Learning Communities

Conservation Biology Learning Community

The Conservation Biology Learning Community is made up of freshmen in different majors in the College of Science and Math.  This community exposes students to Conservation Biology, the study of biodiversity and how humans can coexist with nature. Students will explore conservation biology through guest lectures by conservation professionals and researchers, readings, and experiential learning (participation in conservation events, attending meetings of conservation-oriented student groups, a hands-on group conservation project, etc.). We will also discuss student strategies for success in the University environment. Students will also have the option to live together in the Village, creating the security of a small community while still reaping the benefits of a large research university.

The coordinator of the Conservation Biology Learning Community is Dr. Robert Boyd, Professor in Biological Sciences.

Marine Biology Learning Community

The Marine Biology Learning Community is made up of freshmen in different majors in the College of Science and Math.  The community provides freshmen an opportunity to explore various topics in marine biology, such as marine conservation, animal behavior, biotechnology, sustainability and career options.  The class may include field trips and other outside experiences.  In UNIV 1100, the community will also receive support for developing organizational, planning and learning skills for success in college.  If you’ve been considering marine biology, here’s a great chance to get your feet wet early! 

Students will also have the option to live together in the Village, making it easy to get together and form study groups.

The coordinator of the Marine Biology Learning Community is Dr. Kenneth Halanych, Professor in Biological Sciences.

Microbiology Learning Community

The Microbiology Learning Community is made up of freshmen in different majors in the College of Science and Math.  Perfect spiral passes, boiled peanuts, and the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium are easy to SEE, TASTE and HEAR around AU campus. However, none of that would be possible without the activity of microscopic organisms in the soil, in the oceans and in our bodies.  Students in the MICROBIOLOGY LEARNING COMMUNITY explore such topics as microbes and disease, biotechnology, agriculture, and career opportunities.  With access to our Microbiology faculty members, students in this learning community develop successful learning and study skills that enhance all aspects of the AU experience and the opportunity to explore the microbes in the world around us. 

Students will also have the option to live together in the Village, making it easy to get together and form study groups.

The coordinator of the Microbiology Learning Community is Dr. James Barbaree, Professor in Biological Sciences.

Pre-Health Learning Community

The Pre-Health Learning Community is made up of College of Sciences and Mathematics freshman interested in a health career such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy or Physical Therapy. Interactions with health care professionals and trips to the medical clinic and hospital help students confirm their career choice.  Community service projects demonstrate what it means to be in a “helping profession” while strengthening the Auburn community. Students will develop study and learning skills critical to becoming a competitive professional school
applicant. If you’ve been diagnosed with “health care fever” then the PRE-HEALTH LEARNING COMMUNITY is your “prescription” for success. Students will have the opportunity to live in the same residence hall in the Village, making it easier to get together and form study groups.

The coordinator for the Pre-Health Learning Community is Krysta Diehl, an academic advisor in the COSAM Student Services office.

Scientific Computing Learning Community

In order to maintain its competitive economic, scientific, and strategicedge, the United States needs to continue to advance computational scienceand train a greater number of mathematicians, scientists, and engineerswho are versed in scientific computing and who are able to collaborate anddevelop new efficient simulation tools and the needed mathematical theory.Students in this learning community will be introduced to basic skills andtechnology utilized in the exciting field of scientific computing.

The coordinator for the Scientific Computing Community is Dr. A.J. Meir, Professor in Mathematics