BIO 129 : Field Biology
This is an introduction to natural history with special emphasis on identification of Massachusetts terrestrial plants and animals in the outdoors. A wide range of topics will be presented including animal behavior, map reading, geology, basic principles of natural history, biogeography, taxonomy, and collecting. Combined lecture/laboratory two meetings a week. Three class hours and two laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.
Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.
Course Outcomes
- Describe and discuss the essential concepts of ecology, botany, ornithology, and entomology.
- Explain the difference between native, non-native and invasive species, and apply taxonomic principles and tools to identify organisms.
- Identify various habitats based on biotic and abiotic components.
- Compile, accurately label and present a collection of organisms for further study.
- Model the process of science through ecological field study focused on local ecosystems in Southeastern Massachusetts, including the way in which scientists collect, analyze and communicate data.