The laboratory portions of these courses are designed as research service-learning labs that integrate relevant community service with academic coursework to enhance learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.  In partnership with the Piedmont Park Conservancy, students conduct research that benefits learning in biology and the greater Atlanta community. Students work in teams with the support of the entire class to brainstorm and critique ideas to design a semester-long research project exploring a question related to topics such as invasive species within Mason Mill Park.  Community partners use the data for long-term ecological monitoring and other initiatives.