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BIOL 0016J - Ecology of Point Reyes National Seashore

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 26 (14 lecture, 12 laboratory) Description: Field study exploring the coastal mosaic of Point Reyes National Seashore and vicinity. Using the ecological communities present (forests, shoreline, pond and prairie), this area provides a rich biological "laboratory" to study its unique organisms and natural ecosystems, including grasslands, mudflats, forests, marshes, cliffs, beach, and dune sites. Depending on season offered, emphasis may be on wildflowers, mushrooms, owls, elk, reptiles or other life forms. 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 environments of the Point Reyes region. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the Point Reyes region. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the Point Reyes region. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the Point Reyes region. 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 the Point Reyes region 3. General geological features of the Point Reyes region 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various Point Reyes communities (e.g. grasslands, mudflats, forests, marshes, cliffs, beaches, dunes, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptations of key species of the various Point Reyes communities 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the Point Reyes region Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key Point Reyes organisms (e.g. plants, algae, terrestrial and marine animals, etc.) 2. Geological features of the Point Reyes region 3. Hydrological features of the Point Reyes region (e.g. tidal action, zonation, etc.) 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in the Point Reyes region 5. Human impacts on the Point Reyes region 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 the Point Reyes region. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the Point Reyes region. (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 plays in the formation and delineation of communities of the Point Reyes region. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the Point Reyes region. (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 in the Point Reyes region. (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 the Point Reyes region. (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 Point Reyes 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 in a Point Reyes ecosystem. 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.