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Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity is a one quarter, lower-division program that focuses on providing students with the toolbox that biology students need: field and lab skills, science communication and scientific writing. The program offers General Biology in the areas of Ecology and Biodiversity. Students will learn about genetic variation in organisms and how evolution and ecology shape life on Earth, serving as a framework for understanding ecology and biodiversity. We will examine earth systems, as well as community, population and ecosystem ecology at the foundational level. Students will engage in learning about the diversity of life by examining the major characteristics of viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, green algae and plants, and animals as well as how biodiversity is measured and conservation efforts. We will apply knowledge of ecology and biodiversity through weekly lab and field activities.

In the Scientific Communication, Scientific Writing and Applied Math sections, students will engage in reading literature scientists use to communicate, examine the structure of primary literature papers, and learn how to present scientific information through different methods. Students will learn how to seminar about scientific literature. Students will also learn basic math that is frequently used in science. Students will apply their knowledge of Ecology and Biodiversity through independent research of organisms and the habitats in which they live. Students will gain practice at frequent scientific writing through associated field and lab activities, as well as write short papers about their individual and group research. Students will collaborate with others to deliver presentations to the class, including a scientific poster session. Collaborative learning will be emphasized in all areas of the program.

Students who have taken the program in fall may not take the program again in winter.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

6 - General Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity with Laboratory

4 - Science Communication

3 - Scientific Writing

3 - Applied Math