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BIOL 0016M - Marine Mammals and Birds

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 39 (21 lecture, 18 laboratory) Description: Field study of the biology of marine mammals and marine birds. Shore and pelagic organisms are studied, emphasizing California-associated species and their habitats. Field and lecture topics include: ecology, evolution, behavior, reproduction, distribution, anatomy, physiology, identification, and population status of whales, true and eared seals, sea otters, shore, bay and pelagic birds. This class may require ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. Boat travel may be necessary. This class may involve camping in either developed campsites or in undeveloped wilderness areas. (CSU) Units 1.5 Lecture-Discussion 21 Laboratory 18 By Arrangement Contact Hours 39 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on marine mammals and birds. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect natural marine ecosystems. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of marine birds and mammals. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to marine ecosystems. 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 marine mammals and birds 3. General geological features of marine ecosystems 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various marine ecosystems (e.g. intertidal, continental shelf, benthic, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptations of key marine mammal and bird species 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on marine mammal and bird species Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key marine mammals and birds 2. Geological features of marine ecosystems 3. Hydrological features of marine ecosystems (e.g. tidal action, zonation, etc.) 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of marine mammals and birds 5. Human impacts on marine mammals and birds 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 marine ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of marine ecosystems. (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 marine ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on marine mammals and birds. (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 marine ecosystems. (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 marine mammals and birds. (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 Classroom Discussions 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 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 marine 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 marine 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.