BI 151 - General Biology

The two semesters of General Biology (BI 151-153) provide a comprehensive introduction to biology and to the process of science. They are intended for biology majors and other students who have a strong interest in the sciences. Our approach is problem-based and inquiry-based. Through lectures, case studies, and discussion we present biological concepts in the context of real world problems, which demonstrates why these concepts are important. In lab students develop hypotheses and design experiments and projects that test them, thereby gaining direct experience with doing science. The goal of General Biology is that students begin to gain proficiency with scientific reasoning and that students develop an understanding of fundamental biological principles and their importance in the natural world.

In BI 151 lecture material is drawn from the disciplines of ecology and evolutionary biology. Labs focus on student-designed semester-long projects on issues related to local ecosystems. Field work is performed during the first half of the semester, and analysis, write-up, and presentation of student work occurs during the second half.

Credits: 4 cr.
Misc. Notes: Required for biochemistry, biology and environmental science majors and pre-health care career students; others by permission of the department.
Laboratory Fee: yes
Liberal Studies Requirement: Natural/Mathematical Sciences