BIO 290 - Systems (GIS) for Biologists

Biology and Geography are two disciplines that have long been interwoven. Biogeography explores geographic patterns in nature and GIS (geographic information systems) is a powerful spatial analysis tool. Within a biological context what kind of features can we map knowing 1) where they are and 2) what they are like? What kind of relationships can we explore using this type of visualization? This course will introduce GIS software and theory while providing practical examples within biology. We will also discuss current trends, technologies, applications, and ethics. Students will be expected to express these ideas in essays, data collection and mapping projects. Critical thinking skills are required to understand the role GIS plays in the world.

Prerequisites & Notes
BIO 111/112 or BIO 113/114 or ENV 201 or permission of the instructor