Search Results

BIOL 0016D - Biology of Waterfowl and Marsh Birds

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 laboratory) Description: Field identification and observation of marsh birds (primarily ducks, geese, swans, and wading birds). Includes general waterfowl biology and ecology. Emphasizes evolution, migration, reproductive cycles, current population trends, and habitat needs. Operational needs and conflicts of national and local wildlife refuge system are discussed. This class may require 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 wetlands and the avian organisms that reside there. Describe the ecological principles that affect waterfowl and/or marsh birds and their habitats. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of waterfowl and/or marsh birds. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made in the field of waterfowl and/or marsh birds. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to the general characteristics of birds (anatomy, physiology, behavior, etc.) 2. Identification, taxonomy, and classification of key groups of birds (key characteristics, polymorphisms, use of field guides, etc.) 3. Evolution and adaptations of waterfowl and marsh birds (selective pressures, migration, etc.) 4. Human impacts on waterfowl and marsh birds (hunting, agriculture, conservation, management, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Identification of birds in the field 2. Observation of bird behaviors in the field (foraging, territory defense, etc.) 3. Identification and observation of distinct bird habitats in the field 4. Observation and evaluation of human impacts on bird populations and habitats 5. Documentation of field experience Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items listed in the course content outline (parentheses) Lecture Objectives: 1. Identify the general characteristics of birds and evaluate the effect of those characteristics on their natural history. (Lecture Outline #1, #3) 2. Outline characteristics commonly used for the identification of birds in the field (Lecture Outline #2) 3. Describe and evaluate the contrasting interests in waterfowl and marsh bird habitat preservation and use. (Lecture Outline #4) 4. Identify and describe the diversity of birds and explain the particular importance of Central Valley habitats to waterfowl and marsh birds. (Lecture Outline #2, #3, #4) Laboratory/Field Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the ability to properly identify birds in the field using a taxonomic key and/or a field guide. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1) 2. Distinguish between observable behaviors exhibited by birds in the field. (Laboratory/Field Outline #2) 3. Observe and evaluate the type, extent, and relative quality of distinct habitat types visited in the field. (Laboratory/Field Outline #3) 4. Identify examples of human impacts to waterfowl, marsh birds, and their habitats. (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 #1, "Identify the general characteristics of birds and evaluate the effect of those characteristics on their natural history", students might be asked to read an article or handout about avian biology and then apply this knowledge to descriptions of observations made in the field. 2. To address Course Lecture Objective #3, "Describe and evaluate the contrasting interests in waterfowl and marsh bird habitat preservation and use", students might be asked to review the mission statements for a conservation organization that supports hunting and a conservation organization that does species conservation and land preservation without hunting and be prepared to discuss this in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. To address Course Lecture Objective #4, "Appreciate the diversity of birds and the particular importance of Central Valley habitats to waterfowl and marsh birds", students might be asked to write and/or prepare a short oral presentation about a species of bird that relies on Central Valley habitats during migration. 2. To address Course Laboratory/Field Objective #5, "Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience", 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 Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.