Topics in Biology 

(Biol. 1030)

This course is designed for nonmajors and seeks to provide students with an understanding, and experiences and skills that foster informed decisions on issues that affect their lives.  Given the environmental, bioethical, and medical challenges that face society, it is vital that individuals be capable of analyzing biological information and determining its relevance and validity.  The course has both laboratory and lecture components.

General Biology 

(Biol. 1120)

Survey of plants and animals emphasizing evolution, structure, function, reproduction, growth, and ecology.  The course is designed for biology majors and minors, and other science-oriented students.  

General Ecology 

(Biol. 4240/5240)

Basic concepts of the ecosystem and community aquatic and terrestrial habitats and population ecology are covered, complemented by field and laboratory activities.

Seminar on Environmental Problems (Biol. 3070)

This course provides the basics for understanding the principles of ecology, and examines the causes, effects, and solutions for environmental problems.  The first part of the class consists of field trips to local nature preserves emphasizing topics in conservation biology, and on the ecology and conservation of cedar glades in middle Tennessee.  Field trips during the second part emphasizes environmental science, and visits include the waste water treatment plant, landfill, and water treatment plant.  

Conservation Biology 

(Biol. 6460)

Conservation biology is an integrative approach to understanding, preserving, and managing biological diversity.  Topics covered in this course include patterns and explanations for diversity and rarity; valuation of diversity; habitat fragmentation, exotic species, and overexploitation; management of species and ecosystems; design of reserves; and importance of non-biological disciplines such as ethics, economics, and sociology.

Seminar

(Biol. 6660)

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students with experience in preparing and giving scientific presentations in both oral and poster formats.  The ability to give presentations such as these is invaluable for anyone interested in a scientific career.