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BIOL 0016V - Deserts of Southern California

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Explore and study the "hot" deserts of southern California, such as the Mojave, Sonoran/Colorado, or other arid locations, discovering the unique animals and plants which are adapted to these extreme and beautiful environments. Deserts compared to nearby coastal habitats or the desert ecosystems in Arizona (depending on local conditions). California study sites visited may include Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave Desert, Salton Sea, and Anza-Borrego State Park. Focus on the interdependency between the physical environments and the biological inhabitants that live there.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 desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. 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 desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 3. General geological features of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various communities of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California (e.g. dunes, scrublands, Joshua tree forests, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on desert and arid ecosystems of southern California (e.g. mining, recreation, water diversions, climate change, conservation, etc.) Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key organisms of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California(e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 3. Hydrological features of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 5. Human impacts on desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 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 desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. (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 desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. (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 desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. (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 desert and arid ecosystems of southern California. (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 #1, students might be asked to read an article that describes the effects of desertification on local populations of plants and animals 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 that occurs in desert and arid ecosystems of southern California 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 desert or arid ecosystems of southern California. 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.