(Formerly BIO 154) Students in this course investigate the origin, nature and importance of the diversity of life on Earth; key ecological processes and interactions that create and maintain communities and ecosystems; principle threats to the biodiversity; and emerging conservation strategies to protect the elements and processes upon which we depend. Throughout the semester, we emphasize the relevance of diversity and ecological studies in conservation. Laboratory (BIO 131 (155)) is recommended but not required.

Assisting high school students in learning computer programming in the context of a high school course. The language of instruction will be Java or Python. Students taking this independent study will be expected to work under the direct supervision of the high school computer science teacher at a local high school. In some terms students are expected to attend high school classes weekly for approximately one hour. In others they will work on developing projects for future courses, meeting with the high school instructor once a week.