Course Descriptions

BES 180
Introductory Biology:
Evolution, Genetics,
Diversity and Ecology

Mendelian genetics, evolution, biodiversity of life forms, ecology,
conservation biology. First course in a three-quarter series (BES 180, BES 200, BES 220).

BES 312
Ecology

Introduces major concepts of ecology and relates these concepts to current environmental issues. Topics include the relationship between organisms and the physical environment, evolutionary processes, the structure and function of ecosystems, population biology, forest management, pesticide use, and global warming.

BES 362
Introduction to
Restoration Ecology

An introduction to ecological restoration of damaged ecosystems. Students learn about the philosophical base of restoration as well as the social, biological and political forces that impact the success of any restoration project.

BES 485
Conservation Biology

Exploration of the science underlying methods of species and ecosystem conservation. Emphasis is placed on understanding the limits and promise of scientific approaches to conservation, within the social, political and economic context of conservation problems.

BIS 300
Introduction to
Interdisciplinary
Studies

Introduction to advanced work in interdisciplinary studies centered on broadly based questions and problems. Stresses the skills necessary to engage in upper-division research and learning in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program. Course theme focuses on oil and its impacts on our history, politics, economy, and environment, as well as what we envision for a post-petroleum society.

BIS 303
(Environmental)
History and
Globalization

The phenomenon of globalization has attracted the attention of many academic disciplines which often attribute novelty to trends that have in fact been around for centuries. Provides a historical perspective on current debates about globalization. This version of the course focuses primarily on the extent to which environmental and ecological factors have shaped the impacts of globalization over human history.

BIS 306
Marine Diversity
and Conservation

Exploration of marine biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest. Basic concepts in evolution, development, ecology, and conservation are introduced through inquiry-guided exercises based in the marine environment. Examination of human impacts on marine environments and subsequent consequences for human health and welfare.

BIS 322b
Topics:
Environment
and Performance

This course centers on issues of how oil extraction, transport and use affect human lives and the environment across the world. We will explore these issues in depth with a mixture of reading, film, role play, drawing, writing, and speaking, with the goal of finding elements of this complex subject that could be developed into short performance pieces for local audiences, including K-12 classes.

BIS 390
Ecology and the
Environment

Using case studies, we explore pressing environmental problems both globally and locally. Students gain a basic understanding of ecological principles and the scientific method, particularly as they relate to current environmental issues. Further, students gain facility in critically appraising scientific studies and their presentation in public forums, and learn how to begin evaluating policy choices related to environmental issues.

BIS 459
Conservation and
Sustainable
Development

Examines the connections between human welfare and diverse and healthy ecosystems. Considers tensions among economic development, poverty eradication, and biodiversity conservation. Examines efforts to create sustainable development solutions to easing poverty and protecting biodiversity.

BPOLST 583
Issues in
Environmental Policy:
Biodiversity and
Land-Use Planning

Collaborative research seminar that examines how local land use planning impacts biodiversity conservation.

BIOL 500
Advanced
Conservation
Biology

An advanced course in conservation theory and practice. Emphasis is on understanding interdisciplinary approaches to conservation, moving from understanding the nature of threats to biodiversity to crafting solutions that may lead to long-term conservation of biological diversity.

BIOL 505
Active Learning
Methods for
Biology Teaching

We will experience and discuss active learning teaching techniques. Early classes will demonstrate the key pedagogical style for each week, followed by discussion. Participants will then develop and test units for their area of biology teaching, and help review and improve such units collaboratively. Graduate students, post-docs, and in-service K-16 teachers welcome.

BIOL 562
Advanced Ecology

Successful analytical approaches to understanding ecological patterns and the mechanisms that generate them, examined by using a wide array of empirical and theoretical tools. Applying theory, modeling, and statistics to empirically derived data to providing insight and solutions to key environmental problems.

BIOL 571
Topics in
Conservation Biology

Focused discussion of on-going research in conservation biology.