Teaching and research blend together in Kenyon's Biology Department. For students, learning is their personal investigation of a subject, whether that is done in the framework of a traditional class setting, a laboratory course, or through independent research experiences. The research programs of faculty inform classes and are incorporated into students' independent studies (more on that on the "research interests" page). My "traditional" courses and laboratories are described below.
Three lecture courses and two laboratory courses make up the core, introductory series. Introduction to Population and Environmental Biology is primarily a lecture course (often with enrollments of about 70 students) that covers basic principles of evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Several faculty contribute to the introductory laboratories, which have an average of twelve students per section. Introduction to Experimental Biology emphasizes critical thinking in science, quantitative work, communication skills, and exposure to a wide range of biological systems. Students are given the tools to complete a final, independent research project of five weeks duration.
The field component of ecology is essential for understanding how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. Understanding ecology requires a connection with the subject that involves experiencing nature directly, learning how to observe, knowing groups of organisms, and being able to read a landscape. Ecologists must know the tools to document patterns in nature and to construct experiments that test hypotheses about processes in nature. Experimental ecology introduces students to these tools for observing nature, as well as to the technologies used to make sense of complex patterns (e.g., statistical tools and geographic information systems).
Evolution is the major unifying theory of biology; the unity of fundamental processes, species diversity, and adaptive characteristics of organisms are consequences of evolution, and can be fully understood only in this light. Evolutionary processes also have major impacts on humans. This course introduces the processes of evolution, most of which can be examined in contemporary time through experiment, theory, and simulation, and by examining pattern in nature. Topics covered include modern population genetics, adaptation, speciation, macroevolution, and the consequences of evolution for conservation an dhuman health. Examples are drawn from all levels of biology, from molecular to ecological studies.
In Marine biology, students learn about the special nature of ocean ecosystems. These are the most extensive ecosystems on Earth, but our knowledge of them is limited. Can marine ecosystems save us from the problems of human overpopulation, or are they near collapse as a result of overharvesting and pollution? What do we need to know to answer such basic questions?
Introduction to Environmental Studies is intended to provide background and tools for students to critically examine the root causes of environmental problems, to recognize complex links of influence, and to collaborate in proposing possible solutions. The course has components of providing an overview of the field, collaborative projects, and learning about a systems view of our environment. In 1997 and 1998, Environmental Ethics was offered by Ron McLaren of the Philosophy Department with my assistance.
Comments or Suggestions to: Ray Heithaus at heithaus@kenyon.edu
Edited: 1/16/03
Biology
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