BIOLOGY 109 - Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Problem Solving
Winter 2023, Section 001
Instruction Mode: Section 001 is  Online (see other Sections below)
Subject: Biology (BIOLOGY)
Department: LSA Biology
See additional student enrollment and course instructor information to guide you in your decision making.

Details

Credits:
3
Requirements & Distribution:
BS, NS
Consent:
With permission of instructor.
Cost:
<50
Other Course Info:
W.
BS:
This course counts toward the 60 credits of math/science required for a Bachelor of Science degree.
Repeatability:
May not be repeated for credit.
Primary Instructor:
Start/End Date:
Full Term 1/4/23 - 4/18/23 (see other Sections below)
NOTE: Drop/Add deadlines are dependent on the class meeting dates and will differ for full term versus partial term offerings.
For information on drop/add deadlines, see the Office of the Registrar and search Registration Deadlines.

Description

The world presents us with many types of environmental problems. Everyone needs to have a basic understanding of the scientific knowledge and theories that are needed to solve these problems, so that they can make informed decisions as educated citizens. We will use a case study approach to learn how to apply knowledge and theory to the process of developing solutions.

Examples of the kinds of case studies that we will study include:

  • Use and subsequent ban on use of DDT
  • Control of vampire bats in Central and South America
  • Reservoir construction and mercury poisoning
  • Role of wastewater treatment facilities in the water quality of lakes along the Huron River near Ann Arbor
  • Pollution of surface waters
  • Ozone layer depletion and recovery
  • Avian Influenza and other epidemics
  • Climate change and efforts to reverse current trends
  • Landscape fragmentation, spotted owls and other examples
  • Habitat restoration

Additional readings will include the nature of science, debates about science vs. "junk science", and even about the mindsets and thought processes of typical scientists.

Course Requirements:

Grading is based on three online, synchronous multiple-choice exams and three online quizzes. The online quizzes can be repeated and you will receive the highest grade you achieve.

Intended Audience:

This course can be elected by undergraduate students in any year of their degree program.

Class Format:

There will be two lectures posted per week.

Schedule

BIOLOGY 109 - Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Problem Solving
Schedule Listing
001 (LEC)
 Online
24137
Open
17
 
-
TuTh 2:30PM - 4:00PM
1/4/23 - 4/18/23
Note: Asynchronous lectures will be posted 2 times per week on Canvas. Remote, synchronous, exam dates/times are TBD and will be posted in Canvas.

Textbooks/Other Materials

The partner U-M / Barnes & Noble Education textbook website is the official way for U-M students to view their upcoming textbook or course material needs, whether they choose to buy from Barnes & Noble Education or not. Students also can view a customized list of their specific textbook needs by clicking a "View/Buy Textbooks" link in their course schedule in Wolverine Access.

Click the button below to view and buy textbooks for BIOLOGY 109.001

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Syllabi

Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms.

Click the button below to view historical syllabi for BIOLOGY 109 (UM login required)

View Historical Syllabi

CourseProfile (Atlas)

The Atlas system, developed by the Center for Academic Innovation, provides additional information about: course enrollments; academic terms and instructors; student academic profiles (school/college, majors), and previous, concurrent, and subsequent course enrollments.

CourseProfile (Atlas)