Biology - Major in Biology Program

The course examines how individuals and firms make choices within the institution of free-market capitalism. Individuals decide how much of their time to spend working and what to buy with the earnings of their labor. Firms decide how much to produce and in some cases what price to charge for their goods. Together these choices determine what is produced, how it is produced, and for whom it is produced in our economic system. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning,Social Scientific Inquiry. 3 credits.

The course will be an exploration of human interactions with other organisms and the environment including an introduction to ecological principles and their applications to understanding the causes and current status of environmental problems. Students will be presented with the major issues related to the environment and provided with tools for critical thinking regarding these issues in order to become more aware of the scientific, political, economic, ethical, and social issues surrounding the effects of human activities on the natural world. Discussion topics include sustainability, climate change, biodiversity and its conservation, energy sources, pollution, environmental health, resource management, and waste disposal. Fulfills requirement: Civic Engagement,Natural Science Analysis. Corequisite: ENVI 101L. 4 credits. (This course is cross-listed with ENVI 100)

This course examines the history of environmental awareness and government intervention in the United States from the 1970's to the present. We examine the initial business response to permit requirements and mandated guidance. We discuss key environmental legislation and impact of corresponding regulations as well as the role of growing environmental activism and business transitions to a more proactive environmental approach. The course also examines the role of critical stakeholders in promoting increased transparency and improved environmental stewardship; and the emergence of sustainable business practices to reduce operating costs and achieve greater business success. 3 credits.

An introduction to the application of economics tools to the study of the environment. Students will learn about market failures and externalities, pollution and public policy, and cost-benefit analysis. The role that our economic system plays in decisions affecting the sustainability of our ecosystems is emphasized. Fulfills requirement: Civic Engagement. 3 credits.

This course applies economic principles to the management of natural resources with a central focus on energy and climate change. It involves the study of resource use and conservation, utilization rates of renewable and non-renewable resources, the issue of economy size and the limits to growth, the natural resource economic issues of development versus preservation, and green accounting. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisites: ECN 101 and 102. 3 credits.

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

An introduction of the threats to genetic, organismal, and ecosystem diversity. The course begins with a discussion of biodiversity, population size, and ecosystem functioning. It then investigates the threats to biodiversity including habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change.? Finally, the course will examine management and policy options that seek to preserve biodiversity. This course places a strong emphasis on civic engagement, highlighting how individuals and communities can actively contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,Civic Engagement. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, or C- grade in ENVI-101/L. Corequisite: BIO 203L. 4 credits.

An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. This course satisfies requirements of the College Honors program. Enrollment is open to all students. 4 credits.

In this course, reactions occurring in atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial systems will be examined, with consideration given to chemical transformations involving both natural substances and pollutants. Time will also be devoted to current issues of relevance, such as climate change, alternative energy sources, green chemistry and sustainability. Prerequisite: CHM 213. 3 credits.

The field of physical geography studies the spatial dimension of Earth's dynamic systems. This course will investigate the energy, air, water, weather, climate, tectonics, landforms, rocks and soils of planet Earth. The class will focus on how solar energy and the atmosphere influence climate and weather, the formation of earth's landscapes including tectonics, earthquakes, and weathering, river systems and water availability, as well as how water, wind, and ice influence soil formation. Across the entire course, we will also investigate how humans have influenced our physical environment. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,Civic Engagement. 3 credits.

An introduction of the threats to genetic, organismal, and ecosystem diversity. The course begins with a discussion of biodiversity, population size, and ecosystem functioning. It then investigates the threats to biodiversity including habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change.? Finally, the course will examine management and policy options that seek to preserve biodiversity. This course places a strong emphasis on civic engagement, highlighting how individuals and communities can actively contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,Civic Engagement. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, or C- grade in ENVI-101/L. Corequisite: BIO 203L. 4 credits.

The development and diversity of fungi, algae and land plants and the relationships between them. Field, laboratory, and greenhouse work emphasizes independent experimental design, data collection and analyses, as well as identification of local flora. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 302L. 4 credits.

An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. This course satisfies requirements of the College Honors program. Enrollment is open to all students. 4 credits.

This course will investigate how understanding forest ecology can aid in the development of forest management strategies. Students will learn how different silvicultural techniques will lead to different strategies. At the end of this course, students should be familiar with how to write and implement a forest management plan. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, or C- grade in ENVI-101/L. Corequisite: BIO 313L. 4 credits.

This course will investigate how understanding the principles of wildlife ecology can aid in management and conservation practices. Students will learn about factors that influence wildlife populations and learn techniques used to monitor and manage wildlife populations. At the end of this course, students should be familiar with how to write and implement a wildlife management plan. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, or C- grade in ENVI-101/L. Corequisite: BIO 314L. 4 credits.

This course examines the history of environmental awareness and government intervention in the United States from the 1970's to the present. We examine the initial business response to permit requirements and mandated guidance. We discuss key environmental legislation and impact of corresponding regulations as well as the role of growing environmental activism and business transitions to a more proactive environmental approach. The course also examines the role of critical stakeholders in promoting increased transparency and improved environmental stewardship; and the emergence of sustainable business practices to reduce operating costs and achieve greater business success. 3 credits.

An introduction to the application of economics tools to the study of the environment. Students will learn about market failures and externalities, pollution and public policy, and cost-benefit analysis. The role that our economic system plays in decisions affecting the sustainability of our ecosystems is emphasized. Fulfills requirement: Civic Engagement. 3 credits.

This course applies economic principles to the management of natural resources with a central focus on energy and climate change. It involves the study of resource use and conservation, utilization rates of renewable and non-renewable resources, the issue of economy size and the limits to growth, the natural resource economic issues of development versus preservation, and green accounting. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisites: ECN 101 and 102. 3 credits.

This interdisciplinary course helps students to develop an independent project specific to their individual areas of creative + professional interest; see that project through to completion; and apply it meaningfully beyond the classroom. Students will receive training in strategies for generating original and compelling ideas; forms of intentional, experimental, and often DIY forms of making, doing, and community building; advanced research methods and information literacy skills; and processes for production, revision, and finalization. No experience with the arts necessary. Fulfills requirement: Humanistic Perspectives,Civic Engagement. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with HUM 487)

The field of physical geography studies the spatial dimension of Earth's dynamic systems. This course will investigate the energy, air, water, weather, climate, tectonics, landforms, rocks and soils of planet Earth. The class will focus on how solar energy and the atmosphere influence climate and weather, the formation of earth's landscapes including tectonics, earthquakes, and weathering, river systems and water availability, as well as how water, wind, and ice influence soil formation. Across the entire course, we will also investigate how humans have influenced our physical environment. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,Civic Engagement. 3 credits.

Location on the earth is an important part of our understanding and communication about everything from disease outbreak, to political unrest, to famine, to climate change, to urban planning, and marketing trends. A Geographic Information System (GIS) helps us visualize, question, analyze and interpret data, and to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. This course is designed to give students a hands-on introduction to methods and uses of GIS, and to a geospatial way of looking at the world. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. 3 credits.

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

This interdisciplinary course provides students with an opportunity to bring about positive change on campus and in their own lives through art as social practice. Art in this sense expands beyond the constraints of traditional media (painting, drawing, genre-bound writing, etc.)-as well as limited definitions of art/artist/writer itself-to engage in forms of intentional, experimental, and often DIY forms of making, doing, and community building. Within and beyond the classroom and across majors, this course combines individual research, group work, and experiential learning to find new ways to engage with everyday life, art, and the community. Together, we'll slow down; advance individual and collective wellness; and discover opportunities for new forms of engagement. No experience with art necessary. Fulfills requirement: Humanistic Perspectives,Civic Engagement. 3 credits.

This interdisciplinary course helps students to develop an independent project specific to their individual areas of creative + professional interest; see that project through to completion; and apply it meaningfully beyond the classroom. Students will receive training in strategies for generating original and compelling ideas; forms of intentional, experimental, and often DIY forms of making, doing, and community building; advanced research methods and information literacy skills; and processes for production, revision, and finalization. No experience with the arts necessary. Fulfills requirement: Humanistic Perspectives,Civic Engagement. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with ENG 499)

This course introduces students to the multiple dimensions of international issues, events, and structures from an array of perspectives by examining cultural, social, geographic, economic and political borders. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. 3 credits.

The course focuses on the issues surrounding one central topic in the study of Philosophy. Students will take an interdisciplinary and problem-oriented approach to such topics as Genocide, Postmodern Philosophy and Theology, Madness and Happiness. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

Public policies affect the lives of all Americans, and public administrators are the main touchstones with government for most citizens. In the first half of the course we focus on how and why the public policymaking process functions as it does, and examine various areas of policy at the national and state levels. In the second half, we turn to the implementation of policy by government agencies and the management of public organizations. This course is of value to all citizens in a democracy, but will be particularly helpful for students in any discipline whose careers are affected by public policy, or who are considering a career in government. Fulfills requirement: . 3 credits.

This course covers the scientific theory behind energy production, conversion, and consumption. Past, current and future methods as well as environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages of each technology will be discussed. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. 3 credits.