BIOL 123 - Lichens of the Pacific Northwest (with Lab)

This course will explore Pacific Northwest lichens as simultaneous ecosystems and organisms, allowing an introductory setting and study system for student investigation into biological and ecological thinking with lecture and lab activities. Topics will include natural history of lichens, lichen biology (structure, life history, diversity, reproduction, physiology, and ecology), ethnobotany, bioindication, and lichens as ecosystem engineers. Students will learn the ways in which living things are interconnected and interact with one another, using lichens to explore biological and ecological concepts and the local environment. Students will build natural history skills through place-based campus observations, form an understanding of basic lichen biology and ecology, and examine current topics in lichenology through academic literature and the collecting, analyzing, and interpretation of data. Students who have taken BIOL 113 may not take this course.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group III, Distribution Group III-Data Collection and Analysis
Instructional Method: Lecture-laboratory
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Notes: This course includes field trips with time in unpredictable field conditions.
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Use and evaluate quantitative data or modeling, or use logical/mathematical reasoning to evaluate, test or prove statements.
Given a problem or question, formulate a hypothesis or conjecture, and design an experiment, collect data, or use mathematical reasoning to test or validate it.
Collect, interpret, and analyze data.