Course Syllabus
Course: BIOL 2225
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Biology
Title: General Ecology for Life Science Majors Lab
Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028
Catalog Description: Basic concepts of ecology will be studied in the field. The students will also be introduced to some of the field techniques used by ecologists. The course will require participation in a four-day field trip. Students will also be participating in a service-learning project. This course is designed for life science majors. (Lab fee required to pay for the field trip)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 3
Corequisites: BIOL 2220
Justification: General Ecology for Life Science Majors Lab is a basic field ecology course for life science majors. An ecology laboratory class is required as part of the curriculum for biology and natural resource students at all colleges in the state. This course will transfer to Utah State University, Southern Utah University, Utah Valley University, Dixie State University and Weber State University. Southern Utah University and Weber State University require the lab be taken concurrently with the ecology course (Biol 2220).
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn how to make observations and ask appropriate questions to understand ecosystems. Students will be assessed through oral questioning and a written laboratory report.
Students will learn different field techniques that can be used to understand processes that are occurring in ecosystems. Students will be assessed through oral questioning and a written laboratory report.
Students will learn how to identify different ecosystems and ecotypic variations within ecosystems. Students will be assessed through oral questioning and a written laboratory report.
Students will learn how to analyze data that is collected on the field trip. Students will be assessed through oral questioning and a written laboratory report. The service-learning reports will be submitted to State and Institutional Trust Lands Administration and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Content:
Content: General observations made throughout the field trip; Sampling Aquatic Communities; Measuring the physical environment, sampling biological populations; Intraspecific Competition; Vegetation Sampling; Measurements and terms used in vegetation analysis, plot method, line intercept method; Population Dispersion; Terrestrial Vertebrate Sampling; Foliage Invertebrates; Species Diversity; Community Similarity; Service-Learning ComponentThroughout the field trip students will be involved in discussions to help them understand multiple viewpoints and different conclusions that could result from decisions made from scientific, political and ethical viewpoints.
Key Performance Indicators:
Progress of the students in achieving the course objectives will be measured by oral questions and answers during the field trip. Students will take notes and data during the field trip. After the field trip students will be required to analyze data and write a report on principles learned and results of sampling. Students are graded on participation in the oral discussions and questions, and the quality of their report.
Report on field trip 60 to 80%
Report on Service Learning Project 20 to 30%
Participation in oral questions and discussions 5 to 15%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Laboratory manual prepared by A. R. Stevens
Previous reports that students have made to State and Institutional Trust Lands Administration and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Pedagogy Statement:
Course content will be delivered on a four-day field trip through short lectures, questions and discussions at stops throughout central and southern Utah. Students will be exposed to a diverse views of scientific, law and ethical issues at each stop in the field. Students are encouraged to ask about and discuss different points of view during the field trip to be inclusive. Students will write a report to show their understanding of different concepts and different points of view when trying to understand ecosystem function and management.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 24
