EXPLORING BIOLOGY

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: First year students or first year transfer students only Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Breadth - Biological Science Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify and describe the five core concepts of biology (Evolution (E), Pathways and Transformations of Energy and Matter (PTEM), Information Flow, Exchange, and Storage (IFES), Structure and Function (SF), and Systems (S)). Audience: Undergraduate 2. Apply the biology core concepts from molecular to ecological scales. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Gain skills in scientific thinking and communication, including asking questions, interpreting data, evaluating claims, and reading scientific literature. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in science, including how a diversity of individuals promotes a richer understanding of science and makes scientific research more equitable. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Identify how biologists contribute to society and how the people of Wisconsin are impacted by biology. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Explore the breadth of careers related to biology. Audience: Undergraduate 7. Identify resources, opportunities, and services available at UW–Madison. Audience: Undergraduate 8. Describe the skills of a successful college student, including organizational and study skills, critical thinking, appropriate interactions with peers/instructors, and self-awareness. Audience: Undergraduate 9. Reflect on academic, career, and personal goals (at a level appropriate for a first-year student). Audience: Undergraduate 10. Discuss complex issues with peers and instructors, considering multiple evidence-based perspectives (e.g., faculty research, current issues in a field, or challenges related to college and career success). Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify and describe the five core concepts of biology (Evolution (E), Pathways and Transformations of Energy and Matter (PTEM), Information Flow, Exchange, and Storage (IFES), Structure and Function (SF), and Systems (S)). Audience: Undergraduate 2. Apply the biology core concepts from molecular to ecological scales. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Gain skills in scientific thinking and communication, including asking questions, interpreting data, evaluating claims, and reading scientific literature. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in science, including how a diversity of individuals promotes a richer understanding of science and makes scientific research more equitable. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Identify how biologists contribute to society and how the people of Wisconsin are impacted by biology. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Explore the breadth of careers related to biology. Audience: Undergraduate 7. Identify resources, opportunities, and services available at UW–Madison. Audience: Undergraduate 8. Describe the skills of a successful college student, including organizational and study skills, critical thinking, appropriate interactions with peers/instructors, and self-awareness. Audience: Undergraduate 9. Reflect on academic, career, and personal goals (at a level appropriate for a first-year student). Audience: Undergraduate 10. Discuss complex issues with peers and instructors, considering multiple evidence-based perspectives (e.g., faculty research, current issues in a field, or challenges related to college and career success). Audience: Undergraduate