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Course Info for BIOL - 103 - 01, Fall 2026
Class number: 3410 Title: Sex: The Riddle of Nature Department: Biology
Career: Undergraduate Component: Lecture Session: Regular
Instructor's Permission Required: No Grading Basis: Regular Units: 1.00
Enrollment limited to 24 Current enrollment: 22 Available seats: 2
Start date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 End date: Wednesday, December 23, 2026 Mode of Instruction: In Person
Schedule: MWF: 11:00AM-11:50AM, LSC - 135 Instructor(s): Maley, Abigail
Prerequisite(s): None
Distribution Requirement: Meets Natural Science Requirement
Note: 8 seats reserved for first year students.
Course Description:
This course will explore the “mystery” of sex in the natural world: What is it? Why does it exist? How do organisms use a diversity of tactics to accomplish this same goal? Other topics will include defining the sexes in the context of biology, sexual selection and the evolution of “unexpected” traits, conflict and cooperation in sexual behavior, and the impact of sexual reproduction on the evolution of species. Students will learn how to apply basic evolutionary concepts to investigate these and other questions surrounding the phenomenon of sexual reproduction in the natural world. No previous biology experience required. Not creditable to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.