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BIOL 0016R - Canyon Lands of the Southwest

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field biology and ecology of the southwestern canyonlands and semi-arid regions, such as the areas in and around the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or other similar areas in the Southwest. Local plants, animals, microenvironments, river systems, human impacts and resource management and special biotic relationships with the canyon landscapes emphasized. This class requires the ability to hike moderate to long 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 the canyon lands of the Southwest. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the canyon lands of the Southwest. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the canyon lands of the Southwest. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the canyon lands of the Southwest. 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 canyon lands of the Southwest 3. General geological features of the canyon lands of the Southwest 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various communities of the canyon lands of the Southwest (e.g. mesas, riparian, grasslands, shrublands, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of the canyon lands of the Southwest 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the canyon lands of the Southwest (e.g. mining, recreation, water diversions, climate change, conservation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key organisms of the canyon lands of the Southwest (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the canyon lands of the Southwest 3. Hydrological features of the canyon lands of the Southwest 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in the canyon lands of the Southwest 5. Human impacts on the canyon lands of the Southwest 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 canyon lands of the Southwest. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the canyon lands of the Southwest. (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 canyon lands of the Southwest. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the canyon lands of the Southwest. (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 canyon lands of the Southwest. (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 canyon lands of the Southwest. (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 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 species occurring the the canyon lands of the Southwest 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 canyon lands of the Southwest. 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.