INQ-250BI | Biology on a Changing Planet

Full Title: Biology on a Changing Planet

Topic Description:

This inquiry course addresses the complex question of how technological advances are changing the conditions for living organisms across the planet—including human and non-human life. The course first focuses on how environmental changes are affecting biological diversity. The course then shifts its focus to effects on the human species, including what we can do to prevent the worst impacts. Understanding these issues is important for all participants in societies who are contributing to or being affected by these global changes. The course activities include student-led discussions of a diversity of readings, background lectures, and field/laboratory exercises. Students will gain biological literacy in topics ranging from genetics to ecosystem ecology. Students will be equipped to critically assess claims made by scientists, politicians, and bloggers. Through the lab portion of the course, students will gain hands-on experience with the scientific method and environmental-biology research.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: December 2010