Introduction to purposes and methods of scientific inquiry. Philosophy of science, research design, use of biological literature sources, fundamental laboratory techniques, statistical analysis, and survey of careers in biology. Laboratory work involves designing, performing, and reporting on research projects. A study of the interactions between organism and their environments, and the consequences of these interactions for population dynamics, community structure, and the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems. Also, consideration of environmental issues and conservation.
Course focuses on comparative aspects of animal and plant physiology.
One half of the course is a study of animal organ systems in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, with laboratory work including studies of metabolism, respiration and osmoregulation. The plant portion of the course emphasizes plant water relations, organic and mineral nutrition, transport in xylem and phloem, growth and development, and stress physiology. Plant laboratory work focuses on tissue culture, growth regulators, photosynthesis, and mineral nutrition. Studies of the composition, structure, and function of tropical ecosystems, communities, and populations. Taught in Costa Rica.