Wildlife Biology

Catalog description

This course is an introductory, non-majors survey of biological science using wildlife systems as a unifying framework to develop scientific literacy and an understanding of science as a method of inquiry. Course content includes examination of fundamental biological and ecological principles, including evolution, population dynamics, energy flow, and species interactions, with emphasis on observation, hypothesis testing, evidence-based reasoning, and application of biological theory. Real-world wildlife case studies are used to illustrate analysis of data, comparison of competing scientific explanations, assessment of uncertainty, distinctions between scientific theory and common usage, and science as a human endeavor shaped by assumptions, limitations, ethical considerations, and societal values, highlighting the relevance of scientific reasoning to informed citizenship and everyday decision-making. Field trips may be required.