ENVS 2100

Introductory Field Biology

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

In this course, students are introduced to field identification, natural history, and study of plants, animals, and natural systems. This course emphasizes hands-on interaction with nature, recording of ecological phenomena, and awareness and understanding of the natural environment, including ecological concepts (e.g., ecosystem, community, habitat, and niches). Students will 1) work cooperatively in hands-on field lab exercises to build skills in the identification and classification of native biota and their natural history 2) conduct a field research project in which they formulate research questions from field observations, develop a research design, collect field data, and interpret those data for a research report and presentation, and 3) maintain a detailed field journal of natural history observations from field labs and independent observations

Prerequisites one introductory college biology course.

Enrollment Priority Enrollment preference given to: Arts & Sciences and CALS sophomores and higher planning to complete or interested in the Environment & Sustainability major.

Fees Field trip, $55. To cover all 5 meals provided for the weekend field trips.

Distribution Requirements (OPHLS-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2024FA, 2023FA, 2022FA

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify and characterize ecosystem types, ecological communities, and habitats in the northeastern region based on key structural features, associated taxa, and the physical environment.
• Students will be able to identify approximately 200 common taxa of plants and animals in the northeastern region and will understand the natural history of those species and their relationship to the environment.
• Students will develop an understanding of field research methods and approaches in a variety of ecological disciplines.
• Students will be able to formulate research questions from field observations, develop a sample design, collect field data, and interpret and discuss their results in relation to research questions.
• Students will demonstrate equitable collaboration as they design, plan, execute and communicate the results of a field research project.

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