L. Randa Home Page

I've been fortunate to collaborate with other investigators at Governors State University and College of DuPage as well as utilize our college campus' natural areas, especially for student education.

Some Links of Interest:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. National Park Service
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Geological Survey

College of DuPage is a member organization of Chicago Wilderness--see how this coalition is trying to preserve biodiversity in and around the Chicago metropolitan area.

Classes Taught
I teach the following courses at College of DuPage:

Course Name Course Number

Prairie Ecology Botany 1320

Survey of Biology Biology 1100

Environmental Biology Biology 1110

Principles of Biology Biology 1151

Principles of Biology Biology 1152

Please check the current class listings online through links to MyACCESS via College of DuPage's home page.

Brief Course Descriptions:

Prairie Ecology:

BOTANY 1320
Prairie Ecology
4 credit hours
The organisms, environments and ecological processes of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem will be examined through lecture, discussion and field studies. Identification of prairie plants, with an emphasis on species in northern Illinois, will be included. Students will participate in College of DuPage's prairie reconstructions. Field trips and activities will be required. Biology 1100 or 1151 recommended. (2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours) Syllabus Journal Guidelines Lecture Outlines/Study Guide Plant List for ID Exam 2

Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Fall seed collecting at C.O.D.

Survey of Biology:

BIOLOGY 1100 (IAI L1 900L)
Survey of Biology
4 credit hours
Promotes scientific literacy for non-science majors and interested students. Organisms will be studied from their behavioral, ecological, hereditary and evolutionary perspectives. An inquiry-based approach to understanding biological processes is emphasized. Students will explore the relevance of biology to contemporary issues in human society. Prerequisite: Mathematics 0481 with a "C" or better, or a qualifying score on the Math Placement Exam. (3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

Environmental Biology:

BIOLOGY 1110 (IAI L1 905L)
Environmental Biology
4 credit hours
An interdisciplinary study of the environment investigating how nature works and how things are interconnected. Based on an understanding of ecological concepts and principles, students examine lifestyle issues and critically analyze the relationship among population, natural resources, land use, agriculture, biodiversity, industrialization and pollution. Environmental problems are examined from scientific, ethical, economic and sociological perspectives to enable students to understand the relevance of biology to contemporary issues in human society. (3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours) Internet syllabus

Principles of Biology:

BIOLOGY 1151 (IAI L1 900L)
Principles of Biological Science
5 credit hours
An introduction to biology for the biological science major and interested students. Topics include the philosophy of science, scientific method, chemical organization of life, cell biology, energy dynamics, genetics, molecular genetics, molecular biology, evolution, and biodiversity. (4 lecture hours, 3 lab hours) Prerequisite: C or better in Math 0481 or qualifying score on Math Placement Exam.

BIOLOGY 1152
Principles of Biological Science
5 credit hours
Continuation of Biology 1151. An introduction to higher levels of biological organization from the organism to the ecosystem. Topics include organismal structure and physiology, behavior, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology and environmental biology. Prerequisite: Biology 1151. (4 lecture hours, 3 lab hours)

Student Advising
Useful resources for C.O.D. students:
Biology Transfer Program Guide
Dr. Petersen's advising page
Counseling, Transfer and Advising Services

General Advising for the Biological Sciences:
Links under Professional Affiliations above provide information on some specific fields in and careers related to the biological sciences.

The following links provide some information on the various subdisciplines, educational requirements, and career opportunities in the biological sciences.

Careers in Biology--College of DuPage

Careers in Biology--Emporia State University
Biology Career Info--SICB
Careers for Biology Majors--Furman University
Careers in Sciences and Engineering--National Academy of Sciences
AIBS Career Links

Contact Information
Office Location: HS 1327
Office Phone: (630) 942-2706
FAX: (630) 858-5409
Email: randal@cod.edu

Mailing Address:
Health and Sciences Division
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

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