BIOL 101 - Environmental Biology: Forest Ecology of House Mountain

FDR: SL
Credits: 4

Since 2015, BIOL 101 has provided students with an opportunity to perform conservation-oriented research on House Mountain, a local landmark with a rich cultural and natural history. The goal of the research is to characterize forest composition on the mountain, and monitor changes over time due to invasive species, climate change, and other factors. Students taking this class will develop skills such as plant identification, ecological sampling procedures, data analysis, and scientific communication, and will become familiar with the biology of forest ecosystems. Students will serve the local community by working to protect the mountain, and will gain greater awareness of their role in larger environmental issues. Note: This course is physically demanding: there will be three full days per week of fieldwork on House Mountain, involving 15+ miles of hiking per week, often on steep slopes and without trails. There will also be a certain amount of lifting, carrying, and installation of equipment. Field work will take place regardless of weather. Winder.