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BIOL 0016B - Local Ecosystems of Nevada County

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/biol-0016b/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 laboratory) Description: Field study that introduces local natural areas and their inhabitants. Selected ecosystems in Nevada County are investigated in the field to identify and study the characteristic plants and animals and discover their relationships with the physical environment. This class may require the ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. (CSU) Units 0.5 Lecture-Discussion 7 Laboratory 6 By Arrangement Contact Hours 13 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the environments of Nevada County. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of Nevada County. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of organisms in Nevada County. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip in Nevada County. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (trophic levels, nutrient cycles, etc.) 2. General geological features of Nevada County 3. Characteristics of ecosystems of Nevada County 4. Typical communities of Nevada County 5. Concept of the ecological niche 6. Evolution and adaptations of key Nevada County species 7. Human impacts on the Nevada County environment Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and classification of key Nevada County organisms 2. Geological features of Nevada County 3. Unique and/or rare populations in Nevada County 4. Human impacts on local ecosystems 5. Documentation of field experience Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items listed in the course content outline (in parentheses) Lecture Objectives: 1. Evaluate the factors that have affected the formation of the ecosystems of Nevada County. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #3) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of Nevada County. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) 3. Describe the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #3, #4, #5, #6). 4. Explain the role that geology plays in the formation and delineation of ecosystems of Nevada County. (Lecture Outline #2, #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on the ecosystems of Nevada County. (Lecture Outline #3, #7) Laboratory/Field Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the use of a dichotomous key or field guide to identify species. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1) 2. Identify geological features that impact the formation and function of ecosystems of Nevada County. (Laboratory/Field Outline #2) 3. Identify and observe the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #2, #3, #4). 4. Identify examples of human impacts to ecosystems of Nevada County. (Laboratory/Field Outline #4) 5. Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience. (Laboratory/Field Outline #5) Methods of Evaluation Projects Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. To address Course Lecture Objective #2, students might be asked to read a handout that describes basic ecological terminology related to Nevada County and then apply this knowledge to descriptions of observations made in the field. 2. To address Course Lecture Objective #3 and Course Lab Objective #3, students might be asked to review the life history information from a handout or the Species Profile on the US Fish & Wildlife Service website for a threatened or endangered species that occurs in Nevada County and be prepared to discuss this in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. To address Course Lecture Objective #4 and Course Lab Objective #2, students might be asked to write and/or prepare a short oral presentation about a geological feature occurring in Nevada County. 2. To address Course Lab Objective #5, students might be asked to document their observations in the field in a journal, using any combination of text, sketches, photos, and/or other media. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.