Course Descriptions

BIO 114 - Natural History of Greater Rochester

3 Credits

Teaches the basic biological concepts through an experience-based approach. Field trips will be held at local sites of geological and biological interest. Topics covered will include: identification of woody plants, wildflowers, insects, birds and mushrooms; the ecology of fields, woods and wetlands; and bedrock and glacial geology.

Learning Attributes: WR

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe selected types of wildflowers, woody plants, invertebrates, birds and other vertebrates, and mushrooms found in natural habitats in the Rochester area.
2. Using examples from class field trips, explain several community and ecosystem processes including food web structure/function, nutrient cycling, and ecological succession.
3. Describe the factors (e. g. climate, geology, soils, human influence) that determine the biotic communities found in different natural habitats in the Rochester area.
4. Describe adaptations of living organisms that allow them to tolerate a range of environmental conditions (including changes in temperature, moisture and light).
5. Summarize, through writing and discussion, observations and interpretations made during class filed trips to different habitat types.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024