Natural History NHIS

NHIS-5 Natural History of the Neotropics

Units

3

Hours

54 lecture (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Note: Due to the focus of this course, class time at a neotropical site may be required.

This course will focus on the evolution and interdependence of biotic communities and ecosystem components of the Neotropics, with an emphasis on rainforest and tropical reef systems. Major topics covered will include species diversity, species adaptation, energy flow and nutrient cycling, underlying geologic and climatic forces influencing the neotropical region, as well as human influence and biodiversity conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

NHIS-5L Natural History of the Neotropics Laboratory

Units

1

Hours

54 lab total

Corequisite

NHIS 5

Transfers to

CSU, UC

This course accompanies NHIS 5 Natural History of the Neotropics and represents the application of concepts presented in that course. Laboratory work may include field explorations through various habitats such as tropical forests, riparian systems, coasts, and reefs. Activities will include species collections and identification, habitat characterization and data collection techniques, analysis, and their synthesis to evaluate the quality of a given habitat. In support of habitat activities, map reading will be introduced, as well as sampling methods and their statistical differences. Neotropical natural resources, especially their exploitation, will be considered in terms of impacts to habitat quality, local economies, and the global carbon cycle, with an effort to identify sustainable practices that support bioconservation.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

NHIS-15 Natural History of California

Units

3

Hours

54 lecture total

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Grading: Pass/No Pass Option

Note: Required day field trips

This course is designed to give the student a unified view of the natural history of California with an emphasis on Northern California. The geology, weather, ecology, life zones, plant and animal species, and aquatic and mountain environments are emphasized. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

NHIS-65 Natural History of the Redwood Coast

Units

1

Hours

9 lecture/27 lab total

Formerly

NHIS 65AB

Transfers to

CSU

Grading: Pass/No Pass Option

Note: Students must provide their own camping gear and food. The college supplies and requires bus transportation for no additional cost.

This course is a three day, two-night field trip with pre-trip introductory lectures on campus that explore the natural history of the coastal region of northern California. Students will explore the region and become familiar with the organisms and ecological interactions occurring in the various plant communities and intertidal zones.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.