In lab, students will work both with living and preserved animals. Living animals will be studied in lab whenever possible. The diversity of form in invertebrates will be examined by studying representative specimens of the major invertebrate phyla. The anatomy of these specimens will be studied in detail through dissections. In addition, students will make behavioral observations of living specimens, conduct several experiments and participate in a field trip.
Attendance is required at all lecture and laboratory exams.
This course will not count toward the biology major as it is designed primarily for non-majors. Every Spring semester. Using basic ecological concepts as a framework, this course examines such major environmental issues as human overpopulation, energy use, resource conservation, and pollution. Ethical, political, and economic implications of these issues are discussed throughout the course. All students will participate in debates of major topics, in which different viewpoints on the topic are presented.