BIOL 229 - Observing Ireland’s Coastal Biomes

Crosslisted With ARTS 229
Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or ARTS 111 or instructor consent
FDR: Fine Arts (HA)
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 4

Coastal regions offer a rich opportunity to experience a variety of biotic communities, from marine tidal communities to coastal plant and animal communities. In this course, students explore the biodiversity and ecology of these communities through readings, lectures, and traditional field observation/drawing. Observational drawing has a longstanding and important connection to studies of natural history and taxonomy and provides an ideal tool for understanding, appreciating and identifying the specific details of plants, animals, and their contextual environments. A place-based learning framework will provide insight into current environmental challenges and opportunities. Students spend Spring Term on the Atlantic (west) coast of Ireland, visiting coastal biomes and the biologically and historically unique Burren, a glacial karst landscape.