BIOL 101 - Backyard Biology

5 Credits

This class will cover scientific concepts that surround each of us, whether we realize it or not. The course will emphasize a hands-on exploration of the natural world and help students to understand the functioning of the ecosystems in which they live and how we impact those ecosystems through our choices.

Pre-requisite(s) MATH 81 or higher with min 2.0
Placement Eligibility Math 91 or higher
Course Note *This course was formerly named GESC 101 Backyard Science.
FeesScience Materials Fee Science Lab Support Fee

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring Day

Designed to Serve General Education Science students, students interested in a lab science, students intersted in outdoor science.
Active Date 20250521T14:44:00

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 44 Lab 22
Total Contact Hours 66
Degree Distributions:
Course Outline

Scientific Method and the Metric System
Chemical and Physical Properties of Water
Water as a Resource
Geology of Soil
Composting and Decomposers: Worms, Fungi, and Microbes
Backyard Botany
Meteorology and Weather
Fundamentals of Ecology and Species Interactions
The Science of Food Energy: Production and Use

Student Learning Outcomes
Describe the structure and function of ecosystems, including flow of energy, cycling of materials, and interconnection of living organisms.

Design, conduct and present results of experiments or observational studies focused on specific environmental problems.

Describe how the scientific method can be used to find solutions to various environmental problems.

Correctly use laboratory and field techniques when conducting experiments and observational studies.

Describe how geologic and atmospheric conditions affect both short-term and long-term states of ecosystems.