BIO 151: Principles of Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity
An exploration of the diversity of life, its origins, and interactions among organisms and their environment. We introduce key concepts in evolution and ecology, provide an overview of the features of major taxonomic groups and their evolutionary relationships, and explore some of the practical and ethical implications of biodiversity. Through laboratory and field investigations, students develop their ability to make observations, analyze data, read primary literature, and communicate results.
ENVS 175 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
This course is an applied practicum in geospatial technology that fosters effective use of Geographic Information Systems. Students who successfully
complete the course will be able to create, manipulate, and manage geographic data to perform analysis tasks, to visualize geographic data, and to use geographic data analyses to support decision making.
Bio 247: Marine Biology
An introduction to the biology of coral reef and other marine environments of the Caribbean. Daily snorkels, SCUBA dives, and lectures introduce students to the identification, ecology, behavior, and conservation of marine organisms and environments. Students develop and complete research projects.
Bio 258: Vertebrate Natural History
A study of the classifcation, natural history, and distribution of the vertebrates. Laboratory emphasizes identifcation and field study of species typical
of this geographical area. Lectures stress principles of vertebrate biology.
Bio 356: Genomics
An introduction to the principles of genome science and the application of genomic data in diverse biological fields. We explore topics such as high-throughput sequencing technologies, genome projects, genome structure and function, genome expression and the transcriptome, and evolution and genome change. We also discuss social impacts and ethical implications of the increased use of genomic data, with topics ranging from direct-to-consumer personal genomics to paleogenomics. Students gain hands-on experience with some of the popular tools and databases available for bioinformatics analysis, as well as basic Unix and R coding. Students complete a semester-long research project to generate, analyze, visualize, and interpret high-throughput sequence data.