BIOL 1170 - Natural History of Minnesota

Goals: To understand the ecological, evolutionary, geological, and historical factors which have led to the current distribution and abundance of organisms in Minnesota and the upper Midwest; to examine the changes in these distributions over time; to demonstrate the principles of scientific thinking using a multidisciplinary approach.

Content: Fundamentals of global and regional climates, regional weather, fundamental geological processes, interpretation of maps and other geographical information, principles of ecology and evolution, classification and identification of organisms. Teaching Methods: Experiential learning during field trips to sites throughout the region. Assignments: homework, field exercises, exams, and participation.

Taught: Occasionally, summer only.

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor required; application and interviews for admission take place during spring semester. Students must contact the instructor for application materials and further details.

Credits: 4 credits