Natural Sciences

Our knowledge of the world is created by our understanding of the planet we walk upon every day.  These FLCs help give some foundation to your understanding of the world that moves above us, below us, and all around.

Practice of the Wild: Earth Sciences

Practice of the Wild: Earth Sciences - FLC 607

In this FLC, we will use some of the classics of nature writing by John Muir, Annie Dillard, Gary Snyder, Aldo Leopold and others as the starting point for studying the Earth as a system of interconnected ‘spheres’: the geosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere. We will place particular emphasis on the varied roles that humans play in the Earth system and on the processes governing global environmental change. We will study modern environmental issues such as global warming, deforestation, ocean acidification, and water and energy resources that lie at the intersection between science, public policy, and environmental ethics.

Combines: ENVS 101ENGL 150
Meets: TR 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Centennial Engineering Center 1030
TR 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Centennial Engineering Center 1026
CRN: 4437747527
Microbes: Friends of Foes?

Microbes: Friends of Foes? - FLC 609

Microbes are so small you can’t see them, but they can kill you! Microbes cause strep throat, H1N1, colds and many really horrific diseases such as Ebola, bird flu, and Hantavirus and they can help determine whether you’re thin or fat. Other microbes are truly the engineers of our planet, helping to make the air we breathe and the food and drink we consume. We’ll explore myths and truths about microbes and their interactions with humans and the environment. Classroom activities and assignments will focus on growing microbes, disease investigation simulations, illustrated lectures, and fieldtrips to hot springs, a lava tube, a brewery, a medical lab, and the waste water treatment plant. The ideas that you encounter in the seminar will be carried over into English 101, where you will write and think critically about issues dealing with microbes. The classes are closely linked with similar learning outcomes and shared assignments, including a final project (Microbe Blog!).

Combines: BIOL 110ENGL 101
Meets: TR 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Mitchell Hall 204
TR 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Mitchell Hall 204
CRN: 4836322064
The Biology of Toxins

The Biology of Toxins - FLC 613

This Community is Full

Sex, drugs, and rock-&-roll - what’s the connection? What’s up with Botox? Why is anthrax so fearsome? Can we depend on the FDA to ensure that the medicines we take are safe? These and other questions will be explored as we study natural and manmade toxins and delve into the uses - including bioterrorism and drug abuse - that man makes of these diverse and ubiquitous compounds. Lectures will examine the physiology, biochemistry, and medical uses of naturally-occurring toxins, while student-conducted discussions of the medical, psychological, and sociological ramifications of topics covered in lecture will be used to enhance students’ learning experience. Finally, students working in small teams will research a toxicology topic of their choosing, and discuss their results during an oral presentation. In ENGL 102 you will improve your writing and critical analysis skills through expository compositions and in-class debates based on these topics.

Combines: ARSC 198ENGL 101
Meets: TR 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Mitchell Hall 109
TR 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Mitchell Hall 109
CRN: 3383022066
The Management of Disasters

The Management of Disasters - FLC 645

This Community is Full

We will introduce students to the professional field of Emergency Management and examine how communities plan for natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and acts of terrorism and mass violence.  Students will learn how to assess the risks that are tied to human geography and where we live.  The UNM campus will serve as the real-life community for this course and students will work closely with the UNM Emergency Manager to evaluate and manage campus risks.  Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to become members of the Campus Community Emergency Response Team.  Assignments will include written evaluation of campus risks and creation of potential solutions, the use of GPS and GIS technologies to visualize and map risks and vulnerabilities and class presentations.

Combines: GEOG 102ARSC 198
Meets: TR 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Dane Smith Hall 125
TR 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Mitchell Hall 212
CRN: 4753533819