A project-based approach, using collaborative teams in which students construct their own knowledge, is used throughout this course. MSE 610 Heredity and Evolution Heredity and evolution are studies on many levels including reproduction, mitosis, meiosis, chromosomes, genes, and dominant and recessive traits. Mendel's laws of biological heredity are explored. A review of molecular biology featuring the functions of DNA and RNA in transmitting the genetic code is presented. Genetics is presented as one way of understanding the process of evolution.
Evolution provides a unifying theme for understanding the history of life on earth.
MSE 612 General Ecology Ecosystems are explored to examine the interdependency and interrelationships between living and non-living components, including the food web and how energy flows through an ecosystem together with the effect that people have on the environment. Strategies for managing ecosystems will be studied. Laboratory activities such as soil studies and field trips to ecosystems will be included. Some classes may be held at John Ball Zoological Garden where students will learn how to use the Zoo as a classroom. The diversity and components of the plant kingdom, from mosses and algae to ferns and flowering plants, will be studied.