BIOL207 - Introductory Biology III: Physiology, Ecology and Evolution

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Introductory Biology III: Physiology, Ecology and Evolution
BIOL207 FA

This course concerns biological principles as they apply primarily at tissue, organismic and population levels of organization. Consideration is first given to bioenergetics and systems that support energy uptake and utilization. Homeostatic control mechanisms for regulation of the internal environment are considered, as are the roles of hormones in homeostasis and reproduction. Principles of neurophysiology and the neuronal basis of behavior are studied. Evidence for evolution is reviewed, as are the tenets of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. The nature and importance of variation among organisms and of stochastic processes in evolution are discussed, as are modern theories of speciation and macroevolution. Finally, the course addresses interactions between organisms and their environments as well as the interactions among organisms in natural communities. Each of the topics of the course is explored from a comparative viewpoint to recognize common principles as well as variat ions among organisms that indicate evolutionary adaptation to different environments and niches.

MAJOR READINGS

Purves, Orians & Heller, LIFE, THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Four exams on Wednesday EVENINGS (Dates to be announced) 7:30-9:30 p.m.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students should take chemistry concurrently or have taken it previously, especially those intending to major in biology. Students planning to major in biology, neuroscience and behavior, or molecular biology and biochemistry and students who are planning to apply to medical school are strongly advised to take the course for a letter grade. Students taking BIOL217 must take it concurrently with BIOL207, however you must register separately for BIOL207 and BIOL217.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM BIOL Grading Mode: Student Option

Prerequisites: (MB&B205 AND BIOL206)

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Kirn,John

Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM; Location: SHAN107

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: UNL)

SR. major: Jr. major:

SR. non-major: Jr. non-major: SO: FR:

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000