BIO-1130 Principles of Biology: Evolution, Ecology and Behavior

Credits 4
This course teaches the basics of evolution, ecology, and behavior, including Mendelian genetics, population genetics, natural selection, coevolutionary relationships, behavioral biology, and contemporary issues. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: BIO-1130 or BIO-1010 toward the same major.
Prerequisite(s): MAT-1350 with grade of C or higher; EGL-1010 completed or concurrent.
3 class/3 lab hours.
Course Outcomes

Use the scientific method, including hypothesis development, testing, and appropriate statistical analysis, to interpret information and draw conclusions.
Explain modern evolutionary theory, including natural selection and other processes that result in evolutionary change, the concept of biological fitness, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and its requisite conditions.
Explain current hypotheses regarding the origins of the organic molecules necessary for life, the origin of cells and the origin of eukaryotic cells.
Explain the main principles of conservation biology.
Identify the key abiotic and biotic factors in ecosystems, and discuss the major ways in which they affect individual organisms, populations, and biological communities.
Analyze ecological pyramids, including energy dynamics in ecosystems and consequential effects on population and biomass.
Summarize the major biogeochemical cycles, including those of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and water.
Differentiate between exponential and logistic population growth, including the effects of density on population growth.
Explain the major ecological relationships among species, and their effects on population growth.
Integrate molecular biology, transmission genetics, population genetics, and genomic analysis in phylogenetic analysis.
Write a scientific laboratory report while adhering to the ethical standards employed in scientific investigation.

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