BIOL 3665 - Form, Function, and Adaption in Animals

This laboratory course explores the form and function of animals in relation to their evolutionary history and their environments. It covers organismal design in the context of mechanical support and movement, gas exchanges, energy budgets, body mass and other key drivers of life history. It is designed to give students a hands on experience in analyzing structure and function, as well as to teach them how to frame hypotheses, select appropriate methods for investigating hypotheses, analyze data, use logic and evidence to reach conclusions, write a scientific paper, and communicate findings as an oral presentation. The class emphasizes project-based learning.