ESS 0013. Environmental Regulations
Unit: 1
Formerly known as BIOL 13A
Advisory: Completion of BIOL/ESS 14, ESS 1 or ESS 10 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 18 lecture
Survey of major California environmental regulations and relevant federal regulations. Designed using case study analyses to explore environmental laws applicable to water, land and air resources. (CSU)
ESS 0013 - Environmental Regulations
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/ess-0013/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Formerly known as BIOL 13A Advisory: Completion of BIOL/ESS 14, ESS 1 or ESS 10 with grade of "C" or better Hours: 18 lecture Description: Survey of major California environmental regulations and relevant federal regulations. Designed using case study analyses to explore environmental laws applicable to water, land and air resources. (CSU) Units 1 Lecture-Discussion 18 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 18 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Outline the role of each of the regulatory agencies that enforce environmental policy. Evaluate the function and effectiveness of the major pieces of Federal and State environmental legislation. Describe environmental racism and justice and the resulting unequal application of environmental policy. Evaluate environmental issues needing the greatest attention in the future and propose regulatory solutions to those problems. Course Content Outline I. Introduction to Environmental Regulations A. Brief History of Federal and State Environmental Legislation B. Types of Environmental Laws II. Regulatory Agencies A. Federal, State, Regional Agencies B. Delegation of Authority III. Environmental Quality Regulations A. California Environmental Quality Act B. National Environmental Policy Act IV. Air Quality Regulations A. Federal and State Clean Air Acts B. Air Quality Standards V. Water Quality Regulations A. Federal and State Clean Water Acts B. Safe Drinking Water Act VI. Endangered Species Acts VII. Marine Protection Acts VIII. Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Regulations A. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act B. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liabilities Act Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Analyze and evaluate data from a case study - present findings to class; 2. Identify the acronyms for major environmental regulations; 3. Identify the natural resources affected by specific types of chemical releases/spills or physical impacts to the environment; 4. Identify the acronyms for regional, state, and federal regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing environmental laws; 5. Differentiate the environmental laws that apply to specific examples or case studies; 6. Analyze the legislative background of major environmental laws; 7. Categorize the appropriate regulatory agencies responsible for responding to specific types of chemical releases/spills or physical impacts to the environment; 8. Identify appropriate pollution standards or action levels for air and water pollutants. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Identify and read a newspaper article regarding environmental regulation and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read a local environmental impact report for a proposed development and be prepared to discuss. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Analyze a local case study and determine the validity of the document as it applies to environmental regulation. 2. Write a letter to a political official regarding validity of the environmental regulation in a local environmental impact report. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Group project: Each group will read a public document (or portion thereof) regarding an environmental case or project (e.g., an Environmental Impact Report). Each group will analyze the document and answer questions similar to those for the short reading assignments. Each group will provide a written report of their findings (approx. 5 pages) and give a presentation of their evaluation to the class. Most of this assignment will be performed outside of class. The groups will be constructed in one of two ways: A. Each group reads the same public document and takes on the role of one of the involved parties ("stakeholders") in its report and presentation. B. Each group reads a different public document and summarizes its evaluation in the report and presentation. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
BIOL 0013 - Field Methods in Ecology
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/biol-0013/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Formerly known as BIOL 13B Advisory: Completion of BIOL 14 or ESS 14 strongly recommended Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: Introduction to methods for sampling and studying environmental parameters of ecosystems and organisms. Provides experience with quantitative and qualitative field research techniques and procedures applicable to environmental assessment and population monitoring and proper reporting methods. Field trips required. Students may be required to provide their own transportation. (CSU) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 36 Laboratory 54 By Arrangement Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Synthesize data to critique, develop and evaluate a scientific hypothesis. Evaluate the current standards and methods used to do field studies and determine which methods are best applied to different situations following proper ethical considerations as well as State and Federal regulations. Synthesize ecological information and utilize the same to evaluate biological systems and populations. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline I. Research Design a. Hypothesis development b. Hypothesis Testing c. Precision and Accuracy in Design d. Identification of Data Sets e. Establishing Protocols f. Legal Issues Regarding Research g. Ethical Issues Regarding Research II. Ecology a. Population Ecology b. Community Ecology III. Statistical Design a. T-test and Mann Whitney U b. Population Estimators c. Chi-Square Tests d. ANOVA and Regression Analysis IV. Library research a. Use of databases for background research b. Identification of hypothesis c. Analysis of results and statistical tests used in a scientific research paper VI. Scientific Writing and Data Presentation a. Proposal Development b. Writing Papers for Publication and Presentation c. Presentation of Data Sets VII. Mapping a. Use of Map and Compass in the Field b. Mapping Telemetry Data c. Mapping Home Ranges d. Mapping Vegetation VIII. Methodologies a. Standards and Methods for Vegetative Communities b. Standards and Methods for Invertebrates c. Standards and Methods for Fish d. Standards and Methods for Herpitiles e. Standards and Methods for Birds f. Standards and Methods for Mammals Lab Outline I. Development of field project a. hypothesis development and feasibility II. Literature Review a. Use of databases for background research b. Conduct a literature review related to topic developed by student for study. III. Utilize Statistical Tests for data collected in student projects a. T-test and Mann Whitney U b. Population Estimators c. Chi-Square Tests d. ANOVA and Regression Analysis IV. Mapping a. Use of Map and Compass in the Field b. Mapping Telemetry Data c. Mapping Home Ranges d. Mapping Vegetation V. Taxonomy a. Use and produce taxonomic keys VI. Utilize standard methods for sampling a. invertebrates b. fish c. herpitilies d. birds e. mammals f. plants Course Objectives Course Objectives Students will demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via their performance on lecture exams, laboratory/field practicums, laboratory/field reports/write-ups, quizzes, research reports, projects, identifications and problem calculations. Lecture Objectives: 1. Judge the differences between a null and alternative hypothesis (Lecture Outline Ia,b). 2. Evaluate the feasibility of a scientific hypothesis for scientific effectiveness and cost effectiveness (Lecture Outline Ic,d,e). 3. Discuss legal and ethical issues regarding field ecology (Lecture Outline If,g). 4. Describe ecological factors related to population growth and interactions between species (Lecture Outline IIa,b). 5. Identify ecological units and subunits (Lecture Outline IIa,b, IIIa,b,c,d). 6. Determine which statistical tests are best applicable to different types of ecological field studies (Lecture Outline IIIa,b,c,d). a 7. Write a scientific proposal and a scientific paper based upon data collected doing research (Lecture Outline Ia,b,c,d,e,f,g; IIIa,b,c,d; IVa; VIa,b,c). 8. Locate and analyze a scientific paper written on original research from a primary source journal (Lecture Outline IVa,b,c). 9. Analyze charts and graphs as part of an analysis of the results of a research study (Lecture Outline IVc; VIc). 10. Explain the use of maps for the identification of home range units, vegetation characteristics and management plans. (Lecture Outline VIIa,b,c,d). 11. Analyze the efficacy of the standards and methods utilized to research plants and animals (Lecture Outline VIII a,b,c,d,e,f). 12. Determine the best standards and methods for assessing plants and animals (Lecture Outline VIII a,b,c,d,e,f). Laboratory Objectives: 1. Develop and implement a research project utilizing the methods described in the course (Lab Outline Ia). 2. Utilize a t-test, Mann Whitney U, Chi-square test, ANOVA, regression analysis, and population estimators in a statistical analysis of data provided and collected in the field (Lab Outine IIIa,b,c,d). 3. Develop graphs and charts to display data in a meaningful way (Lab Outline Ia; IIIa,b,c,d). 4. Complete an application for a scientific collecting permit and discuss the legal issues surrounding the restrictions of that permit (Lab Outline Ia). 5. Maintain a field journal and/or data sheets for the collection of field observations and the collection of data (Lab Outline Ia, VIa,b,c,d,e,f). 6. Utilize taxonomic keys and field guides for the identification of species (Lab Outline Va). 7. Write a taxonomic key (Lab Outline Va). 8. Implement a scientific research project based upon a written proposal (Lab Outline Ia; IIb, IIIa,b,c,d; IVa,b,c,d;V; VIa,b,c,d,e,f). 9. Use a map and compass in the field to determine a location on a map and to find a mapped location in the field (Lab Outline Va). 10. Use maps to map telemetry data, home ranges, and vegetation(Lab Outline IV ,b,c,d). 11. Analyze the efficacy of the standards and methods utilized to research plants and animals (Lab Outline VIa,b,c,d,e,f). 12. Determine the best standards and methods for assessing plants and animals (Lab Outline VIa,b,c,d,e,f). 13. Utilize techniques for the sampling of plants and animals in the field for data collection related to field study (Lab Outline VIa,b,c,d,e,f). Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Review a selected scientific article from a peer reviewed journal. Be able to identify the hypothesis that was tested, whether or not the hypothesis was supported, and the methodology used to test the hypothesis. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic structure of a scientific paper by listing the type of information contained within each section. 2. Critically analyze and edit a proposal submitted by another student in class. Provide useful corrections and guidance to that student that will aid in the further development of their proposal. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Complete an application for a Scientific Collecting Permit from the California Department of Fish and Game. 2. Write a scientific proposal for original research to be conducted during the course of the semester. The proposal must contain sections relatable to a scientific paper. The proposal must outline a project that can be conducted by the student. The proposal also must contain primary source articles for background and support. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Conduct original research in Field Ecology and write a scientific paper based upon that research. The paper must contain primary source articles for background and support. Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0012 COMP 132 CSCI 0013 COMP 142 CSCI...ENGR 0260L ENVS 100 ESS 0001 FIRE 100X...
