Class Spotlight; LAN 117 The Natural Factors

In this class, students have a unique  opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the natural landscape.  By exploring local sites in and around the San Francisco Bay Area , students learn to identify and analyze soil types, geological forms, watersheds, and other topographical features and how they affect design decisions.  Strategies for mapping and recording this information such as field note taking, field sketching, laying out transects and quadrats are introduced and practiced in the field. Students also count trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous plants, ask questions, work in teams, spend time socializing and bonding with each other, and generally have a good time….in rain or shine!