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AGRI 0163 - Wildland Trees and Shrubs (Dendrology)

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/agri-0163/

Catalog Description Also known as BIOL 24 Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: A study of botanical characteristics, taxonomy, and physiology of the major trees and shrubs in the Western United States with emphasis on California. Discussion of plant community relationships, geographical ranges, and human impact on forest ecosystems. Identifying specimens under field conditions and using herbarium specimens. (CSU) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Demonstrate the use of dichotomous key and field guides and apply their use to the identity of family, scientific, and common names the major tree and shrub species found in California forests. CSLO #2: Assess basic ecological requirements of common forest trees in North American forests with particular emphasis on California. CSLO #3: Differentiate and describe the value, uses, and geographic range of common trees and shrubs in the Western United States. CSLO #4: Summarize the relationships of forest species to the overall evolution and ecology of world forests. CSLO #5: Classify plant species to create a plant collection. Effective Term Fall 2022 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 108 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Identify morphological characteristics of trees and shrubs for use in classification and binomial nomenclature. 2. Describe the basic ecological requirements of common forest trees and shrubs in North American forests with emphasis on California. 3. Identify distinguishing characteristics of the common forest community types of the Western United States with emphasis on California. 4. Summarize the relationships of forest species to the overall forest successional history. 5. Differentiate the value, uses, and geographic range of common trees and shrubs in the Western United States with emphasis on California. 6. Analyze the human impact on forest ecosystems. 7. Define forest resilience and discuss the role of fire in forest ecosystems. Laboratory Objectives: 1. Identify and assign correct terminology to plant structures and characteristics. 2. Identify and assign scientific and common names to major tree and shrub species found in California forests. 3. Demonstrate the use of dichotomous key and field guides to identify tree and shrub species. 4. Identify environmental characteristics and plant species composition for forest community types in California. 5. Determine succession stages for specified forest locations. 6. Distinguish indicators of forest health, including identification of invasive tree and shrub species, pests/diseases, and plant density. 7. Demonstrate ability to work in small groups to collect, mount, identify, compile, and display plant collections. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Life Sciences AS - Life Science Lab CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Example: 1. (Lecture Objective #3) Identify and describe the ecological requirements of 5 trees in the lower mixed conifer forests. (5 points - 1 point per described tree) Skill Demonstrations Example: 1. (Lab Objective #3) Using the dichotomous key, identify the unknown species at your lab table, detailing all of the steps you took in order to come up with your identification. (10 points for correct identification, 1 point for every correct step in the dichotomy) Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lab: Using live stem/leaf specimens, the instructor will demonstrate how to identify plant characteristics and assign proper botanical terminology. Students will observe 15 specimens and record appropriate terms on a reporting form. For example: Leaf type, shape, base, tip, margin, venation, attachment, arrangement. (Lecture Objective 1, Lab Objective 1) Lecture: Instructor leads discussion of environmental characteristics associated with various forest communities or ecosystems. Following the discussion, using herbarium or live samples and prior knowledge of tree/shrub species, students work collaboratively in small groups to determine which species are suited to each ecosystem. Groups will explain how they derived their answers. Lecture objectives 2, (Lab Objectives 3 & 6) Distance Learning Following an online lecture on the uses of common trees and shrubs in the Western United States, students will debate ideas on a discussion board with their colleagues. They will also post evaluative papers to the board and critique papers posted by their colleagues. Students will be required to respond to a minimum of 2 other students’ initial responses. The instructor will create accessible content. Instructor will incorporate engaging tools to facilitate content delivery, keeping student equity, success and accessibility as the foundation for tool selection. (Lecture Objective 3) Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read field guides and practice using dichotomous keys to reinforce knowledge of plant terminology and assist in the identification of plants. 2. Read current research on the effects of climate change on forest species distribution. Synthesize the information and summarize in a logically developed essay. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Read a current research article pertaining to negative human impact on forest ecosystems. Summarize the research, and list the pros and cons of potential solutions or mitigation strategies pertaining to the problem. Present an oral summary before the class and answer questions. 2. Field notebook: Identify plants and key characteristics in the field using proper taxonomy and terminology; record site elevation, location and plant community type; determine successional stage; assess plant diversity and density; list evidence of human impact; identify invasive species, pests/diseases, and other indicators of forest health. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Students will create a herbarium of 50 plant specimens identified throughout the semester. Accompanying text will include proper taxonomy and habitat specifics. Required Materials Trees and Shrubs of California Author: John D. Stuart, John O. Sawyer Publisher: University of California Press Publication Date: 2001 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Trees and Shrubs of Placer & Nevada Counties Author: Redbud Chapter, CNPS Publisher: CNPS Press Publication Date: 2014 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Dendrology: Cones, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds Author: Idzojtic, Marilena Publisher: Academic Press Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.