OEB 10: Foundations of Biological Diversity

Course goals:

This course takes an integrated approach to understanding the diversity of life.  Lectures emphasize how chemical, physical, hereditary, ecological and geologic processes contribute to the origin and maintenance of biological diversity. 

Topics to be covered include:
1) Evolution of metabolic pathways
2) Multicellularity and structural complexity
3) Causes and consequences of diversity over space and time;
4) The role of species interactions (including symbioses) as an evolutionary force;
5) The evolution of humans and their impact on the environment. 

In-class activities will provide opportunities for engaged learning and exercises during sections/laboratories will familiarize you with conducting experiments and dissecting scientific articles.

Course format:

Class meets on M/W/F, from 10:30 - 11:45. We hold a 2.5hr lab session once/week.

Sectioning
When registering at my.harvard, you will enroll in a placeholder section.
IMPORTANT: You MUST complete the section preferences in order to be placed in a section that is compatible with your schedule.

Tentative Sections:
These may be subject to modification. Please use my.harvard as final reference.

Tues:
3:00 - 5:30pm
6:00 - 8:30pm

Wednesday:
3:00 - 5:30pm

Thursday:
9:00 - 11:30am
3:00 - 5:30pm

Typical enrollees:

Designed for students interested in pursing IB concentration, or learning more generally about biological diversity. This course is generally designed for sophomores, though open to all.

When is course typically offered?

Offered every Fall, as it is an IB Concentration requirement.

What can students expect from you as an instructor?

As instructors in this course, we know that the material covered in our class lectures can sometimes be challenging due to the breadth of content we cover, as well as some of the complexity that exists when studying biology. We encourage you to embrace these challenges, as productively working through challenge is key to the learning process and development of your skills and abilities.

We believe that students who engage with the class content thoughtfully, attend lecture and lab section, complete assignments promptly, and reach out to TFs and lecturers for help will be successful in this course

Assignments and grading:

Past syllabus:

FS2024 will be taught largely in the same way as FS2023 syllabus included here.

Absence and late work policies:

Course engagement is measured through participation during our 1x week Poll Everywhere check-in. Students who attend 80% of classes receive full credit.  Students have a one-time extension on an assignment. Otherwise, when work is submitted late, grades are reduced by 10% per day or part thereof, up to one week. After one week, the assignment will be give a 0%, as the answer key and feedback will be released. In the case of illness, family or medical leave, please contact Ogie Avramovska as soon as possible.