BIO 268 - International Studies in Biology

Credits: 1-4
Instructional Contact Hours: 1-4

Provides a biologic interpretation of selected world regions with emphasis on natural history, flora and fauna, and ecological relationships. Includes class lectures, individual consultation, and international field study. Expenses for the field study are the responsibility of the student.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 2 AND WRITING LEVEL 2 AND MATH LEVEL 2;
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 15/60 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Prepare to travel to a foreign country.
1. Assemble and pack clothing and personal care items in a lightweight, efficient manner.
2. Obtain appropriate passports and visas.
Work collaboratively with classmates.
1. Participate in travel and field activities with classmates.
2. Share the work load of small group activities.
3. Share ideas and respectfully receive the ideas of classmates.
Competently communicate about the course material.
1. Read critically.
2. Write effectively.
3. Listen actively.
4. Speak effectively.
5. Compile a journal of observations and experiences.
Demonstrate the ability to think critically.
1. Integrate concepts.
2. Solve problems.
3. Draw logical conclusions.
4. Make predictions based on evidence.
5. Identify trends and patterns.
6. Distinguish between simple correlation and cause-and-effect.
Describe important historical events in the development of a foreign country and their effect on political and economic development.
1. Recognize any historical ties between U.S. and other countries.
2. Describe any changes that may have occurred in international trade between the U.S. and this foreign country(s) based on environmental issues such as climate change and global economics.
Compare the kinds of plants and animals found in specific foreign countries with those found in the United States.
1. Describe the unique nature of the flora and fauna of the area and the geophysical and climatological forces that contributed to their uniqueness.
2. Recognize the unique conditions that resulted in the environmental development of the area.
Describe the major geographic features of a foreign country(s) and how they relate to the climate.
1. Describe the biomes of the country(s).
2. Describe any regional differences within specific countries.
3. Compare the climate of the area and describe how this affects the vegetation and animal life adaptation.
Describe important features of the culture of aboriginal inhabitants for specific countries.
1. Recognize that there may be individual cultures among the aboriginal people.
2. Describe how the aboriginal people were influenced by their environment and how this may have affected the biota of the country as well as the current environmental conditions.
Methods of Assessment:
1. Pre-trip research of one native's natural history and resulting oral and written presentation.
2. Evaluation of student’s daily journal kept during their travel experience.
3. Take home essay final exam based on outcomes and objectives.