Focuses on the major paradigms (and shifts) including the origin of life, molecular and cellular theories of life, human origins, genetics, evolutionary theory and biodiversity. Encourages use of quantitative and scientific tools required to explore scientific models and connects the scientific process with ethical and social concerns arising from our understanding of the origin, evolution and diversity of life including our own species. This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area(s): Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking.