BIO 130 - Concepts of Biology: Planet Alterations

1 course unit

This course will explore the scientific theories underpinning many of the ecological changes currently occurring across our planet. Much is understood about isolated changes but random and intersecting elements complicate predictions of future outcomes when systems are viewed as a whole. We will discuss the process of scientific studies, what can and cannot be known through a scientific lens, and then study a variety of individual processes (e.g., climate change, overfishing, pollution). We will discuss the underpinning scientific principles involved in each topic, view specific areas where these principles are impacting the local ecology, and finally attempt to evaluate how the various mechanisms may act simultaneously (additively, synergistically, in opposition?) in natural situations. The scope of this course will examine global and local systems.
Meets general academic requirement SC and W and is a cluster course.