By Misti DeHart/ nw news editor
NW students looking to fulfill their science core requirements have a new option this spring.
Environmental Biology (BIOL 2406) will be available for the first time, giving non-science majors with an interest in teaching grades 4-8 an opportunity to have a combined lecture and lab that’s different than past choices. Greta Bowling, NW biology associate professor, is excited to teach the upcoming classes.
“Biology 2406 is neat because it is being offered now as a core option, so the student’s electives won’t be eaten up with the four hours that the class takes up,” Bowling said. “We are hoping this option will boost student enrollment outside of standard biology.”
The class is framed with teachers in mind but also environmental science majors. According to Bowling, students interested in becoming or increasing their environmental consciousness could benefit.
“This course takes a multidisciplinary approach,” she said. “I think it provides tools that the student can utilize to give an environmentally friendly contribution to society.”
As Bowling puts it, the course is “much more than just science.”
Although Environmental Biology is on the registration schedule for other campuses, a steady number of students must enroll for the course to be picked up for spring. The professors teaching the course will be announced prior to the start of the spring term.
Bowling also wanted students to notice the different types of classes offered. Environmental Biology will tentatively be offered on other campuses, but NW will hold the only class that provides a four-hour combined lab and lecture approach.
Any questions regarding the new course can be directed to Bowling at greta.bolin@tccd.edu.