By the end of this course you will be able to:

  1. Observe an ecosystem and describe the overall trophic structure of that ecosystem, how energy and nutrients flow and cycle through the system and the biotic and abiotic factors that might shape the ecosystem.
  2. Describe the interactions among populations of organisms.
  3. Describe human impacts on our environment and populations of organisms.
  4. Use models, analogies, and simulations to explore and explain biological phenomena.
  5. Use the techniques and principles of taxonomy to identify and classify organisms, from domain to class.
  6. Describe the key features that identify each major group of organisms.
  7. Understand the methods, scope, and limitations of science and the scientific method.
  8. Appreciate the complexity and interdependence of life.
  9. Display curiosity about the biological world.
  10. Use taxonomic keys, microscopes, dissection scopes, computers and software.