Organismic Biology
Course Description (Bios 103): This course is a survey of living organisms, their morphology, life histories, taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology, and biogeography. It explores the nature of biodiversity, how that diversity is studied, and the economic importance of various groups of organisms. Students learn to sample, observe, identify, and understand the activities of a wide variety of conspicuous (and not so conspicuous) organisms. Studies in the field and laboratory will address different types of aquatic and terrestrial communities in the Sandhills.
Pairs of students also conduct independent research projects, reported to the class as an oral and written report. Approximately two-thirds of the class time is spent in the field. There are mid-term and final examinations.
Students should expect to acquire from this course: (1) the ability to identify common organisms of Nebraska; (2) an understanding of the relationships of these organism; (3) an understanding of community structure in the Great Plains; (4) experience designing and conducting field experiments; (5) a savage tan