Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalogue 
    
2020-2021 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

BIO 108 - Topics: COVID & Natural Environment (W) (1)

The recent news reports have been dominated by the negative aspects of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. However, the resulting slowing down and isolation of people may be having a positive impact on the environment. Air quality has improved. Carbon emissions are lower. Wildlife consumption and trade have stricter enforcement. Populations of native wild species are have been easier to find near human residential areas for the first time in decades. These are all good signs, but are these effects only temporary? How do we measure these changes? And, can these environmental responses to lowered human disturbance provide insights to how we could encourage long term, sustainable improvements after the pandemic subsides? This course will focus on the effects of COVID-19 on our natural environment by exploring anecdotes, case studies, and studied impacts reported in the media. Students will learn about how environmental effects are measured and how to predict the results of such changes on other aspects of our environment. Significant time will be spent on the writing process, including critical reading of primary and secondary sources, and drafting and revising different types of academic writing for different target audiences. Not open to students who have previously completed a First-Year Writing Course. This course is not open to students who have completed any 200-level biology course.
(First Year Writing Seminar (FYW)) (Science)