COURSE SYLLABUS – APPROVED FORMAT
General Information
 Northern Arizona University- Yuma; Department of Arts and Sciences
 BSC 470, Field Methods and Techniques
 Fall or Spring
 1 hr. Lecture & 6 hr. Lab, 3 credit hours
 Dr. Megan Lahti
 Science and Research building, Office 113
 Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 8:00am to 9:00am and 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Course prerequisites
Instructor’s Signature
Course description:
This field-based course introduces methods and techniques for experimental design, data
collection and management, and analyses of plants and animals in a variety of habitats in the
southwest. 1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab (3 credits). Letter grade only. Course fee and instructor’s
signature required.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this Course
1. Explain the methodological principles that pertain to experimental design, data collection,
data management, and analyses in biological systems
2. Discuss the techniques that contribute to a successful field survey for plants and animals
3. Identify sampling techniques relevant to multiple habitats in the southwest
4. Create an experimental design for a field based research project for plants and animals
using various field survey techniques
5. Demonstrate the field techniques taught in this course by conducting a variety of fieldbased surveys for plants and animals
Course structure/approach:
The course may involve one or more of the following approaches: lecture and discussion;
application exercises; scheduled activities; case analysis; team projects; field trips, speakers with
relevant expertise, and/or other activities as appropriate to achieve learning outcomes.
Textbook and required materials: Student learning is facilitated with textbooks, readings,
audio-visual content, software, and/or other materials
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list): None
Course outline:
Week 1: Introduction to field methods and techniques
Week 2: Survey methods and techniques for vegetation; Day labs: Vegetation
Week 3: Survey methods and techniques for reptiles and amphibians; Day labs: Insects
Week 4: Survey methods and techniques for birds and bats; Day labs: Birds and bats
Week 5: Survey methods and techniques for mammals; Day labs: Mammals
Week 6: Survey methods and techniques for mammals; Day labs: Reptiles and Amphibians
Week 7: Data entry, management, and analyses
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
 Methods of Assessment: In-class exams, research paper, field labs, presentations, and
participation.
 Timeline for Assessment: Over the span of the course
Grading System:
Letter grades for the course will be determined based on the percentage of the total points as
follows:
90-100%
A Excellent
80-89%
B Good
70-79%
C Average
60-69%
D Lowest passing
<60%
F Failure
Course policy:
Retests/makeup tests:
No make-up exams or re-tests except for what the instructor may deem as extenuating
circumstances.
Attendance Policy:
Under NAU Policy, students are expected to attend every session of the class in which they are
enrolled.
Statement on plagiarism and cheating:
DON’T CHEAT!
Please refer to the NAU Student Handbook policy statement on Academic Integrity. Academic
honesty does not allow "plagiarism — knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as
one's own" (2005, Undergraduate General Academic and Graduation Policies).
If your instructor determines that you are guilty of plagiarism he deserves the right to give you a
zero on the alleged assignment up to failing the course in question. All incidents regardless will
be reported to the university.
University policies
Attach the Safe Working and Learning Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional
Review Board, and Academic Integrity policies or reference them on the syllabus. See the
following document for policy statements:
http://www4.nau.edu/avpaa/UCCPolicy/plcystmt.html.
Your instructor reserves the right to make any changes to the course policies, schedule, or any
other aspect of the class as he sees fit.