BIO 1902 - FIELD BIOLOGY

credits: 6.0
A study of various groups of animals and plants of the Northeastern U.S., the physical environment in which they live and the interactions between the organisms and their environment. Students will explore both the terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) habitats of the field and forest environment. Each student will keep a field notebook in which will be recorded all observations about the organisms being investigated, including habitat and ecology. Objectives: A) To learn to use field guides to identify organisms by learning to distinguish endangered from on-endangered species; B) To learn how to collect non-endangered species for identifications; C) To apply scientific method to the study of some basic ecological principles by investigating how environmental pollutants may affect ecological habitats; D) To learn some lab techniques for analyzing some of the physical and chemical parameters of natural habitats and to compare these parameters with disturbed habitats. Method of Instruction: Lectures, guest lectures, field trips to local forest preserves, marshes, and plantations, labs, and student reports. Method of Evaluation: Quizzes, exams, organism collections and identifications, field notebooks, lab reports, and student participation. Maybe a Travel Course, Travel Fees Associated. If not traveling, Lab Fee of $75.00.

Prerequisite(s): Signature is required when traveling.