1000

This course introduces a systematic , practical study on evolutionary patterns of the main organism groups (Bacteria, Protists, Plants, Fungae and Animals), and the evolutionary processes responsible for their origin and diversification. Emphasis is made on the study of Phylogenic Systems as a discipline that generates hypotheses on organism relationships and there is an introduction of fundamental concepts and methods of evolutionary biology.

This course offers a practical supplement to the theoretical contents of the Organisms Biology program (BIOL1300). Laboratory practices illustrate the biology aspects of the various groups or organisms (Bacteria, Protist, Plants, Fungae, Animals) and emphasize the phylogenic relationships among the various groups.

In this course, students learn to recognize poisonous and venomous animals in general and with an emphasis on Colombia and neighboring countries. At the end of the course, students will be able to recognize the morphological, behavioral, ecological, and taxonomical characteristics and geographic location of these animals. Students will also learn about the action and production of poison and measures to prevent accidents, as well as first aid.

The objective of this course is to study theories at molecular, cellular and organism levels that intend to explain functions related to living organisms. It emphasizes two aspects related to biology and psychology: (1) recent studies on biological basis (neuronal, hormonal, ecophysiological) of particular features of human behavior, and (2) discussion of hypothesis on the ecological and evolutionary function of predisposition in sexual, social and aggressive behavior in animals and humans.

This course encourages the ability to solve simple experimental biology problems in order to understand the value of biology as a tool for psychology research. Furthermore, it encourages the students´ development of skills for discussion, synthesis and oral communication based on their own and others´ research projects.

This course is intended to promote among students of disciplines other than Biological Sciences the understanding of ecological phenomena through the study of the interaction of organisms with their environment and among themselves. It analyzes the individual concepts associated with abiotic relationships, emphasizing on life basis and requirements. At this level, and relying on the biological notion of species, the following biotic phenomena are illustrated, competition, predation, socialization, sexual selection and reproductive modes. It also emphasizes on population dynamic concepts, community structures, successions and biogeography.

The purpose of this course is to teach students how through genetics we can understand processes of our evolution history and how our DNA carries a history that is shared by all of us. This course offers students an important vision where DNA analysis can be associated with the geographic distribution of populations, and support different anthropological hypotheses, such as the origin of man in Africa, his process of distribution around the planet, as well as genetic history and relations within and among populations, and to solve many questions, such as: Who are we? How did we come this far?, When did we come to this planet? And why does the human race is so diverse as to color and distinctive features?

The intent of this course if for students to discover the broad range of uses that Men, as of their early origin, have made of plants and their products, in different times and different societies. Emphasis is made on the social and historical impact derived from the exploitation, production or commercialization of plant products and their continued economic importance and on how Human survival depends on them.

The course ?Ecology, principles and applications? has been designed with the aim to introduce the students, from disciplines other than the biological sciences, to the comprehension of ecological phenomena through the study of the interaction of organisms between themselves and with their environment. The course explores the way in which ecological and evolutive processes define the world we live in, starting with organisms as the fundamental unit of ecology and exploring the physical environment’s role in life requirements. Later in the course, the ecological systems and the processes involved are studied, by evaluating populations, communities and ecosystems as units of natural election, evolution and biodiversity. The course concludes with the ecosystems in Colombia, natural parks, sustainability and conservation, oriented to the understanding of the impact that human activity produces in the environment through the application of the knowledge acquired during the course.