Sometimes, sitting down for class is not appealing, but for the students of BIOL 125, class is anything but boring.
BIOL 125 is an introductory biology course, available to students of any major. Director of B.S. Zoology, Director of Zoo & Wildlife Biology and Professor of Biology Kyle Harris wants all students to understand the beauty of God’s creation through the class.
“It’s intended to kind of unravel and explore God’s created order, specifically animals, with an application to conservation,” Harris said.
Half of the week is spent sitting in a regular lecture, but the other half gives students hands-on experience. Hands-on classes are held at AquaZoo, a local aquarium located in River Ridge Mall. The class was started to support the development of AquaZoo, while also giving BIOL 125 students an enriching experience. According to Harris, this partnership has been successful for five years, and previous students of the class often get internships and even jobs at AquaZoo after graduation.
At AquaZoo, students encounter many different animals including toucans, sloths and even an Asian water monitor. These encounters are most students’ favorite part of the class. Sophomore Nikki Solares enjoys meeting the unique creatures.
“The animal interactions are my favorite part,” Solares said. “We get to really experience them, touch them and get to know them.”
AquaZoo lessons usually consist of two animal encounters and then students are allowed to roam the aquarium for the rest of the class period, free to observe animals on their own. This allows students to learn at their own pace and complete homework projects based on the animal of their choosing.
“It’s a very active learning environment,” Harris said. “It’s not passive at all. Students are not bystanders; they get a chance to interact in a different way.”
The hands-on approach has had a major effect on students.
“It is kind of an escape from the routine on campus,” Harris said. “It’s a time for them to slow down.”
Through the observation of some amazing animals, the students of BIOL 125 learn about how to care for God’s unique creation.
“We’re after godly dominion in a way that enhances the life of animals and plants,” Harris said. Students also learn about God’s good design for the human family and how that translates to caring for animals.
Harris encourages students of all majors to take BIOL 125. The course helps students in the biology field see if they want to pursue a career working with animals. Students in other majors gain an appreciation for wildlife.
“I like students to make an application to what caring for God’s good creation looks like in their lives,” Harris said. “You don’t have to be a biologist to care for God’s creation.”
Students who take the class are encouraged to put what they have learned to good use. Harris hopes students leave the class with an interest in conservation and a greater appreciation for animals.
“Creation is afflicted under the weight of sin,” said Harris. “Until Christ returns, we have work to do to enhance the life of what God has made. We take his spoken word, the Bible, as our ultimate authority. It tells us to care for what he has made, and to optimize it for his return.”
Combs is the feature editor for The Liberty Champion.