Use models to explain energy flow and material cycling in ecosystems and to relate these and other ecological principles to the role humans play in their environment. Explain the strategy for maintaining life processes by comparing structure and function of organ systems in selected animals. Identify the control mechanisms which regulate the development of selected animals. Students increase their reading and comprehension skills by reading the text and handout materials. Students may be required to read articles on particular biological topics in preparation for writing short papers.
Students develop their listening skills through lecture and small group problem solving.
A. Students develop writing and speaking skills through the use of problems and activities developed to specifically enhance their understanding of certain biological principles. Students are required to write essay answers on exams, often write short papers as part of the course work, and give presentations. Students use mathematical concepts to solve population genetics problems. Students practice the methods of scientific inquiry during lecture discussions. Students apply critical thinking skills in solving population genetics problems both in groups and individually.