BIO 658: Ecophysiology: Biomimicry
Spring 2026 Elective W+ Course
In-Person Dates: 2/7, 2/28, 3/3, 3/15, 4/26
Location: Bronx Zoo
3 Credits; Letter Grade
Students in this course will explore the ways in which humans can (and do) emulate systems and designs found in nature to create materials, medicines, social systems, computers and so much more. Students will fine tune their observation skills and complete a design challenge using nature as their guide. Through this course, students will develop their observation and collaboration skills and will acquire research experience in the life sciences on such topics as the principles of ecophysiology, form and function of organismal adaptations, phenotypic and behavioral plasticity, and maintenance of homeostasis. Students will think critically and scientifically about the ways in which nature can benefit humankind through technological inspiration and solutions to environmental problems. Students will apply what they have learned as they develop curricula and create design challenges for professional use.This is a Miami University online course with experiential learning on-site at an affiliated Dragonfly Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) institution.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Acquire research experience in the
Life Sciences, e.g., on the principles of ecophysiology, form and function of
organismal adaptations, phenotypic and behavioral plasticity, maintenance of
homeostasis, and more.
- Investigate how organisms respond to abiotic variables such as temperature, sunlight, altitude, water depth, and salinity.
- Think critically and scientifically about the ways in which nature can benefit humankind through technological inspiration and solutions to environmental problems.
- Develop curricular or other learning resources for professional use.
- Engage in reflective and evaluative peer review in face-to-face environments and on the web to provide colleagues with personal insight, new perspectives or analyses, ideas for useful applications, and connections to other research and projects.
