NHH 3305 H01 Ecology

This class is closed.

NHH 3305-H01 Ecology: The Science Behind Environmental Issues
(CRN# 40319)  Prof. M. McGinley   TR 11:00 AM-12:20 PM

Seminar

Climate change, extinction, the ozone hole, deforestation, pollution, invasive species, wind or nuclear power, and water supply are all environmental issues facing us today and in the future.   If we are going to make wise decisions about these and other issues related to the environment then it will be necessary for us to have a strong understanding of the science behind the issues.  This course will provide the background in ecology necessary to understand environmental issues and then examine important environmental issues affecting us at a local, state, national, and global scale. This course includes an optional field trip (limited to 12 students) to Balmorhea State Park and Monahan Sandhills State Park to explore aquatic and terrestrial habitats.  At Balmorhea State Park we will examine San Solomon Springs (certified scuba divers may dive, interested students may participate in Discover Scuba Diving to try scuba diving, or you can explore while snorkeling), a desert springs that is home to two endangered fish species, and the surrounding desert ecosystem.  At Monahans Sandhills State Park we will explore the sandhills and discuss “deforestation” in West Texas. THIS COURSE FULFILLS 3 HOURS OF THE HONORS SEMINAR REQUIREMENT AND UPPER DIVISION BIOLOGY CREDIT.