Unravel the mystery of your genetic code, and what it means to be human, or explore the origin and diversity of the world’s oceans this spring at Northland Pioneer College (NPC). Registration for spring classes is now underway, including three new science classes.
NPC faculty in science, Eleanore Hempsey, and Robin Rickli will co-teach Biological Anthropology (ANT 104) via connected classrooms at all nine NPC locations. NPC faculty Pat Lopez will join Professors Hempsey and Rickli by teaching the lab at the WMC location. In this 4-credit (3 lecture, 3 lab) course, students will study human evolution and variation, including fossil hominids and their tools, primate anatomy and behavior, as well as human genetics and the environment. Professor Hempsey says, “If you are curious about what it means to be human, this is the class for you. Students will see how humans fit into place with other living things; for example, how we are similar and yet different from other great apes.” Students will also learn about cells, what DNA is, and about ancient human relatives (Neanderthals, Homo Erectus, Australopithecus).
According to Professor Rickli, who has taught the class at several other state and community colleges, the materials for this course are top-of-the-line. “NPC’s collection of the skulls of early hominids, of primates, even some full skeletons of early humans, is the best that I’ve seen,” she explains. “Students are lucky to be able to take this course at NPC. This will be a fun lab course and a great experience for students. The best thing about this course is that it will really be about the students themselves, and their realizations of what it truly means to be human.”
Another course being offered for the first time this spring is Human Genetics (BIO 241), taught by NPC faculty Kathleen Berlyn. The 3-credit course is lecture only and will be conducted completely online. Students enrolled in the course will learn the basic concepts and principles of human heredity, with an emphasis on the medical and health aspects of human genetics. Berlyn explains, “We will be using case studies and other ‘real’ examples of how genetic diseases are identified, as well as interventions and treatments.” The course will also consider bioethics.
To round out the slate of new science course offerings, NPC will also debut a new Marine Biology course (BIO 145). This 4-credit (3 lecture, 3 lab) course will be taught by NPC Science Faculty, David Smith and Doug Wolfe via connected classrooms at all nice NPC locations, and in-person at the Show Low campus. Students will use the scientific method to learn about marine biology and oceanography, including the unifying principles of evolution, ecology, and plate tectonics. Emphasis will focus on the natural history and the phylogenetics of marine life and diverse habitats including estuaries, reef systems the deep sea, and the open ocean.
If you’re a student who needs a bio credit or are interested in any of these topics, registration is now underway, and seats fill fast. Regular spring classes begin January 16, 2024. Visit an NPC campus or center near you or sign up for these courses online at www.npc.edu/spring24.
