Biology, Ecology and the Environment focuses on the activities and interactions of organisms in the environment. A major thread that runs through the course is the interconnectedness of nature and how organisms shape and are themselves shaped by their environment. The course provides the foundations for understanding the complex relationships that form throughout our planet and provides a backdrop for appreciating our current global crises. We will also explore how, by understanding biology, ecology and the environment, we can begin to respond to some of these challenges.

The lectures are broken into modules that reflect the "hierarchical structure of nature" and provide a substantial core of factual material on the following topics:

• Global Environments
• The Living Planet: Organisms and Biology
• Population Ecology
• Communities and Ecosystems
• The Changing Planet

The lectures are supported by laboratory practicals and both independent and group assignments, including a major investigative project, presented orally and as a written report. We also strongly suggest the formation of study groups that should be used to discuss the topics covered in the lectures and practicals - the best way to gain understanding is to try to communicate a concept to someone else