Bakersfield College students will have a new biology class with an optional lab to choose from for the spring 2009 semester.
Environmental biology B7 will be offered to students and will satisfy the general education requirement for science class, except or liberal studies majors.
The new class will cover a variety of issues concerning the environment. These issues include air and water quality, conservation and recycling, ways to go green, global warming and learning about alternative energy.
Kim Hurd, BC professor of biology, will be teaching the course and hopes to include as part of the lab field trips to various alternative energy facilities in Kern County. The field trips will coincide with the lecture material.
Hurd also feels this course is a wonderful opportunity for students to understand how important environmental issues are. “We have a lot of environmental issues especially in Kern County. Things can’t change unless students know what is going on,” said Hurd.
Hurd created all new curriculum for the upcoming class that will be held Tuesday and Thursday 8 a. m. – 9:25 a.m. with the lab meeting Tuesday 9:35 a. m.-12:45 a.m. The lab will satisfy one unit, and the lecture portion will satisfy three units.
Another incentive for students to register for this class is the issue of books. Biology textbooks usually cost upwards of $100. However, because of the donation of several thousands of dollars by the Sierra Club, textbooks will be available to students on loan for the semester. The textbooks must be returned when class is completed.
Students are strongly encouraged to contact Hurd with any questions involving the class. Hurd may be reached via e-mail. [email protected].