Biodiversity of Pennsylvania

Catalog description

In this course, students will study the species diversity of Pennsylvania. To understand the biodiversity that we see in Pennsylvania today, we will discuss the evolutionary, ecological, environmental, and historical factors that have shaped it. The course will also present the ecosystems of Pennsylvania, the major threats to biodiversity as well as the laws and programs in place for its protection. Students will explore the interconnections of all human activities (urbanization, industry, natural resources, agriculture, etc.) and biodiversity. Most weeks incorporate a field trip to allow students to explore local natural areas, and to study some of the species of organisms mentioned in lectures. This course satisfies the Evolutionary Biology category in the Biology major or the Practicum requirement as the course will incorporate 9-13 field trips throughout the semester.