BIOLOGY (BI)

BI101 General Biology - 4  Exploration of basic biological phenomena common to all living organisms.  Topics covered include cellular and molecular levels of organization, genetics and mechanisms of heredity in organic evolution, reproduction and development, as well as introductory concepts of taxonomy and ecology.  (Lab fee. Science with lab)

BI106 Principles of Ecology - 4  Examination of the interactions that organisms have with one another and their physical environment.  Students study classic ecological principles used to understand the behavior, physiology, distribution, and abundance of plants and animals.  (Lab fee. Science with lab, Offered spring semesters of even years)

BI203 Wildlife Biology - 4  Introduction to the study of the evolutionary history, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology of animals.  Identification and conservation issues are addressed.  Management tools for the assessment of problems associated with species in the Great Lakes Ecosystem will be the focus.  (Lab fee. Science with lab, offered fall semester of odd years)

BI204 Ornithology - 4  Introduction to the study of birds.  Concepts leading to an understanding of bird evolution, ecology, physiology, and behavior are examined.  Field identification of regional avian species is emphasized.  Weekly field studies are required.  (Lab fee. Science with lab, Offered summer term of even years)

BI207 Special Topics in Biology - 1-4  Exploration of topics pertaining to current events or of special interest to students.  Instructor’s permission or course prerequisites may be required for some courses.

BI208 Botany - 5  Exploration of plant science principles.  Topics include plant morphology, botanical techniques, invasive species dynamics, and the interactions of plants, communities, and ecosystems.  The diversity of non-animal life, including algae and fungi are examined, but focus is on the true land plants.  Ethnobotanical considerations as they relate to Native American cultures are addressed.  (Lab fee. Science with lab)

BI211 Plant Taxonomy - 4  Survey of vascular flora of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Emphasis is on field identification of common species, collection and preparation of herbarium samples, and traditional plant uses.  (Lab fee. Science with lab, offered summer term of odd years)

BI299 Research and Special Projects - 1-4  Students conduct research or create projects in areas of special interest.  Students must prepare written proposals including project schedules and evaluation methods with faculty mentor assistance.  Each proposal must be approved by faculty from the relevant discipline and the Dean of Instruction.  Open only to students with sophomore standing.

CHEMISTRY (CH)

CH101 Basic Chemistry - 4  Introductory chemistry course intended for students who have not previously taken high school chemistry but have at least 1 unit of high school algebra or the equivalent.  Topics include atomic structure, chemical periodicity, terminology, equations, kinetics, energy relationships, nuclear and descriptive chemistry. Replaces CH100. (Lab fee. Science with lab)

CH207 Special Topics in Chemistry - 1-4  Exploration of topics pertaining to current events or of special interest to students.  Instructor’s permission or course prerequisites may be required for some courses.

 CH299 Research and Special Topics - 1-4  Students conduct research or create projects in areas of special interest.  Students must prepare written proposals including project schedules and evaluation methods with faculty mentor assistance.  Each proposal must be approved by faculty from the relevant discipline and the Dean of Instruction.  Open only to students with sophomore standing.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ES)  

ES113 Anishinaabe Community Ecology - 4  Exploration of ecology from a cultural perspective that stresses ethno-biology. Integration of traditional knowledge with storytelling provides students with a basis for comparing western science to the Anishinaabe ecological world view.  (Lab fee. Science with lab & Native American Awareness only if taken after Sum’05, Offered fall odd, spring odd years)

ES207 Special Topics in Environmental Science - 1-4  Exploration of topics pertaining to current events or of special interest to students.  Instructor’s permission or course prerequisites may be required for some courses.

ES230 Soil Science - 4  Introduction to soil as an ecosystem component.  Physical, chemical, and biological properties along with their interactions are examined.  Special attention is given to implications of different soil management regimes.  The importance of soil for managing tribal forestry and water resources is addressed.  (Lab fee. Science with lab, Offered fall semester of odd years)

ES235 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 3  Introduction to basic principles of GIS.  Provides students with an understanding of its importance for resource management.  Students will learn to develop and using ArcView database for environmental applications.  Topics include global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing.  (Offered fall semester of even years).

ES242 Wetlands – 4  Examination of concepts associated with soils, hydrology, and vegetation characteristics used in the delineation of wetlands.  This course addresses social value concepts, management consideration, and legal issues associated with wetland ecosystems.  Dynamics of wetlands within the Lake Superior drainage basin are the focal point of this course.  (Lab fee. Science with lab)

ES298 Internship - 1-4 credits  The internship course requires that a student engage in practical work experience in the Environmental Science field under the supervision of a practicing professional.  Students receive one credit for every 80 hours worked in the approved site.  This is a Pass/Fail course. This course may be repeated for credit.

ES299 Research and Special Projects - 1-4  Students conduct research or create projects in areas of special interest.  Students must prepare written proposals including project schedules and evaluation methods with faculty mentor assistance.  Each proposal must be approved by faculty from the relevant discipline and the Dean of Instruction.  Open only to students with sophomore standing. 

GEOSCIENCE (GS)

GS207 Special Topics in Geoscience - 1-4  Exploration of topics pertaining to current events or of special interest to students.  Instructor’s permission or course prerequisites may be required for some courses.

GS215 Environmental Geology - 4  Examination of the relationship between humans and the earth.  Classic issues such as geologic processes, hazards, resources, and pollution are addressed.  Special consideration is given to humans as mechanisms for environmental change.  Case studies from the Great Lakes region are utilized.  (Lab fee. Science with lab, Offered spring semester of even years)

GS299 Research and Special Projects - 1-4  Students conduct research or create projects in areas of special interest.  Students must prepare written proposals including project schedules and evaluation methods with faculty mentor assistance.  Each proposal must be approved by faculty from the relevant discipline and the Dean of Instruction.  Open only to students with sophomore standing.