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BIOL 0016W - Biology/Ecology of the Klamath and the Southern Cascade

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field study that explores ecology and unique features of the Klamath and southern Cascade mountain ranges. Study sites include a variety of locations such as Mt. Lassen, Crater Lake, and/or the Marble Mountains. Topics include conifer forest ecosystems, lake ecosystems, ecological succession, montane biogeography, volcanic history and geology. This class requires the ability to hike moderate distance on uneven ground. 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 environments of the Klamath and southern Cascade region. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the Klamath and southern Cascade region. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the Klamath and southern Cascade region. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the Klamath and southern Cascade 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 ecology principles specific to ecosystems of the Klamath and southern Cascade region 3. General geological features of the Klamath and southern Cascade region 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various communities of the Klamath and southern Cascade region (e.g. conifer forest, high elevation lakes, lava flows, fens, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of ecosystems of the Klamath and southern Cascade region 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on ecosystems of the Klamath and southern Cascade region (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 Klamath and southern Cascade region (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the Klamath and southern Cascade region 3. Hydrological features of the Klamath and southern Cascade region 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms of the Klamath and southern Cascade region 5. Human impacts on the Klamath and southern Cascade 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 Klamath and southern Cascade region. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the Klamath and southern Cascade 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 Klamath and southern Cascade region. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the Klamath and southern Cascade 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 of the Klamath and southern Cascade 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 Klamath and southern Cascade 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 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 Klamath and southern Cascade region 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 Klamath and southern Cascade region. 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.