BIOL 208 – Field Biology: Island Ecosystems

Credits: 3
Class hours: 2 lecture and 3 lab
Prereq: Qualified for ENG 100 and MATH 103. Ability to do moderate hiking and outdoor activity.
Comment: The laboratory is part of the class.
Recommended: “C” or higher in a biological science course and laboratory (BIOL 123/123L; BOT 101, BOT 130/130L; SCI 121/121L).

Description: Oceanic island communities in the Pacific, such as Hawai`i, offer a unique and exciting environmental setting for a hands-on experiential field biology course. This course will provide students with an opportunity to perform standardized tests and field research techniques to collect current data on specific island ecosystems. Students will learn to analyze the data and relate the information they have acquired to the diversity and health of the ecosystem, gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of the changing and fragile nature of island communities.

Summer