General Biology II: Organismal and Population Biology

In this class, we will apply the building blocks of biology from General Biology I—molecules, cells, genetics, and evolution—to better understand the organization, structure, and function of earth’s staggering levels of biological diversity. From the microscopic to the macroscopic scale, we will introduce and discuss the diversity of life, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals. We will also explore topics in ecology, considering how organisms interact with the environment and each other. Readings and lectures will be supplemented with peer-reviewed journal articles, and the process of biological inquiry, hypothesis testing, and experimental design will be discussed. In addition, students will participate in weekly laboratory work including field trips. This course is intended to follow General Biology I: Cellular and Molecular Biology, and emphasizes microbiology, botany, and ecology.