Biology - Natural Resources
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Program Description
The Biology - Natural Resources Associate of Science degree is designed for students transferring to a four-year college or university, such as the University of Idaho - College of Natural Resources. It is appropriate for students with interests in the following fields: botany, conservation biology/ecology, conservation social sciences, ecology, environmental science, fish and wildlife management/science, forestry management/science, public/environmental health, rangeland management/science, and renewable materials. This program of study allows students to develop a strong foundation in the biological sciences and is an entry point for a wide variety of natural resource-related careers. The program emphasizes active, collaborative, and experiential, learning environments and provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine the science-process-skills they will use as professionals. The Biology - Natural Resources Associate of Science degree has articulation agreements (“2+2s”) with partnering institutions in Idaho assuring students their work at CWI will be productive and honored. Students are encouraged to contact their advisors and their future transfer institution (if known) for additional information regarding the appropriateness of this major for their academic path.
Degrees and Certificates
Environmental Sciences (ENVI)
ENVI 100 Environmental Science
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring/Summer)
(This course was previously BIOL 120.) This course is designed for non-science majors. It will consider scientific principles and their influence on environmental problems in today's society. The role of humans and our impact on these issues will be emphasized. Past, present, and future trends will be evaluated along with the possible impacts of these trends on the local and global populace. PRE/COREQ: ENVI 100L. (This CWI course can meet the Idaho State Board GEM competency requirements in GEM 4 - Scientific Ways of Knowing OR the CWI Global Perspectives requirement. [It will not fulfill both requirements.] It has been E designated and will fulfill the Ethical Reasoning requirement, regardless of which other competency it meets.).
ENVI 100L Environmental Science Lab
(1 Credit, Fall/Spring/Summer)
(This course was previously BIOL 120L.) This course fulfills the laboratory component of the GEM Scientific Ways of Knowing requirement. Students will engage with the process of science by making observations, developing questions, designing experiments, using scientific apparatus to collect and analyze data, and communicating the results of scientific work. Students enrolled in this course will be required to participate in multiple off-site field trips. Additional fee required for lab. PRE/COREQ: ENVI 100. (This CWI course can meet the Idaho State Board GEM competency requirements in GEM 4 - Scientific Ways of Knowing OR the CWI Global Perspectives requirement. [It will not fulfill both requirements.] It has been E designated and will fulfill the Ethical Reasoning requirement, regardless of which other competency it meets.).
ENVI 104 Professions in Biology-Natural Resources
(3 Credits, Varies)
(This course was previously BIOL 110.) This course is designed to introduce students to career opportunities, professional development, and current issues in the natural resource professions. Students will be encouraged to develop basic job search skills and documents, including a resume, cover letter, online application profiles, and communication competency. In addition, guest lecturers and field trips will provide valuable information to facilitate students in their decision-making process and future course selection.
ENVI 260 General Ecology
(3 Credits, Fall)
(This course was previously BIOL 209.) Ecology is designed for biology majors and addresses interactions among organisms as well as the abiotic environment. This course will provide a survey of how physical and biological factors determine the abundance and distribution of plants and animals. Course material will focus on concepts including ecophysiology, population dynamics, community structure and organismal interactions, ecosystem processes, and biogeography. Additional focus is placed upon applications of concepts to current issues. This course seeks to provide competencies and conceptual knowledge necessary for careers in biological and ecological fields. Additional fee required for lab. Prior completion of MATH 153 is highly recommended. PREREQ: BIOL 112 and BIOL 112L. PRE/COREQ: ENVI 260L.
ENVI 260L General Ecology Lab
(1 Credit, Fall)
(This course was previously BIOL 209L.) In this course, students will engage in the process of science through hands-on field and laboratory exercises that seek to address questions regarding organismal populations, communities, and ecosystems. Students will solidify skills in making observations, developing questions, designing experiments, using scientific apparati and field equipment, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating the results of scientific work. This course seeks to provide competencies and conceptual knowledge necessary for careers in biological and ecological fields. Additional fee required for lab. Prior completion of MATH 153 is highly recommended. PREREQ: BIOL 112 and BIOL 112L. PRE/COREQ: ENVI 260.
ENVI 280L Field Biology
(3 Credits, Spring)
(This course was previously BIOL 275.) This course serves as the capstone course for the A.S. in Biology-Natural Resources degree. This course will provide students with hands-on, application-based experiences that will prepare them for advanced studies, biological field work, and/or introductory jobs in field biology, fisheries, or wildlife management. Students will engage in the process of science through hands-on field and laboratory exercises that seek to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to conduct field studies on a variety of organisms including but not limited to avian, mammal, invertebrate, fish, and plant communities. Students will develop skills in both field study and field survey design, field work planning and implementation, collecting and analyzing data, using scientific apparati and field equipment, mapping using GIS, and communicating the results of scientific work. The class will be structured predominately around field work in southwest Idaho and may include one to three weekend obligations for extended projects or to accommodate distant field sites. PREREQ: BIOL 112 and BIOL 112L.