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BIOL 0016P - Death Valley and Desert Ecosystems

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field study that explores the unique desert ecosystems of Death Valley National Park and nearby areas. Extreme differences of elevation from high mountains to below sea level provide a rich variety of desert environments, plants, and animals. Field work emphasizes identification of animals and plants (many unique to these exotic desert habitats), their special physical and behavioral adaptations to the harsh desert climate and habitats, and the effects of human activities upon the fragile desert ecosystems. This class requires the ability to hike moderate distances 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 Death Valley and other desert ecosystems. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of Death Valley and other desert regions. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to Death Valley and other desert ecosystems. 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 Death Valley and other desert ecosystems 3. General geological features of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various communities of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems (e.g. mountains, badlands, dunes, salt flats, ephemeral lakes, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on Death Valley and other desert ecosystems (e.g. mining, recreation, water diversions, climate change, conservation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key Death Valley and other desert ecosystem organisms (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems 3. Hydrological features of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in Death Valley and other desert ecosystems 5. Human impacts on Death Valley and other desert 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 the ecosystems of Death Valley and other desert ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of Death Valley and other desert regions. (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 Death Valley and other desert ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of Death Valley and other desert regions. (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 Death Valley and other desert 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 Death Valley and other desert 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 a Death Valley or other desert ecosystem 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 Death Valley or other desert 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.