Environmental Biology

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Principles of environmental systems and ecology, including biogeochemical cycles, energy transformations, abiotic interactions, symbiotic relationships, natural resources and their management, lifestyle analysis, evolutionary trends, hazards and risks, and approaches to ecological research.

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the lecture component of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the structure and impact of biogeochemical cycles.

2. Describe energy transformations across trophic levels.

3. Illustrate abiotic/biotic interactions and symbiotic relationships.

4. Identify various types of natural resources, human impact on these resources, and common resource

management practices.

5. Quantify and analyze the impact of lifestyle on the environment.

6. Depict evolutionary trends and adaptations to environmental changes.

7. Describe environmental hazards and risks and the social, economic, and political ramifications.

8. Describe ecological and statistical techniques and approaches used in the study of environmental biology.

Upon successful completion of the lab component of this course, students will be able to:

Be able to apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.
Communicate effectively the results of investigations.

Required Institutional Learning Core Learning Outcomes (ICLO):

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR), Teamwork (TW)

Lab Fee

$24

Required Textbooks

Text Book: Withgott, J. and M. Laposata. 2018. Essential Environment. 6th edition. Pearson.

Lab Manual: Twelve Laboratory and Field Exercises in Environmental Studies by J. Seares. McGraw-Hill.

Evaluation Standards

Exams: 400 points

Comprehensive Final: 100 points

Laboratory: 250 points

Assignments: 100 points

Group Project/Research Paper: 150 points

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%

C = 70 – 79%

D = 60 – 69%

F = 0 – 59%

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.

Hope Statement

Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).