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BIOL 0016K - Foothill Ecology of the Sierra Nevada

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 39 (21 lecture, 18 laboratory) Description: Field study investigating the ecology of the foothills to mid-montane zones of the Sierra Nevada. Focus on major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and ecological islands from 500 to 6000 feet elevation. This class may require ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. 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 the environments of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the Sierra Nevada foothills. 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 the Sierra Nevada foothills 3. General geological features of the Sierra Nevada foothills 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various Sierra Nevada foothill communities (e.g. chaparral, oak savanna, yellow pine forest, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of the Sierra Nevada foothills 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the Sierra Nevada foothills (e.g. mining, agriculture, logging, recreation, water development, fire suppression, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key Sierra Nevada foothills organisms (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the Sierra Nevada foothills 3. Hydrological features of the Sierra Nevada foothills 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in the Sierra Nevada foothills 5. Human impacts on the Sierra Nevada foothills 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 Sierra Nevada foothills. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada foothills. (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 Sierra Nevada foothills. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada foothills. (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 in the Sierra Nevada foothills. (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 Sierra Nevada foothills. (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 Sierra Nevada foothills 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 Sierra Nevada foothills. 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.