Learning objectives for this course:

To gain a basic understanding of physical and biological processes that influence
vegetation and animal distributions at local and regional scales

To gain an appreciation of the basic patterns of biotic variation at a global scale

To develop an awareness of human influences on the biosphere

To gain the scientific background and critical thought skills necessary to evaluate
critical debates about societal issues that affect the biosphere

To learn to conduct research on a particular topic and present the findings both in
writing and verbally to an audience 


This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the
specific learning objectives listed below:

Communicate effectively through writing.  This is met by a series of writing 
assignments associated with supplemental reading and data analysis.
 
Communicate effectively through speech.  This is met by oral presentations, 
discussion leading, and classroom participation.

Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty 
electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and assignments.

Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and is
developed through homework assignments, lecture, classroom discussion, and inquiry-
based learning efforts.
       
Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is an important element of this course, as it explores 
linkages among the physical environment, hazards, human health and welfare, and 
appropriate technologies.  Moral reasoning is developed through lectures, writing 
assignments, classroom discussion, and inquiry-based learning activities.

Basic Concept:	Biological Organization
		Tolerance Ranges and Niches
		Genetic Variation and Natural Selection

Environmental Effects:	Light and Photosynthesis
			Temperature and Thermoregulation
			Water Supply
			Nutrients
				
Biotic Effects:	Population models
		Competition
		Predation
		Mutualism

Historical Biogeography: Dispersal and Distribution
			 Island Biogeography
			 Plate Tectonics and Glaciation
			 Biotic Diversity
			 Vegetation Dynamics

Earth’s Biomes:	Rainforest and Savanna
		Desert and Grassland
		Forest and Tundra

Conservation Themes: Threatened and Endangered Species
		     Exotic Introductions