Organismal biology deals with the study of diversity
within the major groups of living organisms, how organisms are identified
and classified
within each group, how organisms are structured, and how organisms
work. The underlying theme of this course of study is to develop
an understanding of how the structure of living organisms
is related to their function; how structure develops through
both evolutionary and developmental processes; and how structure is
related to the environment in which a particular
organism thrives. Groups included in the organismal biology focus include fungi,
algae, plants, insects and other invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles,
birds and mammals. Each faculty member in the organismal
biology
program has specialized training with one or more groups, teaches advanced
courses in their area of expertise, and maintains an ongoing research
program with opportunities for student involvement.
