BY 340 - Island Microcosms *

(3)

This interdisciplinary course will focus on both biological and anthropological issues that affect island ecosystems and communities. Local and international sites will be featured. Environmental issues such as the impact of climate change, introduced species, increasing populations, and ecotourism on small island ecosystems will be examined. Science reasoning will be tested with a critical evaluation of evolutionary concepts in island communities. The effect of isolation on art, music, history, and economy and will be discussed. A variety of guest instructors will assist in the presentation of the material; problem-based learning will be built into the curriculum. A term project consisting of a written or visual composition addressing one of our focus topics will be required and will relate to the student’s major. Corequisite(s): 340L