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 In class we defined scientific literacy as the understanding that a summary of observations can be challenged by new observations. However, I think there's more to scientific literacy than that. To me scientific literacy means an understanding of the building blocks or foundations of science. For example, in biology I think that would include understanding the concept of a cell and the importance of DNA. These are things that I would except every person with some sort of formal science education to understand. 

I think this is one reason why the new Bio 101 syllabus is an improvement. In college level introduction classes it is easy to get lost in the details and lose focus of the main building blocks. I think it is great that the course moves through successive levels of organization from the molecular to organismal levels and uses these levels as a framework for the class. At the same time, I don't think the professors should omit anything information that would be in a typical college Intro Biology course. Intro Biology is similar to  AP Biology in that many student are using the course to prepare themselves for a standardized exam that tests specific, detailed information. It would be unfortunate to see Bryn Mawr students at an disadvantage compared to students from schools with more traditional Intro Biology courses.