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BIOL 0016I - Biology of Mono Lake and the Great Basin

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 26 (14 lecture, 12 laboratory) Description: Field study investigating the natural history and ecology of the Great Basin with special emphasis on Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. Examines physical, biological, historical, and ecological aspects that make the Mono Basin unique. Emphasis on biological and ecological aspects of the Mono Basin. This class requires the ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. This class will involve camping in either developed campsites or in undeveloped wilderness areas. (CSU) Units 1 Lecture-Discussion 14 Laboratory 12 By Arrangement Contact Hours 26 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the ecosystems of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect natural ecosystems of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (e.g. trophic levels, nutrient cycles,succession, species interactions, etc.) 2. Examples of ecological principles specific to Mono Lake and the Mono Basin 3. General geological and hydrological features of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin (e.g. rain shadows, glaciation, volcanism, etc.) 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various ecological communities in Mono Lake and Mono Basin (e.g. freshwater, brackish water, conifer forest, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptations of key species of the various ecological communities of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on Mono Lake and the Mono Basin (e.g. indigenous peoples, mining, water export, recreation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key organisms of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin (e.g. plants, algae, terrestrial and marine animals, etc.) 2. Geological features of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin 3. Hydrological features of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in Mono Lake and the Mono Basin 5. Human impacts on Mono Lake and the Mono Basin 6. Documentation of the field experience Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items in the course content outline (parentheses) Lecture Objectives: 1. Evaluate the factors that have affected the formation of the ecosystems of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #4, #5) 3. Investigate the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) 4. Explain the role that geology and hydrology plays in the formation and delineation of communities of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. (Lecture Outline #6) Laboratory Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the use of a taxonomic key or field guide to identify species. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #4) 2. Identify geological and hydrological features that impact the formation and function of communities of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. (Laboratory/Field Outline #2, #3) 3. Investigate 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 on communities of Mono Lake and the Mono Basin. (Laboratory/Field Outline #4, #5) 5. Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience. (Laboratory/Field Outline #6) 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 or to read the Ecology unit from the OpenStax Biology online textbook 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 life history information for a Mono Lake or Mono Basin species that is available in a field guide, handout, or a natural resource agency website 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 geologic or hydrologic feature occurring at Mono Lake or the Mono Basin. 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 Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.