BIPPER Basic Studies in Biological and Environmental Sciences (25 cr)

Basic studies in Biological and Environmental science, Diversity of life, introduces the student to basic natural phenomena from the cellular and individual level to populations, communities and even more broadly, to global ecosystems. In this study package, you will become familiar with nature’s diversity at all these different levels as well as with evolutionary, geophysical, and chemical processes that enable present-day life on earth. Central themes are the interactions between humans and nature, and human-caused environmental problems and their possible solutions. You will also be introduced to the scientific method, nature of scientific data and research in biological sciences.  

Upon completion of the Basic studies in Biological and Environmental science, Diversity of life, the student can:

• describe and explain the basic biological structures and phenomena occurring among biomolecules and in cells at the individual level as well as basic physical and chemical processes occurring in ecosystems and biomes.
• describe and explain nature’s most important functional processes, including photosynthesis, the exchange of materials in cells, genetic inheritance, energy flow and nutrient cycles.
• explain how humans influence nature’s diversity and function and how such influences could be reduced.
• describe the central theories of biological and environmental science
• describe scientific data collection and research processes and think critically about these processes.