Natural history: observing nature

4.0 credits

Introduction to identification and observation of wild plants and animals, with emphasis on trees and shrubs, insects and other invertebrates, and birds. In the first half of the semester, the majority of class time will be spent out of doors, learning to identify local flora and fauna and conducting field observations on topics in ecology and animal behavior. Later, the emphasis will shift to more cold-weather friendly activities such as conifer identification and laboratory study of insects and other invertebrates. We will also read and discuss selections of nature writing. Most meetings will end earlier than the scheduled periods, but students must be available for their entirety. Applicable to the following clusters: 'Understanding the Biological World' (N1BIO003), 'Life Through Time' (N1EES005), and 'Science and Sustainability' (N1SUS001). Not intended for Biology majors, who should instead take BIOL 225 after meeting the prerequisites.