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BIOL 0016N - Ecology of the Modoc Plateau

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 39 (21 lecture, 18 laboratory) Description: Field ecology of volcanic and cold desert landscapes found in the Modoc Plateau region of California/Oregon. Ecosystems and environmental relationships stressed. Areas of emphasis include forest ecology, fresh water marsh/watershed, environmental factors, volcanic geology, plant succession, and human influences. Study sites include Lava Beds National Monument and Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge. 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 1.5 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 the environments of the Modoc Plateau. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the Modoc Plateau. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the Modoc Plateau. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the Modoc Plateau. 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 Modoc Plateau 3. General geological features of the Modoc Plateau 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various Modoc Plateau communities 5. Evolution and adaptations of key species of the various Modoc Plateau communities 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the Modoc Plateau Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key Modoc Plateau organisms 2. Geological features of the Modoc Plateau 3. Hydrological features of the Modoc Plateau 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms on the Modoc Plateau 5. Human impacts on the Modoc Plateau 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 Modoc Plateau. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the Modoc Plateau. (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 Modoc Plateau. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the Modoc Plateau. (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 on the Modoc Plateau. (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 Modoc Plateau. (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 Modoc Plateau 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 the Modoc Plateau. 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.