Biological Sciences

The course covers factors that influence the distribution of organisms; populations and species interactions, such competition and predation; communities, their structure, dynamics, and the flow of energy; and ecosystems, their structure and dynamics, and particularly the effects of changing climate. Also covered are the role of evolution and human impact, including effects of harvesting, pesticides, invasive species, and restoration ecology. This one-semester course is geared toward preparing students for upper division courses in biology and related fields. Laboratory investigation will involve some field-study techniques and support topics discussed in class.