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BIOL 0016U - Coastal Habitats of Central California

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field study of the unique features of the central California coast between Morro Bay, Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and Point Reyes National Seashore. Coastal habitats explored, identifying coastal plants, animals, and geologic processes, and emphasizing the interrelationships characteristic of coastal environments. Environments studied include sandy beach, ocean bay, tidepool, mudflat, coastal forest, oak woodland, grassland and coastal scrub. Areas are contrasted with other coastal regions. Human impacts and living styles viewed as they affect the natural environments. This class requires the ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. Boat travel may be necessary. This class will involve camping in either developed campsites or in undeveloped wilderness areas. (CSU) Units 2 Lecture-Discussion 27 Laboratory 27 By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the ecosystems of the central California coast. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the central California coast. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the central California coast. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the central California coast. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (e.g. trophic levels, nutrient cycles, succession, species interactions, etc.) 2. Examples of ecology principles specific to ecosystems of the central California coast 3. General geological features of the central California coast 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various communities of the central California coast (e.g. dunes, marshes, beaches, rocky tidepools, wetlands, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of ecosystems of the central California coast 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on ecosystems of the central California coast (e.g. fishing, logging, recreation, water diversions, climate change, conservation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key organisms of the central California coast(e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the central California coast 3. Hydrological features of the central California coast 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms of the central California coast 5. Human impacts on the central California coast 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 central California coast. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the central California coast. (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 central California coast. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the central California coast. (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 the central California coast. (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 central California coast. (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 species that occurs in an ecosystem of the central California coast 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 an ecosystem of the central California coast. 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.