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Brian K. Penney, Ph.D.
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 Ecology students at Rye Harbor State Park, Fall 2006 |
This sequence of science electives satisfies the science requirements of non-science majors. The first semester of BI101 provides students with a foundation in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, form and function of the major systems of plants and animals. The second semester of BI102 covers topics in behavior, evolution, ecology and comparative survey of the major groups of organisms. Topics and concepts are presented in the context of current events and the development of scientific literacy. This course also includes guest lectures from the Humanities and the Sciences that make connections with biology and support the liberal arts mission of the college. Note: this course is not designed for students interested in graduate programs in the health care field or majors administered by the Biology Department. Those students must enroll in General Biology for science majors (see BI103 and BI104).
Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week for two semesters. Four credits, each semester.
This course surveys the interactions between organisms and their physical and biological environments in three integrated modules: ecophysiology and ecosystems, population biology, and community ecology. Each module comprises lectures on key topics, case studies in classic or current papers, computer models and collection and analysis of field data. Given the constantly evolving nature of this field, this course emphasizes understanding of the relative strengths of various hypotheses based on current evidence.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week for one semester. Four credits.
Prerequisite: Biostatistics
This course surveys living animal diversity in extant phyla, emphasizing the relationship between form and function. Laboratory exercises build skills in classification and anatomy through integrative study of prepared slides, dissections, preserved specimens and observation of live animals. Approximately one third of the course is a project extending class material to subjects relevant to the student's major interest, such as medical and forensic entomology, parasitology, or model systems in neurobiology, ecology, genetics, development, etc.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week for one semester. Four credits.
| Updated 12/18/07
All written material and all photos (c) Brian K. Penney, unless otherwise noted |  |
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