Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

In this course, using a combination of lectures, discussions, activities, readings, and experiments, we will explore how natural processes shape the biological organisms and communities that exist on Earth. We will practice some of the techniques scientists use to uncover the complex genetic, evolutionary, and ecological relationships among all organisms. We will also investigate how human activity has affected the diversity and evolutionary potential of the earth’s biosphere.

Student Outcomes

1. Explain and compare various methods of inquiry that lead to ecological, evolutionary, and organismal knowledge and discuss the role of humans in the natural world.
2. Organize, analyze, and interpret several kinds of quantitative data and biological information:

  • Produce, read, and interpret graphical representations of data
  • Design, carry out and report on hypothesis-driven studies
  • Justify experimental conclusions based on observations, evidence, and data analysis

3. Gain & retain important knowledge about evolutionary biology & ecology:

  • Explain the theory of evolution by natural selection
  • Describe relationships between structure and function of biological adaptations
  • Interpret depictions of phylogenetic relationships
  • Apply the basic rules of Mendelian genetics and inheritance
  • Demonstrate knowledge of population, community, and ecosystem structure and function

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