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Bio 3255:
Introductory |
Course Description
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Villanova University |
Integrated lecture & lab course Lectures cover factors affecting the distribution, abundance, and interactions of organisms; climate patterns; biomes; physiological adaptation; behavioral ecology; population dynamics; species interactions; community structure; ecosystem function; and environmental problems. Laboratory exercises emphasize hypothesis testing using statistical analysis of data. Fulfills Writing Enriched and A & S Research requirements Students will complete a critique essay analyzing an article from the primary literature. After receiving feedback from the instructor, they will revise and resubmit the essay for final evaluation. Additional written work will be associated with lab exercises and field trips. Field trip Each student will be required to participate in one weekend field trip. One or more trips will be offered; all versions emphasize field identification of plants and animals, study of regional variation in biological communities, and observation of the behavior and ecology of migratory birds. Each trip will depart from Villanova at 7 AM on Saturday and return by 4 PM on Sunday. The group will camp overnight in tents (provided by Villanova) or trail shelters. Students will need appropriate clothing and footwear; a sleeping bag; a day pack; a field notebook and writing implement; and lunch for Saturday. |