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CS92PROD
Global Change Biogeography
E&ES 312
Spring 2024
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: BIOL 312, ENVS 311

On our home planet, Earth, the current geologic epoch is characterized by rapid changes to the environment due to human behavior. Biogeography examines the spatiotemporal distribution of life on Earth, from species to ecosystems and from landscapes to continents. How is anthropogenic climate change modifying the distribution and function of organisms and ecosystems? What can we learn from the evolutionary history of the life-planet system that can help us understand the possible impacts of future climates on the biosphere? To address these questions rigorously, we will explore primary literature from a wide range of theoretical and empirical studies. The course emphasizes inquiry, contact with primary literature, discussion, statistical and spatial coding, learning to obtain data, and visualization. The beginning of the semester provides an overview of physical geography and the Earth System, with field and data experiences that build remote sensing and spatial analysis skills. The second half of the semester is focused on the exploration of relevant scientific literature based on student interests and recent papers, as well as independent research projects.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM E&ES
Course Format: SeminarGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (BIOL)(E&ES)(ENVS-MN)(ENVS)
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on OCT-07-2024
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