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BIOL 0016L - Aquatic and Riparian Environments of California Waterways

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 39 (21 lecture, 18 laboratory) Description:Field study of the biological diversity and ecology of aquatic environments and the biology of water life. Focuses on the water cycle and its biological importance and human interactions. Ponds, vernal pools, streams, rivers, lakes, springs, meadows, bogs, marshes (fresh and salt), shorelines, deltas, and/or bay/estuary environments may be investigated. Study sites may include Lake Tahoe, the American River, San Francisco Bay and other aquatic locations. Hiking or boat travel may be necessary. This class may require ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. Boat travel may be necessary. 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 aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (e.g. water cycle, trophic levels, nutrient cycles, species interactions, etc.) 2. Examples of ecological principles specific to aquatic and riparian ecosystems 3. General geological and hydrological features of aquatic and riparian ecosystems 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various aquatic and riparian ecosystems (e.g. rivers,lakes, wetlands, bogs, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of aquatic and riparian ecosystems 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on aquatic and riparian ecosystems (e.g. water diversion, hydropower, recreation, pollution, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key aquatic and riparian organisms (e.g. plants, algae, fish, mammals, insects, etc.) 2. Geological features of aquatic and riparian ecosystems 3. Hydrological features of aquatic and riparian ecosystems 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in aquatic and riparian ecosystems 5. Human impacts on aquatic and riparian ecosystems 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 aquatic and riparian ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. (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 aquatic and riparian ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on aquatic and riparian ecosystems. (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 aquatic and riparian ecosystems. (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 aquatic and riparian ecosystems. (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 an aquatic or riparian 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 an aquatic or riparian ecosystem. 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.