West Valley College

Course Descriptions

Open to students and community members of all ages, join any of the following courses in the Biology department under Ecology, Diversity, and Conservation offered throughout the year to obtain California Naturalist certification. Upon successful completion of course requirements, participants will have the option of obtaining UC California Naturalist Certification. Participants will build their resume and become a more desirable candidate to work or volunteer for public land agencies or environmental education organizations. Students will have the option of receiving California Naturalist certification in fall, spring, or summer classes

Spring

BIO 14 California Plants and Animals, 4 Units

This course is a general education course which introduces California plants and animals in an ecological context. An ecosystem approach is used to explain the geographic distribution of lifeforms and their community associations. This course also provides an introduction to the natural history of California with an emphasis on plants and animals. The most common life forms from the coast to the mountains to the desert are explored within the ecological context. This class is designed for non-majors.

Dates: January 27 - May 24, 2024

Delivery Mode: Hybrid

Lecture: Monday(s), 2:05pm - 5:15pm

Lab: Wednesday(s), 2:05pm - 5:15pm

BIO 58 Field Ecology, 3 Units

This course explores the ecology of plant and animal communities. Students have the opportunity to learn about field ecology in both the classroom and outdoor settings. Preliminary class meetings are followed by a field trip(s). Students must successfully complete class preparatory requirements in order to participate in the field trip(s). Students are responsible for transportation and costs associated with travel, meals, camping equipment and related expenses.

Dates: February 2 - March 22, 2024

Delivery Mode: In-Person

Lecture: Friday(s), 10:15am - 12:20pm

Camping Field Trip: March 29 - April 3, 2024

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Summer

BIO 56 Ecology of the Sierra Nevada, 3 Units

This course explores the natural history and ecology of the Sierra Nevada. This general education course includes an overview of the climate, evolutionary history, biogeography, community structure, natural history, and ecology of the plants, mammals, birds and insects of the Sierra Nevada range. Students also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of basic field techniques. This class is held in the field with required preliminary class meetings at West Valley College. Students are responsible for transportation and costs associated with travel, camping equipment, and related expenses.

Dates: TBA

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Fall

BIO 13 Natural History of California, 3 Units

This course explores the plant and animal communities of California. Students have the opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of California in both the classroom and field settings. Natural history, ecology, stewardship, and conservation of select regions of California are covered. Class meetings are supplemented by field trip(s). Students must successfully complete class preparatory requirements in order to participate in any overnight field trip(s). Students are responsible for transportation and costs associated with travel, meals, camping equipment and related field trip expenses.

Dates: TBA

Delivery Mode: TBA

Lecture: TBA

Lab: TBA

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Fees: WVC class fees are $46 per unit

Contact: Leticia Gallardo, leticia.gallardo@westvalley.edu, (408) 741-2416

Registration: Apply and Register for Classes