Messiah College

Bio 117 Field Biology of South-Central Pennsylvania (3)

The study of the major plant and animal groups of south central Pennsylvania emphasizing their field identification, ecology and behavior with an emphasis on the insects, bird fauna, local trees, and spring wildflowers. Two lecture periods and three hours of laboratory per week.

Bio 261 Ecology (3)

The ecosystem as a basic concept, the interactions of organisms with each other and the non-living environment, and the implications for human well-being. Three lectures per week.

Bio 269 Ecology of South Florida in Winter (3)

On-site study of the unique and fragile south Florida ecosystem emphasizing the ecology of the Everglades. Three-week J-term camping experience provides many opportunities to observe the flora and fauna of a subtropical ecosystem.

Bio 297 Tropical Biology: Ecuador (3)

A travel course with tropical ecology as the primary focus. Most major life zones will be visited including tropical rainforest, cloud forest, high Andean forest, Paramo, semi-desert, and the variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Special attention will be paid to human impact, ecological restoration, and the conservation of tropical biological diversity.

Bio 311 Ecology and Geology of Newfoundland (4)

Study of bogs, lakes, tundra, boreal forest, and ocean. Physical and historical geology of various study areas. Involves three and one-half week trip to Newfoundland.

Bio 321 Mycology (3)

Structural patterns, life cycles, classification, identification and economic importance of the fungi. Two lecture periods and three hours of laboratory per week.

Bio 332 Plant Taxonomy (3)

Principles of classification with special reference to local flora, including plants of horticultural interest. Techniques of collection, identification, and preservation of plants. Two lecture periods and three hours of laboratory per week.

Bio 345 Entomology (3)

Survey of the insects emphasizing their biological and economic aspects as well as their taxonomy characteristics. Two lecture periods and three hours of laboratory per week.

Bio 356 Ornithology (3)

Study of the class Aves emphasizing structure and classification. The ecology, behavior, and song of birds is examined. Two lecture periods and three hours of laboratory per week.

Bio 3-- Wood Plants (3)

Gary Emberger of our department teaches this course at Au Sable and will offer it at Messiah in 1996-97. The Au Sable course description is as follows: Taxonomy, ecology, management, and stewardship of trees and shrubs. Presents the systematic botany of local woody flora including identification by foliage, twigs, wood, and bark, and trees of major economic and ecological importance worldwide. Given in the context of ethical and global questions of deforestation, global warming trends, old growth forest values, lumbering, forest ecosystem restoration, and land stewardship.

Ccs 238 Cross Cultural Study: Zimbabwe (3)

Examination of Zimbabwean history and culture through readings, lectures, living experiences, and visits to schools, hospitals, churches, farms, museums, game and botanical parks, and cultural centers. Students live with African students while visiting a rural secondary school, live with an urban family, and stay overnights in a rural village.

Env 161 Issues in Environmental Science

Historical perspectives of America's conservation movement, global implications of resource exploitation including soil, water, forests, and wilderness, discussion of environmental policies for the 21st century. No laboratory. Three lectures per week.

Env 271 Ecological Field Techniques (3)

Introduction to the use of field research methods, field measurements, landscape and population analysis, and landscape mapping. One lecture and two field/laboratory sessions weekly.

Env 340 Environmental Chemistry (4)

The chemistry of surface and ground water, the atmosphere, and the geosphere, how these interact with each other and the biota, with particular emphasis on the impact of human activity. The laboratory consists of analytical methods used to measure pollutants in these parts of the environment. Three lecture periods and one three hour laboratory per week.

Env 367 Conservation Biology (3)

The study of global biodiversity at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level with special consideration of the factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity and to its conservation.

Geo 152 Geology (3)

Consideration of fundamental and historical aspects of geology. Two lecture periods and three hours of laboratory per week.

Nsc 421 Perspectives in Research (3)

Two three hour laboratory sessions and one lecture per week. Laboratory experience consists of working on a research project. Topics and activities for lecture include the nature of research, computer database literature searching, and discussion of research reports.

Int 391 Internships (3-8)

Discipline-related work experience which provides (1) reality testing of classroom theory and development of job-related skills, (2) observation and participation in the activities or special projects of an organization, or (3) shadowing a professional in a particualr field, or (4) serving on a special project that would promote personal development. Credit award is based on length and intensity of involvement as well as number of learning objectives to be accomplished through academic learning activities. Daily journal and synthesis paper required of all students.

Env/Rel 350 Environmental Ethics (3)

Contemporary problems of environmental stewardship are investigated, including use of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, pollution, appropriate land use and development, third world concerns and preservation of wild nature. These problems are set in a historical perspective of human relationships to the natural environment, especially as this relationship is viewed in the light of Christian thought and doctrine. Current attempts to develop a theology of nature and principles of Christian stewardship are considered.

Idsa 216 Appropriate Technology (3)

Through lectures, discussions, and projects students are challenged to develop appropriate solutions to the needs of urban centers, rural areas such as Appalachia, and developed countries. These appropriate solutions depend on understanding the interaction of economics, social, political, and technological factors.

Eng 3-- The Environment in Literature (course under development)

Eco 3-- Environmental Economics (course under development)