Time Schedule:
Adelaide C. E. Rhodes
BIOL 486
Seattle Campus
Supervised readings and group discussion. Prerequisite: BIOL 356.
Class description
Global warming is getting a lot of media attention these days, but what do we really know about the causes and effects of climate change? This course will examine the basic physical mechanisms of climate change, its projected effects on marine and terrestrial life, and its potential impacts on human health and society. Reading both popular and scientific literature, we will compare current scientific knowledge with what is presented in the media. Finally, given the evidence for climate change, what personal and political measures can we take to have a positive impact?
Student learning goals
To become better educated about the evidence for and implications of climate change
To learn how to read, critically evaluate, and discuss a scientific paper
To improve scientific analysis, writing, and oral communication skills
To become aware of the techniques used by the media to address scientific issues
General method of instruction
This is a discussion-based seminar course. Students will be evaluated on the basis of weekly writing assignments, contributions to in-class discussions and oral presentations.
Recommended preparation
A general background in biological, earth, environmental or social science will prepare students for this class. No prior background on global climate change is required. Students without BIO356 can enter the class with permission of the instructors.
Class assignments and grading
Interactive, collaborative participation is a key requirement of this discussion-based seminar course. Students will be asked to engage in regular speaking and writing activities not only as a part of the formal evaluation of learning but also as a way to improve oral and written skills via practice with feedback. Students are expected to come to class on time, having completed all reading, writing, and presentation assignments in advance.
1. Assigned Reading – summarize each article (~2/week) Every week there will be at least two reading assignments; one from a scientific journal and one from popular culture. You will be expected to read these materials and be prepared to discuss them at the class meeting. You will turn in a brief summary (no more than a page in length) of each article at the beginning of each class (two summaries per week), unless your group is presenting the paper. If your group is presenting a paper, you are not required to write a summary about that particular paper. We may provide a list of questions to answer in lieu of the summary on occasion.
2. Presentations You will be put into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will be responsible for presenting 3 of the papers to the class over the course of the quarter, one each 3 week period. Each group will present at least one scientific article and at least one article from popular culture (magazines/newspapers) during the quarter. You will be assigned these papers, and they will be posted on the class WEB site. Each member of the group will be the lead presenter at some point. You will be required to turn in a short paragraph explaining your contribution to the group presentation. You may also use this document to give feedback about your group or class dynamics.
3. Participation During each class period, there will be at least one required activity. You will be expected to turn in these short assignments. You are also expected to participate in class discussions and other activities. If you are not present during class and do not have a pre-excused absence, you will not receive participation points for that day. The intention of this assignment is to help you organize your own ideas about climate change.
