Course Outcome Summary 2026-27

BIOL 101 Introduction to Ecology

Course Information

Course information
Course Number BIOL 101
Course Title Introduction to Ecology
Description Introduction to Ecology introduces the student to fundamental principles of ecology while focusing on interactions occurring at all of its levels. Students will become familiar with interrelationships between biotic and abiotic components of the natural world, investigate population, community, and ecosystem structures and dynamics, and gain knowledge of human impact on the environment. Lecture and a 3 hour lab are included. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent]) (MNTC 3, 10: Natural Sciences, People and the Environment)
Total Credits 4
Total Hours 80
Types of Instruction: instruction type, credits, and hours
Instruction Type Credits and Hours
Lecture 3 Credits, 60 Hours
Lab 1 Credit, 20 Hours

Pre/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent]

Institutional Core Competencies

Course Competencies

  1. Explain the parameters of science and scientific inquiry
  2. Engage in the process of scientific inquiry to assess the environment
  3. Describe the foundation and scope of ecology
  4. Describe the foundation and scope of environmental science
  5. Describe the key features of ecosystems
  6. Describe the key features of ecological communities
  7. Describe the key features of biological populations
  8. Examine the nature and process of evolution
  9. Compare and contrast weather and climate
  10. Identify human population growth characteristics and trends
  11. Evaluate sources of energy for human use
  12. Evaluate the effects of various land-use strategies
  13. Assess the current status of water resources
  14. Assess the impact of human activity on the atmosphere
  15. Evaluate the current status of biodiversity on Earth
  16. Identify several federal regulations aimed at protecting the environment
  17. Demonstrate safe laboratory practices

SCC Accessibility Statement

South Central College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you have a disability and need accommodations for access to this class, contact the Academic Support Center to request and discuss accommodations.

North Mankato: Room B-132, (507) 389-7222; Faribault: Room A-116, (507) 332-7222.

Additional information and forms can be found at: southcentral.edu/disability

This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222.