Biology: Ecology and Evolution Minor

Overview for Biology: Ecology and Evolution Minor

The biology: ecology and evolution minor provides students with the opportunity to experience both the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of modern biology. The minor explores these areas of biology through laboratory and field experiences.

Notes about this minor:

  • The minor is closed to students majoring in biology or environmental science (who have chosen the biology concentration).
  • Posting of the minor on the student's academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.
  • Notations may appear in the curriculum chart below outlining pre-requisites, co-requisites, and other curriculum requirements (see footnotes).

The plan code for Biology: Ecology and Evolution Minor is BIOLEE-MN.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Biology: Ecology and Evolution Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Prerequisites
Choose one of the following sequences:
   BIOL-101
   General Biology I
This course serves as an introduction to cellular, molecular, and evolutionary biology. Topics will include: a study of the basic principles of modern cellular biology, including cell structure and function; the chemical basis and functions of life, including enzyme systems and gene expression; and the origin of life and evolutionary patterns of organism development on Earth. Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).
   BIOL-103
   General Biology I Lab
This course provides laboratory work to complement the lecture material of General Biology I. The experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of basic cellular and molecular biology, develop laboratory skills and techniques for microscopy, and improve ability to make, record and interpret observations. (Co-requisites: BIOL-101 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Summer).
   BIOL-102
   General Biology II
This course serves as an introduction to animal and plant anatomy and physiology, in addition to the fundamentals of ecology. Topics will include: animal development; animal body systems; plant development; unique plant systems; Earth's terrestrial and aquatic environments; population and community ecology; animal behavior; and conservation biology. Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer).
   BIOL-104
   General Biology II Lab
This course provides laboratory work to complement the material of General Biology II. The experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of animal and plant anatomy and physiology, develop laboratory skills and techniques for experimenting with live organisms, and improve ability to make, record, and interpret observations. (Co-requisites: BIOL-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring, Summer).
   or
 
   BIOL-123
   Introduction to Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-125
   Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Organisms and Ecosystems
This course is an introduction to laboratory work in life sciences. The laboratory work is project-based, and may involve field work as well as laboratory experiments. The course is designed to show the huge scope of biology and will encompass how some molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques connect with organismal and ecological biology. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students. Co-requisites: BIOL-123 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-124
   Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells
This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the molecular and cellular level. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   BIOL-126
   Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Molecules and Cells
This course is an introduction to laboratory work in life sciences. The laboratory work is project based, and the subject matter of the project(s) may vary. The course is designed to show the huge scope of biology and will encompass some molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques connect with organismal and ecological biology. (This course is restricted to BIOL-BS, BIOTECH-BS, ENVS-BS, BIOINFO-BS, BIOMED-BS, BIOCHEM-BS, or NEURO-BS students. Co-requisites: BIOL-124 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring).
Required Course
Choose at least one of the following:
   BIOL-240
   General Ecology
This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-265
   Evolutionary Biology
This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3, Recitation 2 (Fall).
Electives*
Elective choices should total a minimum of 11 credit hours
   BIOL-205
   Animal Behavior
This course is a comparative study of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Lectures will examine the organization of behaviors including survival behaviors, social dynamics, and human behavior. Labs will demonstrate methods of gathering and interpreting behavioral data in the laboratory and in the field. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-207
   Galapagos: Ecology and Evolution
A semester-long lecture course followed by a 14-day field trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Students meet weekly on the RIT campus during spring semester to learn about the wildlife and geology of the islands, and about their influence on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Galápagos is still an area of vibrant research and students will be introduced to current ecological, genetic, and geological studies. We will explore ongoing difficulties of balancing human needs with environmental conservation in the Galápagos. The field trip occurs shortly after the close of the semester in which the course is given. We will visit various sites in the islands, with excursions focusing on the unique wildlife and the geology. There are frequent snorkeling opportunities. The course provides outstanding opportunities for nature photography. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. A travel fee is required. (Permission of instructor) (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Lecture 1 (Fall).
   BIOL-211
   Invertebrate Zoology
A study of the biology of invertebrate animals with emphasis on phylogeny and functional morphology. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring).
   BIOL-212
   Vertebrate Zoology
This course provides a synthesis of the ecological, behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of vertebrates in an evolutionary context. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-218
   Biology of Plants
This course will focus on aspects of plant anatomy and diversity and their impact on plant physiology. Adaptations to the environment and biotechnological approaches to unraveling the physiology of plants will be explored. A feature of this course will be discussion groups on plant topics from the popular scientific literature- e.g. Biofuels, Bioengineered Plants. The laboratory classes will follow the lectures closely, to give an opportunity to examine the structure and physiology of different plant genera. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).
   BIOL-220
   Biology of Fungi and Insects
This course provides a foundational understanding of fungal and insect biology. The first half of the semester will explore fugal cell biology, diversity, and reproduction, the role of fungi as pathogens and beneficial symbiotes, and fungal interactions with humans. The second half of the semester will explore insect morphology, physiology, reproduction, and the interaction of insects with other organisms (e.g., plants, fungi, humans, and other animals). (Prerequisites: BIOL-102 or BIOL-122 or BIOL-123 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-240
   General Ecology
This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-265
   Evolutionary Biology
This course investigates the historical framework of evolutionary biology and the meaning/nature of evidence pertinent to biological evolution. Topics will include: earth history, the evolution of proteins and the genetic code, molecular evolution, neutral theory vs. selection, genetic variation, natural selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, fitness, population dynamics and genetics, speciation, systematics and classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, the evolution of eukaryotic organisms, behavioral evolution, historical biogeography, and human evolution and variation. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3, Recitation 2 (Fall).
   BIOL-290
   Vertebrate Evolution
This course is a study of the major changes in vertebrate functional morphology through time. The course will begin with fossilized fish records. The vertebrate evolution will then be traced to the era of mammals and end with humans. Additionally fossil evidence depicting major transitions between the vertebrate classes, modern taxonomy, including cladistic analysis, geologic time and stratigraphy, and plate tectonics will be presented. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   BIOL-293
   Evolution and Creationism
This course explores the current controversy over the teaching of evolution in the public schools. Topics covered include pre-Darwinian views of natural history, Natural Theology and the argument from design, pre-Darwinian views of evolution, On The Origin of Species, and the public and scientific reception of natural selection. The major 20th and 21st century court cases, beginning with Scopes, and the Creationist responses, will be presented. The social and philosophical implications of evolution will be a major underlying theme. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-309
   Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
This course is a comparative study of the evolution of organ systems among vertebrate animals with an emphasis on structural changes in homologous characters among representative vertebrate lineages. The course will explore the concepts of allometry, biomechanics, biophysics, ontogeny, phylogeny using examples from vertebrate integument, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urogenital, endocrine, nervous, and sensory systems. (Prerequisites: BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 1 (Spring).
   BIOL-313
   Comparative Animal Physiology
This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or BIOL-202 or BIOL-206 or BIOG-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring).
   BIOL-343
   Tropical Ecology
   BIOL-365
   Introduction to Population Genetics
This course consists of a study of DNA, genes, inheritance, genetic variation, genetic architecture, and change within and among populations. Fundamental genetics topics include DNA, gene, and chromosomal structure and function along with, transmission genetics, Mendelian inheritance patterns, sex-linked inheritance, genetic linkage, and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. Population based topics will include genetic variation, its importance, how it originates and is maintained as well as inbreeding, random mating, mutation, migration, selection, genetic drift, the effects of small population size, fitness, population subdivision, the shifting balance theory, inter-deme selection, kin selection, neutral theory, molecular evolution, molecular clocks, multi-gene families, gene conversion, artificial selection, the genetic basis of quantitative traits and the fundamental theorem of natural selection. (Prerequisites: BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   BIOL-371
   Freshwater Ecology
This course will explore the ecology of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands; with an emphasis on ecosystems in Western New York. The chemical and physical environment of each system and the resulting biological communities will be explored. Threats to the ecosystem services supplied by freshwater resources will also be investigated. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring).
   BIOL-385
   Seneca Park Zoo Internship
This course will combine in-class lecture from specialists in the zoological field with volunteering in a zoo. This course will require the use of knowledge gained to design an exhibit for a selected species as a group. Topics covered will include the purpose of zoos, the history of the Seneca Park Zoo, wildlife medicine, population (conservation) genetics, biological exhibit design, zoo research, animal behavior, zoo management, zoo community education, and zoo ethics. There will be an opportunity to develop an understanding of the biological basis of the zoo’s activities. This course will provide an intensive hands-on experience by assisting zoo staff in one department area for 8 hours, plus 2 hours of classroom work, per week over the semester. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall).
   BIOL-444
   Ornithology
This course will cover the major principles in ornithology from evolutionary origins to the study of physiology, flight, behavior, life history traits and conservation. Exploration of current topics in avian biology and exploration of bird diversity will be key features of the lecture and lab. Labs will introduce current techniques in applied avian research and monitoring in both the field and lab. (Prerequisites: BIOL-212 or BIOL-240 or equivalent courses.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall).
   BIOL-455
   Biogeography
This course is the study of the distribution of biodiversity on the earth. Patterns of past and present animal and plant distributions are used to help understand the mechanisms of basic biological processes including speciation, dispersal, divergence, and extinction. This course will cover the character and history of the science of biogeography, as well as its basic principles and applications. We will also examine the assumptions, methods, and conclusions of historically significant biogeographic studies. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   BIOL-573
   Marine Biology
This course explores marine biology by focusing on the diversity of life and influence of oceanographic phenomena on the various ecosystems. Morphological and physiological adaptations along with environmental threats will also be investigated. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   BIOL-575
   Conservation Biology
This course focuses on the application of ecological principles to conservation issues. Human impact on species diversity is emphasized as it relates to agricultural, forest, coastal and wetland ecosystems. Case studies of management practices used to manage and restore disturbed ecosystems are included. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   ENVS-305
   Urban Ecology
Urban Ecology focuses first on the natural systems of urban areas and how those systems function in an undisturbed setting, with an emphasis on the types of ecosystem functions and services natural systems provide. Second, the course focuses on how humans have impacted those natural systems through urban development, and how those impacts can be mitigated or avoided by using the examples provided by nature to influence more sustainable development and maintain (or even enhance) ecological functions and services in urban landscapes. The course will examine and compare examples of several urban settings from around the world, paying particular attention to the connections between the physical, social and cultural aspects of sustainability. The course will meet during spring semester, with a required 2.5-week study tour to Malmö, Sweden after graduation in May. Students must apply through the Office of Study Abroad and an additional fee applies to the course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 2 (Spring).
   ENVS-311
   Wetlands
This is a course on the interactions of vegetation, soils, and hydrology that characterize wetlands. Ecosystem characteristics and processes are emphasized. Wetland policies, regulations, classification, and value systems are also covered. Field work and hands-on learning are integrated into the course through projects and field trips. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall).
   ENVS-531
   Climate Change: Science, Technology & Policy
This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and inter-related nature of global climate change. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   MEDS-250
   Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This course is an integrated approach to the structure and function of the nervous, endocrine, integumentary, muscular and skeletal systems. Laboratory exercises include histological examination, actual and simulated anatomical dissections, and physiology experiments with human subjects. (Pre-requisite: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or MEDG-102 or equivalent course or NUTR-BS or NUTRSC-BS students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall).
   MEDS-251
   Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This course is an integrated approach to the structure and function of the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems with an emphasis on the maintenance of homeostasis. Laboratory exercises include histological examinations, anatomical dissections and physiological experiments using human subjects. (Pre-requisite: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or MEDG-102 or equivalent course or NUTR-BS or NUTRSC-BS students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring).

* At least two courses must be taken at the 300-level or higher.