BIOL 3205 - Biosphere Sciences

4 hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 with a grade of “C-” or better.
The biosphere encompasses all life-supporting ecosystems on earth. This course will explore the unique attributes of natural ecosystems (e.g., the biotic and abiotic characteristics of
forests, deserts, marine zones), man-made ecosystems (e.g., agroecosystems), ancient analogues (e.g., North America in the Pleistocene), and the ways in which they interact to
influence global processes such as nutrient cycling, energy flow, and the climate. Disturbances to the biosphere as a result of human activity will also be explored including global climate change, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to the natural nitrogen cycle. Sustainable solutions to these 21•1 century ‘grand challenges’ will be a focus.