BIOL 120 - Atmospheric Science from the Ground Up

(CHEM 120)FDR: SL, GE5a
Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring 2010 and alternate years

One of the most complex and important physical systems that scientists must understand is the climate. Predictions regarding climate change and the impact of human activity on that change are made based on our understanding of the complex interactions that drive atmospheric composition and the interaction of the atmosphere with the biosphere and the geosphere. Society asks critical questions-both global and local in reach- regarding the impact of climate change and the drivers behind that change. Answers to these questions may have significant impact on the world economy and choices we make locally, statewide, and nationally. Washington and Lee is located three miles from I-81, a major trucking route for interstate commerce. The atmospheric pollutants generated by the traffic on Interstate 81 have an impact on the atmosphere, watersheds (including Chesapeake Bay), plants, and soils. In this course, field and laboratory exercises include the analysis of atmospheric inputs from I-81 and their impacts on soil and plant concentrations of contaminants. Lectures provide background so that informed hypotheses may be made relating to the influences of highways on local and regional atmospheres and environmental contamination are tested. Credit does not apply toward the biology major. Laboratory course.Hamilton, Tuchler.