Time Schedule:
Warren G. Gold
BIS 358
Bothell Campus
Explores environmental problems from stratospheric ozone depletion to the preservation of endangered species to acid rain. Focuses on methods of analysis from the physical and life sciences as well as economics, psychology and related fields. Examines issues within their larger social, historic, and political contexts.
Class description
Future Washington: the course will look at present-day ecosystems of Washington state, climate and other factors that govern large-scale ecological patterns, and expectations for future climate changes as a basis for exploring possible changes in natural ecosystems and their management and policy implications.
Student learning goals
Students will develop an understanding of present-day ecosystems of Washington and the factors that determine their distribution.
Students will gain an understanding of the mechanisms and evidence for climate change and the concurrent evidence for ecological changes.
Students will apply their knowledge and understanding in the above goals to explore possible ecological changes in Washington that may be driven by future climate changes.
Students will learn to read primary scientific literature and apply and critically evaluate scientific evidence to generate supportable predictions.
Students will practice combining knowledge from different disciplinary areas to develop a more complete understanding of future changes and their implications.
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion
Recommended preparation
Some knowledge and appreciation of Washington state natural ecosystems would be helpful. Prior knowledge of basic Washington state geography is assumed.
Class assignments and grading
Two examinations and a combined group/individual project that involves the development of a management plan for a selected ecosystem to address issues management under climate change (this involves an individual written paper and a group oral presentation).
Grades are assigned based upon quality and timeliness of submission of assignments and upon performance on exams.
