BIO 104 - Principles of Evolution and Ecology

4 credit hours - Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory weekly; one term.
This course meets the Biological and Physical Sciences General Education Requirement.

Investigate the major evolutionary and ecological processes that operate in the natural world. Explore the diversity of life forms on Earth and human impacts on that diversity. Collect, quantify, interpret and present empirical data in order to gain a foundation in the scientific and communication skills used to develop scientific knowledge. Lab fee $40.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A  and either eligibility for any general education math or a score of 27 or better on the Arithmetic Placement Test, or a “B” or better in MAT 005 .

Note: Typically offered at MC; fall and spring terms.

Course Outcomes:
1. Describe the major premises of science as a human endeavor.

2. Explain how evolution through natural selection has led to both small-scale and large scale population changes.

3. Describe the principles of inheritance and explain how they complement evolutionary theory.

4. Describe patterns of biodiversity and explain how humans have impacted that biodiversity.

5. Describe the principal interactions between species and within communities and ecosystems.

6. Design and carry out hypothesis-driven studies of biology.

7. Assess the validity and uncertainty of scientific claims.