This course focuses on a scientific understanding of the environment as well as on people’s impact upon the natural world. Emphasis is on critical evaluation of environmental issues based on scientific principles. The fundamental ecological principles are the foundations for the students’ learning and understanding of, among others, human population dynamics, natural resources, energy sources and their use, and sustainable human systems. Through field-based laboratories, the students learn how to evaluate and quantify the ecosystem services provided by an urban park like Overton Park. During the semester students collect and analyze data to estimate selected ecosystem services such as: climate regulation or carbon dioxide removal, and water purification. Biology 120 will not satisfy a course requirement for the major in Biology.
Sophomore and first-year students only. Junior and senior students may be allowed to enroll with permission from the instructor.