Non-technical majors are introduced to the process of scientific investigation and the principles common to living systems. The four broad topic areas introduced are: Scientific Methodologies; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Organismal Physiology; and Heredity, Ecology and Evolution. Organisms investigated include: termites (observation of behavior), potatoes (determining chemical content), Vibrio natriegens (bacterial growth curves), and a comparison of F- and F+ E. coli (a study of conjugation). Development of students' observational skills and appreciation for inquiry are emphasized.
