College of the Redwoods
Course Description
BIOL 20 Natural History of California, 4 Units
This course is a GE Life Science course that focuses on the biology of California habitats and the organisms that live there. If you’re interested in field biology, or like to get outdoors, or want to learn more about the natural world in this beautiful place we live, then this is the course for you.
- Lectures cover basic principles of life and physical science, and then delve into more detailed consideration of CA habitats, plants and animals, and relevant conservation and management issues.
- Labs are all hands-on and include numerous field trips to local biotic communities (including the intertidal, beaches and dunes, tidal wetlands, coastal scrub and grasslands, and a variety of forests).
- Skills developed include species identification strategies, methods of field inquiry, how to keep a field notebook, and how to use online resources such as iNaturalist.
- Project-based learning includes a class Citizen Science project and an independent Capstone Project that can incorporate research or service-learning.
UC California Naturalist Certification is awarded to any student who successfully completes the course (for a certification fee of $55 for a full-time student or $110 for a part time student; scholarships may be available). California Naturalists are recognized statewide as a well-trained community of naturalists active in environmental education, stewardship and service. Certification can facilitate future scholarships, internships and jobs in environmental science and education.
Fall Semester
Dates: August 24 - December 20, 2024
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Lecture: Monday(s) and Wednesday(s), 10:05AM - 11:30AM
Lab: Friday(s), 10:00AM - 01:10PM
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Spring Semester
Dates: January 18 - May 16, 2025
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Lecture: Monday(s) and Wednesday(s), 11:40AM - 01:05PM
Lab: Thursday(s), 01:15PM - 04:25PM
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Contact: Karen Reiss, Karen-Reiss@redwoods.edu, 707-476-4220
Fees: $55 for a full-time student or $110 for a part time student; scholarships may be available
Registration: New students can learn more about College of the Redwoods admissions process and registration here.
Organization Description: Located on northern California's picturesque Redwood Coast, College of the Redwoods is a community college that delivers excellent academic and career technical education. Established in 1964, CR serves a diverse population of communities in Del Norte and Humboldt counties as well as the northwest section of Mendocino and western edge of Trinity counties.
