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BIOL 0016Z - Ecology of the American River

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 laboratory) Description: Field study of the aquatic, riparian, and associated ecosystems of Sierra Nevada river systems with specific attention on the American River system. This class may require the ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. (CSU) Units 0.5 Lecture-Discussion 7 Laboratory 6 By Arrangement Contact Hours 13 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the environments of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of organisms in the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip in a watershed of the Sierra Nevada. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (trophic levels, nutrient cycles, etc.) 2. General geological and hydrological features of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada 3. Characteristics of ecosystems of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada 4. Typical communities of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada 5. Concept of the ecological niche 6. Evolution and adaptations of key species 7. Human impacts on the the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and classification of key organisms of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada 2. Geological features of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada 3. Unique and/or rare populations in the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada 4. Human impacts on local ecosystems 5. Documentation of field experience Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items listed in the course content outline (in parentheses) Lecture Objectives: 1. Evaluate the factors that have affected the formation of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #3) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) 3. Describe the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #3, #4, #5, #6). 4. Explain the role that geology plays in the formation and delineation of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. (Lecture Outline #2, #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans, including water policies, have on the ecosystems of the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. (Lecture Outline #3, #7) Laboratory/Field Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the use of a dichotomous key or field guide to identify species. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1) 2. Identify geological features that impact the formation and function of ecosystems in the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada. (Laboratory/Field Outline #2) 3. Construct a cross-sectional drawing of a typical Sierra Nevada river system and label major terrestrial and aquatic plant communities/ecosystems. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #2, #3) 4. Identify and observe the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #2, #3, #4). 5. Identify examples of human impacts to ecosystems in the American River watershed and other watersheds of the Sierra Nevada and evaluate the extent of those impacts. (Laboratory/Field Outline #4) 6. Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience. (Laboratory/Field Outline #5) Methods of Evaluation 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 related to the American River watershed and then apply this knowledge to descriptions of observations made in the field. 2. To address Course Lecture Objective #3 and Course Lab Objective #4, students might be asked to review the life history information from a handout or the Species Profile on the US Fish & Wildlife Service website for a threatened or endangered species that occurs in the American River watershed or another watershed of the Sierra Nevada 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 geological feature occurring in the American River watershed or another watershed of the Sierra Nevada. 2. To address Course Lab Objective #6, 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 Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.