Beginning FALL 2008, non-life science majors have the option of fulfilling 6 credits of introductory biology by taking the biology required of the life sciences majors (BIOG 1101-1110, BIOSM 1110 (summer)), one of the newly created courses listed below, or a combination of both.

 

Non-life sciences students are defined as those majoring in Applied Economics and Management, Communication, Development Sociology, Information Science and Landscape Architecture.

 

This list will be updated regularly as courses are approved through the curriculum committee.  

 

Introductory Life Sciences Courses for the non-life sciences students offered in the FALL semesters

BIOPL 2400 Green World/Blue Planet

Focuses on helping individuals understand how scientific information relates to the issues they face as citizens, in management decision making, and in public policy. To what extent should genetic engineering of crop plants be permitted? Should we place limits on fossil fuel consumption as a means of limiting global warming and global climate change? Must human endeavors be restricted in certain areas to maintain diversity? The format of this course is interactive, with lectures and discussions about how we as a society deal with controversial issues.

BIOPL 2410 Introductory Botany

Introductory botany for those interested in the plant sciences. Emphasizes structure, reproduction, and classification of angiosperms and the history of life on earth. Laboratory emphasizes development of skills in handling plant materials, including identification. First and second weeks of laboratory are field trips, starting with the first day of classes. Those who register for an evening laboratory are still required to attend the afternoon field trips.

CSS/BIOMI 1120 Microbes, the Earth, & Everything

This course provides an introduction to biology through the lens of microbial diversity, ecology, and evolution.  Learn about the tiny titans and miniature monsters that are the life support system of our planet, how they have shaped human civilizations, and impact our daily lives.

EAS 1560 Introductory Oceanography with Laboratory

Cover the basic workings of the ocean including its physics, chemistry, and biology. Following this basic description, the course examines threats to the health of the ocean and the important role the ocean plays in global climate change. Non-science majors should pay particular attention to this course to fulfill a science requirement, because they learn broadly how the Earth works (physically, chemically, and biologically) in a single non-quantitative class. Cross-listed with BIOSM/BIOEE 1560.

 

Introductory Life Sciences Courses for the non-life sciences students offered in the SPRING semesters

BIOPL 1120 Issues in Social Biology: from Diet to Diseases, DNA to Deforestation

An analysis of current issues of biological relevance and the biological science behind these issues.  Topics will include issues such as food and nutrition, antioxidants, organic produce, disease prevention, athletic enhancers, genetic testing, cancer, stem cells and animal cloning, genetically modified crops, bacteria and antibiotics, viruses, risk, statistics and epidemiology, photosynthesis and global warming, extinction and overpopulation, invasive species, resource over-utilization.  The topics will vary according to current issues.

BIOPL 2470 Plants and People

The course explores the economic and agricultural importance of plants to people. Topics include the roles of plants as sources of food, shelter, fiber, and medicines, as well as the cultural and historical aspects of economic botany, and will instill an appreciation of our connection with plants.

BIOPL 2490 Hollywood Biology: Science in Cinema

Biological subjects presented in Hollywood films. Lecture topics include the scientific method, Darwinism, development, paleobiology, animal cloning, genome sequencing, forensic DNA, artificial intelligence, eugenics, and epidemiology as background to discussions of their presentation in selected films. Themes: Genetics/Genomics; Evolution; Development; Epidemiology; Physical Anthropology; and Genetic Engineering. Does not fulfill any requirement of the biology major.

CSS/BIOMI 1120 Microbes, the Earth, and Everything

We live on a microbial earth. If we happen to consider microbes in our daily lives most people conjure images of disease, but in reality we depend on microbes to sustain our world. This course will showcase the vast microbial world that hides in plain sight all around us and use microbial examples to explore both fundamental biological principles and the scientific method. Course modules will emphasize basic concepts from: evolution, molecular biology and genetics, diversity, and ecology. Learn about the tiny titans and miniature monsters that are the life support system of our planet, how they have shaped human civilizations, and how they reveal the unifying principles of life.

ENTOM 2011 Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs

Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on earth. This course explores the bizarre biology of insects and their interaction with humans. We will examine both the detrimental roles insects play (e.g., pests and vectors of disease) as well as their beneficial roles (e.g., pollination, edible insects, insect products such as waxes, dyes, and silk). We will also explore the symbolic representation of insects in art, literature, and religion. Students taking the course for 3 credits will meet once per week (on Friday) for discussion and documentary films on the biology of insects.

ENTOM 2020 Invasions

The purpose of this course is for students to learn about the biology and ecology of invasions by plants, animals, and microbes. We will discuss the expanding problems caused by invasive species and how invasions are prevented, mitigated, and managed. These topics are grounded in biology; however, they have social, economic and philosophical implications. Invasive species impact agriculture, forestry, natural systems, and human health. Local, national, and international examples of invaders in diverse systems will be included in investigations of invasive species.

PLPA 2013 Mushrooms, Molds, and More

Lectures and exams for this course are the same as those in PLPA 2010. However, students in PLPA 2013 will also participate in a weekly 55-minute discussion section where they will grow mushrooms and other fungi in culture, learn about contemporary classification of fungi, see examples of major taxa growing on natural substrates, and determine whether suspect pathogens really can kill agricultural crops. Students also teach their peers about the fungus world with presentations of their own creation. (CALS non–life science majors can receive college physical/life science distribution credits upon completion of this course but they must register for a letter grade.)

PLPA 2015 Mushrooms, Molds, and Molecules

Lectures and exams for this course are the same as those in PLPA 2010. However, students in PLPA 2015 will also participate in a weekly 55-minute discussion section to provide more in-depth exposure to some of the issues raised in 2010 lecture. Experts will emphasize that fungi produce myriads of molecules that are beneficial to other organisms (e.g., antibiotics, immunosuppressants, biocontrol agents) or to themselves (e.g., for development, reproduction, nutrient gathering, stress reduction), or detrimental to other organisms (e.g., toxins, poisons, allergens, hallucinogens). (CALS non–life science majors can receive college physical/life science distribution credits upon completion of this course but they must register for a letter grade.)