BI 205 - Biosphere at Risk

This is an introductory course intended to expose students to the central issues concerning global climate change and its consequences, it is explicitly designed to be accessible for non-majors. Introductions to key concepts will be provided in lectures and explored in more depth during weekly discussions, with a focus on incorporating current events. Topics will include a careful examination of the causes of climate change and how earth has responded in the past, present, and predictions for future change. The impacts of climate change will be explored from an ecological perspective by focusing on ongoing and expected changes to major ecosystems. The human dimension will be discussed focusing on (1) how human well-being is affected, (2) which measures can be taken for mitigation, and (3) proposed domestic and international policies.

Note: Meets Global Engagement Learning Outcome (GLOB)

Required for Environmental Science majors and open to non-science majors, the course does not satisfy the College’s laboratory science requirement.

Three hours of lecture each week for one semester. Four credits.

Prerequisite(s): One semester of a college-level biology laboratory course or permission of the instructor.