you will take your midterm exam and submit your midterm assessment for this course. Read the instructions carefully and take note of any special submission guidelines.

    FUTURE INSTRUCTORS WILL ADD CONTENT

    Upon completion of this module, you will have:

    1. Read and viewed the instructions.
    2. Scheduled your exam with the proctoring service.
    3. Prepared for and submitted your midterm assessment. 

    To achieve these objectives:

    1. Read and view the contents of "Exam Information and Instructions".
    2. Review the exam guidelines in your syllabus to make sure you are ready. Click on link and follow the instructions.
    3. Log in to the proctoring service and take your exam. 

  • Module 5: Plants Diversity & Reproduction


    A locust leaf consists of leaflets arrayed along a central midrib. Each leaflet is a complex photosynthetic machine, exquisit

    A locust leaf consists of leaflets arrayed along a central midrib. Each leaflet is a complex photosynthetic machine, exquisitely adapted to capture sunlight and carbon dioxide. An intricate vascular system supplies the leaf with water and minerals and exports the products of photosynthesis. Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit: modification of work by Todd Petit

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

          1. Describe the organizational hierarchy of plants (organs, tissues, and cells)
          2. Describe primary and secondary growth in plants
          3. Describe how growth, morphogenesis, and cell differentiation help to produce the plant body
     

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 5 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 5 Pressbooks book
    3. Read Chapter #10
    4. Complete the questions in each chapter section

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 6: The Respiratory System and The Circulatory System

    Browse to find your image above. Then update alt text here. Set the first size number below to between 300-400.In this module, students will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and circulatory systems.  Differences and similarities will be discussed as these systems are explored in humans and in other organisms as well.

    The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the cells of the body’s tissues and remove carbon dioxide, a cell waste product. The main structures of the human respiratory system are the nasal cavity, the trachea, and lungs.

    The circulatory system is effectively a network of cylindrical vessels: the arteries, veins, and capillaries that emanate from a pump, the heart. 

    In all animals, except a few simple types, the circulatory system is used to transport nutrients and gases through the body. The circulatory system varies from simple systems in invertebrates to more complex systems in vertebrates. 

    Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit modification of work by Mariana Ruiz Villareal







    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Describe the passage of air from the outside environment to the lungs 
    2. Explain how the lungs are protected from particulate matter 
    3. Name and describe lung volumes and capacities 
    4. Understand how gas pressure influences how gases move into and out of the body 
    5. Describe how the structures of the lungs and thoracic cavity control the mechanics of breathing 
    6. Explain the importance of compliance and resistance in the lungs 
    7. Discuss problems that may arise due to a V/Q mismatch 
    8. Describe how oxygen is bound to hemoglobin and transported to body tissues 
    9. Explain how carbon dioxide is transported from body tissues to the lungs 
    10. Describe an open and closed circulatory system 
    11. Describe interstitial fluid and hemolymph 
    12. Compare and contrast the organization and evolution of the vertebrate circulatory system 
    13. List the basic components of the blood 
    14. Compare red and white blood cells 
    15. Describe blood plasma and serum 
    16. Describe the structure of the heart and explain how cardiac muscle is different from other muscles 
    17. Describe the cardiac cycle 
    18. Explain the structure of arteries, veins, and capillaries, and how blood flows through the body 
    19. Describe the system of blood flow through the body 
    20. Describe how blood pressure is regulated 


    Upon completion of the laboratory activity in this module, you will be able to:

    1. State the parts of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and give the functions of each part.
    2. Identify the parts of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems on the human torso model and other models.
    3. Explain how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are interrelated.
    4. Describe the path of the blood through the heart
    5. Test the effects of various factors on heart rate and breathing rates
    6. Measure various respiratory volumes using a spirometer.
    7. Define the laboratory activity terms provided.





    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 6 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 6 Pressbooks book
    3. Read Chapter 18 and Chapter 19 in Module 6 Pressbooks book
    4. Complete the Module Assignment
    5. Complete the Module Discussion
    6. Complete the Module 6 Laboratory Activity:  Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Lab
    7. Complete and submit a written laboratory report using the format provided for the Activity Investigation


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 7: Animal Nutrition and the Digestive System and Osmotic Regulation and Excretion

    Browse to find your image above. Then update alt text here. Set the first size number below to between 300-400.

    All living organisms need nutrients to survive. While plants can obtain the molecules required for cellular function through the process of photosynthesis, most animals obtain their nutrients by the consumption of other organisms. At the cellular level, the biological molecules necessary for animal function are amino acids, lipid molecules, nucleotides, and simple sugars. However, the food consumed consists of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. Animals must convert these macromolecules into the simple molecules required for maintaining cellular functions, such as assembling new molecules, cells, and tissues. The conversion of the food consumed to the nutrients required is a multistep process involving digestion and absorption. During digestion, food particles are broken down to smaller components, and later, they are absorbed by the body.  (credit: modification of work by Julie Rybarczyk). Just as humans recycle what we can and dump the remains into landfills, our bodies use and recycle what they can and excrete the remaining waste products. Our bodies’ complex systems have developed ways to treat waste and maintain a balanced internal environment. The daily intake recommendation for human water consumption is eight to ten glasses of water. In order to achieve a healthy balance, the human body should excrete eight to ten glasses of water every day. This occurs via the processes of urination, defecation, sweating, and, to a small extent, respiration.  (Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit: modification of work by Redwin Law)

    Photo shows two garbage trucks dumping their contents into a landfill.

    This chapter begins with Animal Digestion and Nutrition and concludes with Osmotic Regulation and Excretion

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1.   Explain the processes of digestion and absorption
    2.   Explain the specialized functions of the organs involved in processing food in the body
    3.   Describe the ways in which organs work together to digest food and absorb nutrients
    4.   Describe the essential nutrients required for cellular function that cannot be synthesized by the animal body
    5.   Describe how excess carbohydrates and energy are stored in the body
    6.   Describe the process of digestion
    7.   Explain the role of both the small and large intestines in absorption
    8.    Explain how the kidneys serve as the main osmoregulatory organs in mammalian systems
    9.    Describe how the nephron is the functional unit of the kidney and explain how it actively filters blood and generates urine
    10.    Detail the three steps in the formation of urine: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 7 Introduction and each section in Module 7.
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 7 Pressbooks chapters.
    3. Read Chapters 13 and 20 in the Biology 2e Textbook. Additionally, the PowerPoint slides and lecture notes have been provided to further assist you with getting acquainted with the chapters.
    4. Complete the:  (1) Learning Objectives, (2) Review Questions, and (3) Critical Thinking Questions for each section in the chapters. The Learning Objectives for each section in the chapter should be submitted as one document.

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 8: The Immune System

    Browse to find your image above. Then update alt text here. Set the first size number below to between 300-400.

    The environment consists of numerous pathogens, which are agents, usually microorganisms, that can cause diseases.  Pathogens include bacteria, protists, fungi and other infectious organisms. We are constantly exposed to pathogens in food and water, on surfaces, and in the air.

    Components of the immune system constantly search the body for signs of pathogens. When pathogens are found, immune factors are mobilized to the site of an infection.

    In this module, students will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the immune system. Features of the immune system that are essential for survival against pathogens, such as pathogen identification, specific response, amplification, retreat, and remembrance are explored. 

    The IgE molecules bind to mast cells, and on secondary exposure, the mast cells release histamines and other modulators that affect the symptoms of allergy.   

    Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with the image credit modification of work by NIH.





    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Describe physical and chemical immune barriers 
    2. Explain immediate and induced innate immune responses 
    3. Discuss natural killer cells 
    4. Describe major histocompatibility class I molecules 
    5. Summarize how the proteins in a complement system function to destroy extracellular pathogens 
    6. Explain adaptive immunity 
    7. Compare and contrast adaptive and innate immunity 
    8. Describe cell-mediated immune response and humoral immune response 
    9. Describe immune tolerance 
    10. Explain cross-reactivity 
    11. Describe the structure and function of antibodies 
    12. Discuss antibody production 
    13. Describe hypersensitivity 
    14. Define autoimmunity 

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 8 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 8 Pressbooks book
    3. Read Chapter 21 in the Module 8 Pressbooks book
    4. Complete the Module Assignment
    5. Complete the Module Discussion
    6. This module does not have a laboratory activity

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 9: The Endocrine System

    The islets of Langerhans are clusters of endocrine cells found in the pancreas; they stain lighter than surrounding cells.

    An animal’s endocrine system controls body processes through the production, secretion, and regulation of hormones, which serve as chemical “messengers” functioning in cellular and organ activity and, ultimately, maintaining the body’s homeostasis. 

    In this module, students will learn about the structures and functions of various hormones and endocrine glands, and how hormones regulate homeostasis within the body.

    (credit: Image from Biology 2e from OpenStax, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0 with modification of work by Muhammad T. Tabiin, Christopher P. White, Grant Morahan, and Bernard E. Tuch; scale-bar data from Matt Russell). 


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. List the different types of hormones
    2. Explain their role in maintaining homeostasis
    3. Explain how hormones work
    4. Discuss the role of different types of hormone receptors
    5. Explain how hormones regulate the excretory system
    6. Discuss the role of hormones in the reproductive system
    7. Describe how hormones regulate metabolism
    8. Explain the role of hormones in different diseases
    9. Explain how hormone production is regulated
    10. Discuss the different stimuli that control hormone levels in the body
    11. Describe the role of different glands in the endocrine system
    12. Explain how the different glands work together to maintain homeostasis


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 9 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 9 Pressbooks book
    3. Read Chapter 16 in the Pressbooks book 
    4. Complete the following assignments for Module 9
    There is NO lab associated with this Module.

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.