The student will be able to:
A. describe and apply the scientific method and explain its uses and limitations as it pertains to environmental biology.
B. explain the classification of biodiversity in the three domain system.
C. explain biological and ecological concepts using specific examples from the local flora and fauna.
D. employ simple field methods for analyzing and evaluating environmental quality.
E. discuss local issues related to urbanization.
F. research an environmental topic and prepare the results for public and/or classroom presentation.

A. Scientific method
1. Components of the scientific method
2. Application and limitations in environmental biology
3. Implementation of the scientific method during lab exercises
a. Develop and test hypotheses that test causes and outcomes of environmental damage
B. Biodiversity
1. Characteristics of the three domains of life and identification of representatives from each the four eukaryotic kingdoms
2. Laboratory exercises to identify microscopic organisms
3. Identification of representative organisms from each kingdom in the field
C. Biological and ecological concepts
1. Evolution, natural selection, and adaptation
2. Experimental examination of factors affecting population growth
3. Examination of local examples illustrating ecological concepts, such as:
a. Symbiosis
b. Predation
c. Competition
d. Succession
e. Trophic structure
D. Environmental quality
1. Basic vegetation survey and sampling techniques
2. Water quality assessment techniques
3. Air quality assessment techniques
4. Data analysis
E. Urbanization
1. Problems associated with urbanization
2. Field trips to locations illustrating urbanization issues, such as a recycling center, water treatment facility, or ecological restoration site
F. Conducting research on an environmental topic
1. Use of library and internet resources
2. Development and implementation of project design
3. Synthesis and presentation of information for public or classroom display
4. Peer-critiques of research presentations

Labs will include:
A. Introduction to the process of science and development of experiments and scientific research.
B. Identification of plants and animals and biodiversity assessment of Foothill campus.
C. Introduction to biological monitoring.
D. The hydrologic cycle - watershed ecology, stream ecology.
E. Field trip to a water treatment facility.
F. Field trip to an organic farm.
G. Field trip to participate in an ecological restoration project.

A. Frequent quizzes.
B. Completion of lab exercises.
C. Research project on a local environmental issue.

A. Lecture
B. Discussion
C. Field work
D. Laboratory
E. Field trips

Schultz, G. Environmental Biology Lab Manual. Foothill College. 2018.
Supplemental readings as provided by the instructor.
 

A. Students will keep a field journal.
B. Students will be required to complete background reading assignments related to laboratory topics.
C. Students will engage in a biodiversity assessment of the Foothill campus and evaluate the campus for organismal diversity.