This course examines microbial diversity, emphasizing the interrelationships of bacteria with their environments. Laboratory exercises will include microbial growth, quantitative techniques, and physiological testing. A series of unknown cultures will be presented to the student to test their mastery of the above techniques. A library research paper dealing with some disease-causing microbe will be required. This course explores the diversity of living organisms, their structure and organization, and their patterns across space and time.
Emphasis is given to plant and animal groups that students are able to observe in the field.
Topics include animal behavior, animal and plant taxonomy, animal and plant phylogeny, biogeography, biological and environmental conservation, and an exploration into the natural history of many local plants and animals. An appreciable amount of time is dedicated to field work. None Plants and People is a laboratory botany course that explores plants and fungi and their impact upon people. Students will also investigate the species concept in plants, plant extinction, its consequences, and the use of plants by humans in the future. Field trips are an integral part of the course.