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BIOL 0016T - Coastal Habitats of Northern California

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field course exploring the unique biological and ecological features of the California north coast. Coastal ecosystems studied include redwood forest, coastal grassland, rocky tidepools, marshes, stream, bog, coastal strand, and mixed-evergreen forest. Topics covered include climate, geology, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and human impacts. 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 the northern California coast. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the northern California coast. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the northern California coast. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the northern California coast. 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 ecosystems of the northern California coast 3. General geological features of the northern California coast 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various communities of the northern California coast (e.g. redwood forests, rocky tidepools, beaches, grasslands, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of ecosystems of the northern California coast 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on northern California coast ecosystems (e.g. mining, recreation, water diversions, climate change, conservation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key organisms of the northern California coast (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the northern California coast 3. Hydrological features of the northern California coast 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in ecosystems of the northern California coast 5. Human impacts on the northern California coast 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 northern California coast. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the northern California coast. (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 northern California coast. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of the northern California coast. (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 the northern California coast. (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 northern California coast. (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 species occurring in a northern California coastal ecosystem 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 ecosystems of the northern California coast. 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.