Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Official General Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

BIO 217 - Ecology of the National Parks


A biological survey of our National Park System concentrating on the variety of ways living organisms respond and adapt to meteorological, geological, and ecological pressure.

This course requires an extensive field experience in several National Parks as well as an additional course fee.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisites:  BIO 111 General Biology I or BIO 112 General Biology II or BIO 117 Principles of Biology I or BIO 118 Principles of Biology II

Corequisites:  BIO 217 Laboratory

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours; 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical analysis.
  2. Demonstrate application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural sciences.
  3. Discuss the history of the National Parks System in the United States.
  4. Discuss the ecological relationships involved in several of the major National Parks in the United States.
  5. Discuss the political, social, and ecological issues facing the National Parks.
  6. Demonstrate the critical thinking process.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding that Biology is a relevant science and that its study is imperative in a person’s becoming an enlightened citizen of the new millennium.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of evolution and see it as the continuing, unifying theme of life.
  9. See the commonality yet diversity of life functions.
  10. Appreciate our place in nature by being conversant with our evolution, physiology, and behavior.
  11. Develop an ecological awareness and understanding of the inter-relatedness of life on earth.