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BIOL 0016O - Ecology of the High Sierra and White Mountain

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field study which examines high-elevation mountain ecosystems using the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountain Range of California as specific study sites. Observation and study of sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems like forests, montane chaparral, meadows, aquatic habitats, alpine tundra, and fell-fields. This class requires the ability to hike moderate to long distances on uneven ground at high elevations. 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 high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. 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 high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 3. General geological features of the Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various high Sierra and White-Inyo Mountains communities (e.g. alpine, subalpine, fell-fields, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains (e.g. mining, logging, recreation, fire suppression, climate change, conservation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains organisms (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 3. Hydrological features of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 5. Human impacts on the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains 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 high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. (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 high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. (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 high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. (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 high Sierra Nevada and White-Inyo Mountains. (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 high Sierra Nevada or White-Inyo Mountains 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 high Sierra Nevada or White-Inyo Mountains. 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.