BIOL110 Field Biology
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: STEM Department Archive
- I. Course Number and Title
- BIOL110 Field Biology Course No Longer Offered
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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- Three lecture hours per week
- Field trips required
- Satisfies core requirement
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course studies organisms and their interactions with their environments. Students examine organism habitat and niche with respect to biogeographical location. Methods of learning include: direct field observation and sampling, thorough analysis of data, classroom discussion. Climatic and seasonal conditions will determine what ecosystems will be studied. Field trips required.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Derive hands-on experience working in a natural environment.
- Distinguish the major ecological characteristics (living and non-living) that identify a given ecosystem.
- Construct taxonomic schemes for identifying the flora and fauna of an ecosystem.
- Recognize the biogeochemistry of an ecosystem.
- Develop observational and sampling techniques for working in a natural environment.
- Apply basic statistical skills for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data collected and to formulate conclusions.
- Develop a greater appreciation for the health and aesthetic value of a natural environment.
- Integrate the science of ecology with the social sciences.
Core Learning Goals:- Category I - Mathematics or Science:
- The student will develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply quantitative information.
- The student will learn the scientific method of analysis and apply it in a variety of situations.
Core Learning Objectives:- Category I - Mathematics or Science:
- The student will be able to apply the scientific method by explaining and identifying its components in a variety of situations. (2)
- The student will be able to evaluate and graph data. (1)
- Use methods, concepts, and theories in new situations. (Application Skills)
- Integrate and/or combine knowledge from multiple sources to create new knowledge. (Synthesis)
- Reason from what they know to form new knowledge, draw conclusions, solve problems, explain, decide, and/or predict. (Inductive and/or Deductive Reasoning Skills)
- Demonstrate an understanding of solving problems by:
- Recognizing the problem
- Reviewing information about the problem
- Developing plausible solutions
- Evaluating the results
- Demonstrate an understanding of major ethical concerns.
- Demonstrate familiarity with contemporary environmental issues.
- Identify the effects of a person's actions on the community.
Category III:- CRITICAL THINKING and PROBLEM SOLVING:
Students will be able to:
RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP:
Students will be able to: -
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
Topics are presented in the following order:
- Global Cycles, Patterns, and Distributions
- Terrestrial Biomes
- Aquatic Biomes
- Anthropogenic Effects upon Earth
- Observation, Monitoring, and Sampling Techniques
- Statistical Methodology
- *Applied Organismal Ecology
- *Applied Population Ecology
- *Applied Community Dynamics
- *Applied Ecosystem Ecology
- *Applied Behavioral Ecology
*Especially as pertains to the particular ecosystem(s) for field study.
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Critical Thinking assignment related to one of the Planned Topics
Math or Science: Evaluation and graphing of data as obtained during field and laboratory experiments.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Problem Solving exercises related to data obtained during field and laboratory experiments.
Responsible Citizenship: Assignment related to ethical issues regarding the human impact upon the natural world. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use the following educational resources:- Field Guides, Laboratory Manual and Equipment, Internet Links, Library, Science Learning Center, Literature/brochures from Field Trips
- Please refer to course format for specific information
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Review/Approval Date - 11/06; Core Goals/Objectives added 4/06; archived 7/21/2010