Basic structure and function, antimicrobial drugs, and the roles of microbes in ecology and disease. Includes laboratory exercises in handling and culturing microbes, and in microbial activity. Biogeochemical cycles, food webs, predator-prey relationships, competition, population growth, succession and human impact on natural ecosystems. Morphology, ecology, and diversity of insects. Insect evolution, behavior, metamorphosis, and biological relationships to the environment are covered.
Special attention is given to importance of insects to humans.
Course includes extensive observation of birds in the field.