Limnology is the science of inland waters dealing with the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of streams, lakes, and their watersheds. During lectures, in laboratories and in field work, students study the organisms as well as the processes whereby matter and energy are transformed within a lake, pond, river, or stream. Increased food processing, chemical additions to food, and the great variety of available foods makes it important to understand the basic ideas of modern nutrition. Such concepts as biochemical individuality as related to nutrition for optimum health are integrated with surveys of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Also studied are the role of vitamins and minerals in metabolic processes, food selection, special diets during illness, safety of the food supply.
Students analyze their own diet.
Independent study of Biology is developed individually between student and faculty member and must be approved by the Department. This course is of a topical and pilot nature and is designed to meet the immediate needs and interests of various student populations. It is offered for a maximum of two semesters. The most recent and important discoveries in the biological and physical sciences are presented, observed, discussed, and experimented with, to acquaint students with the world around them. Brain research, studies of aging, disease, fertility, immunity, and the origin of life are explored.