Time Schedule:
Wesley Smith
BIOL 490
Seattle Campus
Supervised readings and group discussion of selected topics of broad biological significance. Prerequisite: either BIOL 162 or BIOL 220.
Class description
In this class, we will address various environmental issues by examining the science, solutions and controversies surrounding each problem. Together we will examine three environmental challenges from the perspectives of toxicology, microbiology, and policy. Here you will learn the importance of approaching problems from multiple viewpoints and how to best utilize the strengths of each perspective. You will then have the opportunity to work as a team to investigate the science and policy and develop potential solutions to an environmental challenge chosen by your team. The solutions that we develop will be based on sound science and policy through investigation of primary literature. Through this class, you will learn the importance of approaching environmental challenges from different scientific perspectives and how this approach may be useful in developing solutions.
Student learning goals
Identify environmental challenges facing society and distinguish between the different scientific and policy-based aspects of each challenge.
Recognize controversies surrounding environmental challenges and the effect of those controversies on developing effective solutions
Interpret and explain technical literature that pertains to scientific aspects of a given environmental challenge.
Critically evaluate science and policy of a given environmental challenge, identify consensus points of interested parties and recommend potential solutions.
Effectively present science, policy and potential solutions of a given environmental solution to a public audience.
General method of instruction
Classes will generally be divided into two sessions: 1) a lecture and 2) discussion period. The lecture will introduce material relevant to the discussion during the second session. This first period will also involve structured learning exercises. The discussion will involve presentation of chosen literature relevant background information. Instructors may deviate from this format, if necessary.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Each week there will be an assignments based on material to be presented in class. These assignments will be take-home, short or long answer, and given weekly to be returned the following week.
The primary goal of this class is to foster an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature and team structure of environmental problem-solving. Therefore, classroom discussion and participation will be an important part of this class, and each student�s participation is essential to the discussion. We will be reading and critiquing many journal articles where you will be expected to demonstrate an understanding about the material during class discussion.
For the final assignment, students will work in teams of 3 or 4 to evaluate a case study representing an environmental challenge of their choosing. The team will work together to identify the science, policy and societal aspects and controversies of the challenge. They will critically analyze each aspect and recommend potential solutions to the class in both written and oral presentation.
Grades will primarily be based on preparation and participation both within the class and toward the development of the final project.
