Major

Introduction to biology’s core concepts from molecules through cells including information, evolution, cells, emergent properties, and homeostasis. The weekly laboratory emphasizes core competencies of the process of science, the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, data interpretation, quantitative skills, communication in multiple formats, and experience with large databases.

Integration of molecular and classical genetics, including the physical nature of genetic material, the many levels of gene and genome regulation, transmission of genetic information and patterns of inheritance, gene mapping/identification via traditional and modern methods, and genetic engineering in many contexts.

This course focuses on biological diversity of the environment. Themes of the course focus on how biodiversity is created, maintained, and lost; the diversity of ways how humans define, view, and value biodiversity; how biologists define, measure, and analyze biodiversity; methods for the scientific study of biodiversity; and the diversity of philosophies and approaches to the conservation of biodiversity.