This course provides an introduction to the major groups of organisms (prokaryotes, protists, plants, fungi, invertebrates, vertebrates): their evolutionary relationships, major adaptations, and reproductive strategies. Topics include the origins of life, evolutionary principles, and embryonic development and life cycles of select organisms. The course also introduces important model organisms used in laboratories and explains their characteristics and how they are used in research. The practical component of the course provides an introduction to the scientific method and techniques for working with live and prepared organisms.