College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences

A doe (deer) stands among tall pine trees while staring at the camera for her picture.

CALS Introductory Courses

A number of elective and introductory courses in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences can help students explore interests, meet requirements for their individual degrees, or decide on a potential major or minor.

CALS Introductory Courses

ABE 2012C - Introduction to Biological Engineering

3 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 2311
Attributes: Satisfies 2000 words of writing requirement

Introduces the process of design along with approaches to solving engineering problems, manipulations and presentations of engineering data and applied engineering concepts.

AEB 2014 - Current Economic Issues, Food and You

3 credits
Prerequisite: Not for Food and Resource Economics majors
Attributes: General Education - Social Science

This course emphasizes the role of agriculture and economics. The hows and whys of their influence on food prices and the world food situation, the environment, natural resources and government policy; and economic issues, including inflation and money.

AEB 2280 - World Agricultural Policy

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Quest 2; General Education - Social Science

How can agricultural and environmental policy be used to address emerging food security and environmental threats around the world? This class explores those questions and will focus briefly on the historical development, the current situation, and the future outlook of the food and agriculture sector in various economies globally. Next, the course dives more deeply into the economic and trade environment surrounding agricultural policy, and brings insights from agronomy, environmental science, and international studies. As economies become more integrated globally, the success of the food and agriculture sector will rest upon comparative advantage.

AEB 2284 - How Do We End Poverty?

3 credits
Prerequisite: Any Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C
Attributes: Quest 2

Invite students to a pressing question - how can we end poverty? Present the current progress, economic growth policies, and global commitment to poverty reduction.

AEB 2294 - Valuing Circular Food Economies

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Social Science

When it comes to decisions about scarce resources, the social science known as agricultural economics provides a foundation for informed policy decisions about natural resources such as water and land use; or decisions regarding produced and manufactured resources such as food and clothing. Agricultural economists use a variety of modeling tools to consider optimal behaviors, including how we can reconsider linear systems of production into circular and regenerative ecosystems, referred to as a circular economy. A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is one systems-thinking tool we use for evaluating complex projects and simple decisions, to evaluate and model the pros and cons of economic decisions. CBA can be applied across a broad array of disciplines including agronomy, engineering, geography, education, medicine, law, finance, human factors, psychology, and many others. CBA project managers and thinkers in society evaluate expectations about rewards (from a decision or action), and costs (including long-term repercussions), to achieve desired outcomes. This course addresses the pressing question, “How can we create and sustain circular food system benefits and evaluate intended and unintended impacts to society from our decisions, to optimize use and conservation efficiency of scarce resources?” As an economic policy tool, we collect, analyze, and communicate research results, build consensus among diverse groups (when it is natural for conflicts to arise), and work towards formulating equitable solutions. The goal of this course is to develop a data-driven perspective through selected readings and experiential classroom activities; to think about factors relevant to the quest by reflecting on knowledge gained; to communicate findings through concise, focused, and goal-oriented analytical writing assignments; to engage in classroom and online discussions to share diverse considerations; and to create a final CBA portfolio model that allows each student to tell a story of their own policy recommendations to design regenerative, resilient, and sustainable circular-food system elements that create value for current and future generations.

AEB 2451 - Economics of Resource Use

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Social Science

Introduction to how economists value environment and regulations designed to protect our natural resources from overuse and degradation.

AEB 2452 - Agritourism and Food Systems

3 credits
Prerequisite: Any Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Social Science

This class explores the global disconnect between humans and the food, water, and natural resource systems on which we depend. This class draws on the fields of agribusiness, ecology, tourism, rural sociology, and economics to explore opportunities in agritourism across the world to reconnect humans with our agri-food-eco systems.

AEB 2810 - People and Big Data

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Social Science

Introduces the uses of big data in the social sciences as well as the theories, methods, and skills needed for considering the uses and social implications of big data in society. Also introduces the basic approaches, methods, and ethical concerns in understanding the uses (and misuses) of big data by drawing on traditional and applied social science disciplines. Discussion and reading cover examples of social processes at the macro-level (structures, policies), meso-level (institutions, business), and micro-level of individual perceptions and behaviors. Examine the human implications of the big data revolution: how algorithms and massive data sets enable social networks and improve society while exposing private lives to strangers and reshape the social compact. Includes analyzing how big data is currently being utilized to track and provide insight for solution generation on pressing issues such as the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

AEB 3103 - Principles of Food and Resource Economics

4 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 2233 or MAC 2311
Attributes: None

Introduces the field of food and resource economics, the principles of economics as applied to agriculture, and the economic problems of the agricultural industry and the individual farmer.

ALS 2410 - Challenge 2050: Global Uncertainty

Credits: 3

Explores questions in human well-being and sustainability building a foundation for addressing global challenges associated with global population. Transdisciplinary experts lead diverse and innovative discussions, complex adaptive problem solving; and the integration of economic, environmental, food, health, and social system perspectives.

ANS 2002 - The Meat We Eat

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena by discussing animal protein production, processing and retailing, and animal muscle in protein in the diet; proper selection, preparation, cooking and storage of animal protein products and their influence on food safety and palatability; meat and muscle chemistry and composition, muscle growth and contraction.

ANS 2005 - The Role of Animals in Human History

Credits: 3

The course surveys the importance of animals through human history, from the stone age to the present. The domestication of dogs, cats, major farm animals and some less familiar, such as camels, reindeer and buffalo and the role they played in different western societies and cultures across human history is discussed.

ANS 2090 - Survey of Veterinary Professions

2 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Introduces careers in the veterinary medicine profession with discussions related to career exploration, career preparation, and the procedure of job placement.

ANS 2615C - Introduction to Livestock and Meat Evaluation

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Basic elements of live animal evaluation, selection and carcass evaluation.

ANS 3006 - Introduction to Animal Science

3 credits
Prerequisite: BSC 2005, BSC 2010
Attributes: None

Role of beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, poultry, and horses in serving humans. Introduces anatomy and physiology of digestion, growth, reproduction, and the application of genetics to livestock improvement.

ANS 3216 - Introduction to Equine Science

3 credits
Prerequisite: BSC 2010 , BSC 2010L
Attributes: None

For those with an interest in equine sciences but with limited equine experience. Principles of equine selection, care, and utilization.

AOM 2063 - Chocolate Science and Engineering for More Just Society

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

Unaware, we enjoy food that is produced by individuals who live in poverty. How can innovations in biology and engineering contribute to more equitable modes of food production? How can we contribute to the effective deployment of practical technologies to improve the livelihood of people we may never interact with?

AOM 2520 - Global Sustainable Energy: Past, Present and Future

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Explore the global history of energy sources; investigate new energy sources and analyze international solutions to future needs.

BSC 2891 - Python Programming For Biology

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Artificial Intelligence

Discoveries in biology are driven as much by computer analysis as by laboratory work. Learn the theory and practice of computer programming with emphasis on the practical techniques and problem solving skills required to use computer programming in biological research. Taught completely online.

DIE 2002 - Personalized Nutrition

3 credits
Prerequisite: Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

This course will grapple with how and where nutrition should fit in an emerging era of precision medicine, by exploring the challenges of malnutrition and the growing epidemic of metabolic disease (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer). Based on the disciplines of molecular science, dietetics, epidemiology, and data analysis (including artificial intelligence), the course will investigate and reflect on the causes and consequences of malnutrition, and how dietary or nutrient choices can be personalized to prevent metabolic disease. Major themes include the molecular determinants of differences among individuals and nutritional contributions, malnutrition and metabolic disorders, and the application of personalized nutrition in disease prevention. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

ENY 1001 - Bugs and People

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science, General Education - International

General education course for lower-division undergraduates who would like to learn popular information about insects and associated organisms. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

ENY 2040 - The Insects

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Introduction to the principles and practices of plant production systems. An overview of plant evolution, anatomy, physiology, improvement, pest, water and nutrient management as applied to a variety of plant production systems. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

ENY 2041C - Practical Beekeeping

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Establish colonies of European-derived honey bees and manage them to be healthy and productive. A hybrid approach combines online lectures and in-person field experiences.

ENY 2211 - Bite Me?

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

Arthropod-borne diseases represent some of the most dangerous and major challenges facing human health. They have shaped the course of history and have remained a threat. Everyone has, at one point or the other, been exposed to the nuisance and bites of arthropods and, therefore, potentially to the diseases they may carry. The effects of these arthropod-borne diseases on human health are increasing and spreading. Factors such as the development of resistant parasite strains to the currently available drugs, and the evolution of insecticide resistance to the currently available insecticides account for this increase and spread. Other factors such as constantly changing climate, trade, unplanned urbanization, changes in agricultural practices, and human travel also aid the establishment of these diseases thereby intensifying disease transmission or causing disease emergence in areas where they were previously unknown. This is a multidisciplinary course that covers concepts and topics from the fields of entomology, medicine, public health, biology, parasitology, microbiology, and veterinary medicine, and will address the interactions of arthropods to humans and the environment. It will present pressing issues relating to the impact of arthropods in public health and will also explore challenging questions such as “what are the emerging issues in vector biology and disease epidemiology”? and “what can be done to manage or prevent the occurrence of arthropod-borne diseases”? This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

ENY 2250 - Biodiverse In a Changing World

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

ENY 3005 - Principles of Entomology

3 credits
Prerequisite: ENY 1001, BSC 2005, BSC 2010
Attributes: None

Introduces basic principles of insect science, including insect diversity, evolution, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology, as well as applications of insect biology.

ENY 3005L - Principles of Entomology Laboratory

1 credit
Corequisite: ENY 3005
Attributes: None

Provides practical laboratory experience working with insects, dissecting insects and preparing lab reports. Insect collection is required.

ENY 4573 - Beekeeping I

3 credits
Prerequisite: BSC 2005, BSC 2010
Attributes: None

Examines the biology of honey bees and the craft of apiculture by exploring the life cycle of honey bees, biogeography, and evolution of beekeeping. Discusses equipment, techniques, management practices, pollination ecology, economic practices, and current issues within beekeeping.

EVR 2001 - Introduction to Environmental Science

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science, General Education - International, General Education - Physical Science

This course is a survey of basic chemical, biological, and physical principles of environmental science and their applications to environmental issues. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines or programs.

FAS 2024 - Sustainable Fisheries

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Fish biology, ecology, and habitats relevant to sustainable fisheries on a global and regional (Florida) scale. Discusses fisheries occurring from mountain rivers to ocean depths, with emphasis on resource use. Topics include invasives, aquaculture, dams, artificial reefs, bycatch, climate change, and marine protected areas. Intended for non-science and science majors. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

FNR 2071 - Forests For the Environment

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Social Science, Satisfies 6000 Words of Writing Requirement

Examine society's interaction with forests, focusing on issues and how they affect how individuals, communities, and institutions make decisions. Issues will be reviewed in terms of human behavior, policy options, and media messages.

FNR 3500C - Forest Ecology

3 credits
Prerequisite: BSC 2010, BSC 2010L
Attributes: None

Ecological principles and their application to the management of forests; major sections include tree population, forest community dynamics, and ecosystem processes.

FOS 2001 - Man's Food

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science, General Education - International

Discussion of current nutrition and food science topics concerning nutritional quality and safety of foods as they relate to one health. Provides the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena. For science and non-science students.

FOS 2040 - Introductory Food Science

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Commodities selected for human consumption and methods used by food technologists to prolong shelf life, retard spoilage and ensure quality. Principles upon which various processing methodologies are based. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

FRC 1010 - Growing Fruit for Fun and Profit

1 credit
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Especially for non-majors who desire a concise mini-course in fruit growing and marketing. Fruit crops include citrus, pecan, blueberry, strawberry, peach, grape, apple, mango and avocado.

FYC 3001 - An Ounce of Prevention

3 credits
Prerequisite: Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Social Science

We have become a “band-aid” society—when a social problem crops up like the opioid crisis, the obesity epidemic, or increases in human trafficking, we try to patch it up on the back end instead of heading off the problem from the start. Prevention science seeks to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through empirical approaches to prevention and intervention. By looking at root causes of social problems early on, we can leverage prevention science to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This interdisciplinary Quest 2 course will provide you with foundational knowledge in prevention science.

FYC 3001 - Principles of Family, Youth and Community Sciences

3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY 2012, SYG 2000
Attributes: None

Introduces the study and practice of family, youth and community sciences. Presents analytic concepts used in the study of family, youth and community sciences. Emphasizes the vulnerabilities and needs of US children, youth, families, and communities, and describes human services that maximize human potential and minimize personal and societal costs. Introduces the roles and skills of the human service professional.

HOS 1014 - Vegetable Gardening

1 credit
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Primarily for non-majors who desire to learn the basic principles of vegetable gardening. A garden is required of each student.

HUN 2192 - Feeding The Planet

3 credits
Prerequisite: Any Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Social Science

This Quest 2 course explores the challenges of eating well around the globe considering environmental and economic factors, as well as access to and availability of nutritious food.

HUN 2201 - Fundamentals of Human Nutrition

3 credits
Prerequisite: BSC 2007, BSC 2005, BSC 2010, CHM 1025, CHM 2045, APK 2100C, APK 2105C, CHM 1030
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Properties, functions, requirements, interrelationships and metabolism of nutrients. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

MCB 2000 - Microbiology

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Role of microorganisms in chemical transformations, disease, public health and agriculture. Fundamental concepts are discussed, followed by both beneficial and harmful actions of microorganisms as they affect our lives. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

MCB 2000L - Microbiology Laboratory

1 credit
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Laboratory exercises demonstrate biochemical transformations and present methods for studying microbial properties. Not acceptable for admission to advanced microbiology courses nor for the preprofessional curricula required for the medical/veterinary sciences.

MCB 2321 - Exploring Our Genome

3 credits
Prerequisite: Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

Genomics has exploded with exciting discoveries and spawned new technological developments. Personal genomics and personalized health care are now a reality – it’s possible and affordable to have your genome scanned. This course investigates the same fundamental questions while using the same approaches and techniques as scientists who study genetics, behavior, and disease. These pressing questions include: What does genetics tell us about ourselves? How do we study and analyze our personal genome data? How can common genetic variations inform our decisions about disease risk, lifestyles, and behaviors? We will delve into the field of genomics, learn how genome sequence data is obtained and analyzed, the limitations of that data, the ethical, legal and societal implications of that data, and most importantly, to increase scientific literacy, we will explore human genome data in a semester-long, guided research project. This course will equip students with basic skills in how to manage datasets, compose statistics, and provide meaningful analysis of genomic data using tables and charts. The concepts learned can connect to other fields, adding to students’ “toolbox” of professional and scientific skills. All majors and interests complement this course. No prior scientific or statistical/analytical background is assumed. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

MCB 2650 - Microbes Without Boarders

3 credits
Prerequisite: Any Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

This course will make students aware of the importance of the diversity of microbes and the significance in our everyday lives. Different microbes are explored in readings, audiovisual materials, and hands-on explorations. Topics include viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, microbes and art, bioterrorism, GMOs and biotechnology, food production and the role of microbes in agriculture. Issues like disease spread and prevention, vaccines and drug resistance will be examined. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

ORH 1030 - Plants, Gardening and You

1 credit
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

A non-majors overview of environmental horticulture that emphasizes the art and science of growing, installing and maintaining plants used to enhance and improve the human environment indoors and outdoors. Gain familiarity with the science and the industries associated with environmental horticulture.

ORH 1283 - Survey of Orchids

1 credit
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Introduces the process of design along with approaches to solving engineering problems, manipulations and presentations of engineering data and applied engineering concepts.

ORH 2540 - Ethnohorticulture - A Coevolution of Plants and People

3 credits
Prerequisite: Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C
Attributes: Quest 2

Ethnohorticulture is the chain of events that determines the global uses of plants once they are collected from the wild and have become a commodity. In this course, you will explore how human and plant coevolutionary relationships formed, focusing on several crops and their roles in world cultures as food, spices, fiber, building materials, and cosmetics. Topics are many, including tomatoes, corn, and even beer. You will learn how humans shaped iconic plants, which then traveled the globe.

ORH 4932 - Special Topics in Environmental Horticulture

1 - 4 credits
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Attributes: None

Topics of current interest concerning environmental plants.

PCB 2441 - Biological Invaders

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Artificial Intelligence, General Education - Biological Science

This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena using an introduction to plants and animals that are invading Florida and the U.S.; learning why biological invaders are second only to habitat destruction as threatens to natural ecosystems; what makes some species invasive; how to control or prevent invasions; where international commerce may be regulated; and who is affected by such issues. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

PEN 1136 - Openwater Scuba Diving

2 credits
Prerequisite: Swim Test
Attributes: None

Beginning scuba diving including compass navigation, openwater diving environment, dive preparation and five openwater dives. Payment of required additional course fees and successful completion results in national certification as Openwater Scuba Diver.

PLP 2000 - Plants, Plagues and People

3 credits
Prerequisite: None Attributes: Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Biology and history of the human species for non-science majors. A chronological presentation from the origin of life to the present with emphasis on the impact that plants, animals and diseases have had and are having on human civilizations.

PLS 2030 - The Evolution of Eating

3 credits
Prerequisite: Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

This course will explore the history of agricultural innovations while examining their social, political, economic, and environmental consequences within the context of the global food system. Through analysis of how eating evolved, we will formulate ideas on how global food systems will change and function in the future. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

PLP 2060 - Fungus Among Us: Mushrooms, Molds and Civilization

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Role of fungi in human affairs, including their historical use as food or medicine or in religious activities. Also includes their current impact on society as pathogens of plants and animals, in the deterioration of food and fabric and in the synthesis of important drugs.

PLP 2311 - What Are Plants Talking About?

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: None

Emerging pathogens and pests are threatening our plants. Are plants crying out for help and we can’t hear? Do plants talk? Remember? Feel? These and other intriguing and scientifically pressing questions will be addressed in this multi-disciplinary course and addresses topics about plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology, and microbiology. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

PLS 2830 - World Herbs and Vegetables

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Introduces students to a variety of vegetables and culinary herbs. Emphasis placed on genetic, phytochemical and botanical diversity and importance of food phytochemicals and role of vegetables in nutrition. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

PLS 3004C - Principles of Plant Science

3 credits
Prerequisite: BOT 2010C, BOT 2010
Attributes: None

Introduces the principles and practices of plant production systems. An overview of plant evolution, anatomy, physiology, improvement, pest, water and nutrient management as applied to a variety of plant production systems.

SUR 3323 - Visualization of Spatial Information

3 credits
Prerequisite: MAC 1105, MAC 1140
Attributes: None

Methods of mapping, modeling, communicating, and visualizing spatial features. Includes boundary and topographical features, attributes, site modeling, site development, and mapping using computer-aided mapping and design features.

SWS 2003 - Water For the Future

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

This course focuses on the pressing question of how to best manage freshwater resources to meet the growing needs of society while maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Successfully addressing water sustainability issues requires fundamental scientific approaches (e.G., from biology, geology, and chemistry) as well as approaches from other disciplines (e.G., environmental policy, economics, and engineering). We will draw from these approaches to inform students’ understanding of water sustainability, approaches to managing water resources, and their ecological and economic consequences. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

SWS 2007 - The World of Water

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Physical Science

Introductory course addressing the roles of water in the environment. Topics range from basic properties of water to importance of water to development of human civilizations to worldwide distribution of water and its importance to earth's ecosystems. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

SWS 2008 - Land and Life

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

Course will focus on relationships between human activities and soil and environmental quality. Lectures will concentrate on fundamentals of soil and environmental science, using case studies to illustrate basic principles. Intended for non-majors.

SWS 2801 - Unintended Consequences in the Environment

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Biological Science

Humans’ impact on the Earth is so profound that a new geological epoch - the Anthropocene - has begun. Human decisions often have unintended effects on the environment. For example, Indonesia government jeopardized the conservation efforts of the Javan hawk eagle by declaring it a National Rare animal. In another example, subsidies that promote energy-efficient appliances often backfire by increasing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Why did these unintended consequences happen? How can we better predict and prevent them? To answer these questions, we will seek to explore the complex relationships between humans and the environment using a systems approach. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

WIS 2040 - Wildlife Issues in a Changing World

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science

An introduction to the biological and ecological basis of wildlife issues and the pathways humans use to resolve these issues throughout the world. Topics include: major animal phyla, evolutionary history of vertebrates, state, federal and international agencies that manage wildlife worldwide, impacts of human activities on wildlife. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and ph

WIS 2552 - Biodiversity Conservation: Global Perspectives

3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Attributes: General Education - Biological Science, General Education - International

This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena through an introduction to the relationship between humans and the global biotic environment that supports them. This course explores human patterns of resource use and population biology determining the status of the earth's biodiversity resources. The goal of this course is to help students understand how today's human society affects global life support systems, and how individuals can make lifetime contributions to environmental solutions..