A study of the relationships among living organisms and their environments. The application of ecological principles to local environments is emphasized, and contemporary environmental issues are discussed. Laboratory includes field trip to local ecosystems, weekend mountain and coastal field trips, data collection, analysis of ecological data and computer modeling of ecosystems. Topics covered include isolating mechanisms, allopatric and sympatric speciation, genetic systems, the origin of sex, population genetics, molecular aspects of evolution, rates of evolution, co-evolution, and asexual strategies. Students investigate evolutionary trends within the major groups of organisms, including humans.
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms.
Emphasis will be placed on bacteria and viruses as we examine their structure, metabolism, applications in biotechnology, and ecological impact. We will also study the interaction of microorganisms and the human body during disease, including the protective role of the immune system. Laboratory experiments involve culturing, testing, and identifying bacteria, with emphasis on biomedical applications. An introductory human anatomy and physiology course covering the essentials of human structure, morphology, histology, and function. The human body is studied from the cellular perspective to the gross anatomical perspective, system by system.