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.