Megan Gibbons Teaching

An introduction to the biology of organisms.  Topics include levels of biological organization, biological diversity, plant and animal structure and function, and comparative study of structure-function relationships in living organisms.  Designed for students who plan to major in biology or one of the natural sciences and/or who are pre-health.  Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.  Fall, Spring.        

BI 225 Evolutionary Ecology: 

A study of the basic concepts of evolution and ecology as a gateway to upper-level coursework in ecology and organismal biology.  Emphasis is placed on an understanding of natural selection and how it shapes speciation, population dynamics, and community interactions and composition.  Prerequisites: BI 115 or ES 150, and sophomore standing; BI 125 is strongly recommended.  Fall, Spring.

BI/PY 315 Animal Behavior:

An examination of the immediate causes and evolutionary explanations for the behavior of animals. Emphasis is placed on exposure to historical perspectives and current ideas about animal behavior, training in the methodology of behavioral experimentation, and development of independent, critical thought. Topics include sexual selection, bird song learning, and aggressive behavior. Three lectures and one three hour laboratory per week (one weekend field trip may be required). (Also listed as PY 315.) Prerequisites: BI BI 115, BI 225 and PY 101, or consent. Spring.

BI 332 Vertebrate Field Zoology:

A field-oriented study of the native vertebrate animals of the southeastern United States with special emphasis on identification, classification, and ecology. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. One weekend field trip is required. Prerequisites: BI 115, 125, and 225 or ES 150. Spring.

ES 150 Introduction to Environmental Studies:

An interdisciplinary introduction to the complexities of environmental problems. The course provides an overview of scientific knowledge on ecology and environmental management and examines political, economic, and ethical issues involved in the attainment of a sustainable future. The course explores how an understanding of the natural and social sciences is necessary to address and solve environmental problems. Selected topics, including population growth, food shortages, pollution containment, and energy resources, are addressed. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. The course is a required course in the environmental studies minor. (Satisfies Disciplinary Foundations requirement in lab science.)

SN 333 Spanish Across the Curriculum for Environmental Studies:

A ¼ unit course taught in Spanish which will accompany the content course ES 150. Students will have an opportunity to strengthen their reading and conversation skills in Spanish by reading and discussing materials related to Environmental Studies. Students may take SN 333 more than once for credit providing that the disciplinary course is different. Prerequisite: SN 220 or equivalent and consent.