Course Description:
BIOL 1309 introduces students to evolution and the diversity of life on Earth. Designed for non-science majors, this course explores how life evolved, from the earliest organisms to complex plants and animals, with an emphasis on scientific inquiry, evolutionary theory, and the interconnectedness of living systems.

Topics Covered:

• Scientific method and experimental design

• Evolutionary theory and natural selection

• Fossil record and major events in life’s history

• Classification of life and phylogenetics

• Genetic mechanisms of evolution (mutation, selection, drift)

• Adaptations and speciation

• Radiations, extinctions, and biodiversity

• Coevolution and symbiosis

• Primate and human evolution

Learning Approach:
Through readings, videos, and discussions, students develop skills to interpret scientific data and understand how evolutionary principles apply to modern biodiversity and human origins.

Course Description:
BIOL 1409 is a lab-based biology course for non-science majors. It provides a broad introduction to the diversity of living organisms, from viruses and microbes to plants and animals. The course emphasizes evolution, ecological relationships, and the roles of organisms in their environments.

Topics Covered:

• Evolution and natural selection

• Ecological principles: matter cycling, energy flow, ecosystems

• Biodiversity and conservation issues

• Taxonomy, classification, and phylogenetics

• Origins and history of life

• Viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes

• Fungi, plants, and animal diversity

• Human impacts on ecosystems

Laboratory Activities:
Hands-on labs include specimen observation, microscope techniques, classification, field trips, and dissection, emphasizing data collection and interpretation.