I. ASCRC General Education Form
Group
Group XI: Natural Science
Dept/Program
Course #
Applied Arts and
Sciences / Science
Course Title
Montana Ecosystems
Prerequisite
none
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Please type / print name Signature
Instructor
Gregory Peters
Phone / Email
(406) 207-6154
greg.peters@mso.umt.edu
Program Chair
Cathy Corr
Dean
SCN 105N
3
Date
Barry Good
III. Description and purpose of the course:
Course Description:
SCN 105N: Montana Ecosystems investigates the Biological systems of Montana with a focus
on dominant ecosystem types. Core content is reinforced in Lab exercises, which are a
required, concurrent part of the course. This course discusses the influences that enable
Montana’s remarkable diversity of ecosystems and species of life. Montana Ecosystems
further explores the dominant vegetation patterns across Montana and how these patterns
influence distribution of important species of animals. We will connect these systems to
discussions of energy dynamics in living systems. Finally, The course examines the influence
of humans on Montana’s natural environment.
Course Objectives:
- practice observing and reflecting on natural systems
- become familiar with Montana’s dominant ecosystems
- develop skills interpreting scientific literature
- understand the nature of science as a process
- understand principles of energy transformations in living systems
IV. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group.
1. Courses explore a discipline in the natural 1. SCN 105N exposes students to the
sciences and demonstrate how the scientific
application of the scientific method
method is used within the discipline to draw
through observations and hypothesis
scientific conclusions.
formation in field-based laboratory
explorations, as well as through
interpretation of scientific literature.
Ecosystem diversity is explored as a
component of Biology, which is
presented as a process of asking
questions about the living world.
2. SCN 105N exposes students to the
scientific method by presenting them
with field based opportunities to ask
questions, develop meaningful scientific
hypotheses, and propose plausible
methods to test these hypotheses. SCN
105N relates hypothesis testing to the
deeper development of valid scientific
theories by connecting Lab
investigations to unifying scientific
principles such as evolution and the laws
of thermodynamics as they are
presented in course content and
through examination of current scientific
literature.
3. Lab courses engage students in inquiry3. SCN 105N provides students multiple
based learning activities where they formulate a
opportunities to ask questions, develop
hypothesis, design an experiment to test the
hypotheses, test hypotheses, and
hypothesis, and collect, interpret, and present
interpret findings through field-based
the data to support their conclusions.
explorations of local natural systems.
Students will be exposed to the methods
that scientists communicate findings by
being asked to provide written work
explaining their process, analysis of
collected data, and conclusions.
V. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals.
Upon completion of this perspective, a student Upon completion of this course, students will
will be able to:
be able to:
1. understand the general principles
1. Understand core principles that influence
associated with the discipline(s) studied.
local ecosystem diversity:
- Global weather patterns
- Physiographic influences on biotic
systems
- The flow of energy in living systems
- Core principles of ecology, including
biotic interactions such as predation,
competition, and facilitation
- Impacts of humans on living systems
2. Courses address the concept of analytic
uncertainty and the rigorous process required to
take an idea to a hypothesis and then to a
validated scientific theory.
2. understand the methodology and activities 2. Understand the methods scientists use to
scientists use to gather, validate and interpret
develop and explore questions, through:
data related to natural processes.
- Discussing the scope and limits of the
scientific method
- Evaluating scientific arguments
presented in classroom discussions,
in scientific literature, and from
fellow students
- Examining the connections between
data gathered and conclusions drawn
in scientific literature
3. detect patterns, draw conclusions, develop 3. Observe patterns, develop hypotheses,
conjectures and hypotheses, and test them by
and test them by appropriate means and
appropriate means and experiments.
experiments, through:
- Developing questions based on
observations of natural phenomena
encountered in field-based laboratory
exercises
- Developing and testing meaningful
scientific hypotheses relevant to
questions raised
- Analyzing data and interpreting
findings from field exercises
4. understand how scientific laws and
theories are verified by quantitative
measurement, scientific observation, and
logical/critical reasoning.
4. Use critical thinking skills to evaluate
broader scientific conclusions through:
- Classroom discussions of the process
of developing scientific theories,
including the concepts of rejecting
alternative hypotheses for observed
phenomena and repeated hypothesis
testing
5. understand the means by which analytic
uncertainty is quantified and expressed in the
natural sciences.
5. Appreciate the ongoing nature of
scientific research, through:
-
-
Quantifying their own uncertainty in
the process of interpreting lab
exercise findings
Discussions of the meaning of
statistical significance
Critical reflection on conclusions
drawn in scientific literature
VII. Syllabus:
Below is the syllabus for SCN 105N:
SCN105N: Montana Ecosystems (3 cr)
Fall 2009
Instructor: Greg Peters
Contact: greg.peters@mso.umt.edu or (406) 207-6154
Office Hours: T & Th, 12:30-2:00 in HB 02
Course Description:
Montana Ecosystems explores the living systems of Montana with a focus on the dominant
habitat types around us. We will explore the geologic setting that influences the distribution of
Montana’s remarkable diversity of ecosystems and species of life. We will explore the
dominant vegetation patterns across Montana and how these patterns influence distribution of
important species of animals. We will connect these systems to discussions of energy
dynamics in living systems. Finally, we will examine the role of humans in influencing the
natural environment and its species.
Course Objectives:
- practice observing and reflecting on natural systems
- become familiar with Montana’s dominant ecosystems
- develop skills interpreting scientific literature
- understand the nature of science as a process
- understand principles of energy transformations in living systems
- become familiar with the human impacts on the landscapes of Montana
Assessment:
1) Exams (highest 3 of 4)
2) Lab Reports (4 @ 25 pts ea.)
3) Journal Article Summaries (4 @ 10pts ea.)
4) Field Notebook
5) Final Exam
TOTAL:
points
300
100
40
60
100
600
grades
90-100% = A- to A
80-90% = B- to B+
70-80% = C- to C+
60-70% = D- to D+
< 60% = F
Recommendations for success:
The most important thing you can do to get the most out of this course is to commit to regular
attendance in class.
There is no required text for this course, but there will be regular supplemental readings
provided in class or online. Make sure to complete these readings as they are presented to
keep up thoroughly with course content.
Your NetID will give you access to an online supplement to this course that includes portions
of class presentations. Log in at: https://courseware.umt.edu/webapps/login/
Exams will ask you to reflect on your learning by responding to questions in a diversity of
formats. Students will be expected to work alone and without outside resources.
Ultimately, make your field notebook reflect your own interests and observations.
Course Policies:
Your lowest regular session exam score will be dropped from your final grade,
therefore, there will be NO make-up exams offered. In other words, an excused
absence from an exam will count as your dropped exam. The final exam is
comprehensive, will NOT be dropped for any reason, and is required for all students to
complete the course. No early finals will be offered, so make any travel plans
accordingly.
Students with disabilities will receive appropriate accommodations. Please contact me
and provide a letter from your DSS coordinator so that accommodations can be made.
All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code and practice academic
honesty. The Code is available for review online at
http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm?page?1321.
Laboratory:
The laboratory portion of this class is required for completion of the course. There are
four field trips and three indoor labs scheduled over the course of the semester; please
check the course schedule to ensure that you can attend all laboratory meetings. We
will be using these lab field trips as opportunities to explore several of the dominant
ecosystem types of Montana. Each Lab will present an opportunity to examine realworld inspired questions through application of the scientific method. We will discuss
lab objectives in class prior to each trip. Please be prepared for short distances of
walking, unpredictable weather, and any personal needs such as food, water, and
medication. We will discuss lab policies and safety issues in detail before our first trip.
Field Notebook:
Your notebook will be your personal written record of observations and ideas from our
field trips. The notebook is intended as a less formal opportunity for you to reflect in
ways that are most meaningful to you about your experiences in the different habitats
we explore. Consider including sketches, notes, outlines for Lab Reports, and
anything else you deem relevant. You can share your notebook with your instructor at
any time prior to its due date if you want feedback.
Lab Reports:
Each Lab will require a written Lab Report; due dates are in the class schedule. The
lab reports will be a more formal record of your experiences in each lab. You will be
expected to incorporate notebook observations, questions and hypotheses as raised in
the field, lecture notes, and supplemental literature research into a thorough
description of the habitat(s) visited during lab trips and an interpretation of your
findings. Specific expectations will be explained in more detail prior to the first Lab
Report deadline.
Scientific Journal Article Summaries:
There are 4 summaries due over the course of the semester; due dates are provided
in the course schedule. Shoot for a length of about 3/4 of a page, typed and double
spaced.
The publications you summarize must be peer reviewed articles concerning some
topic related to Montana ecosystems, flora, or fauna. Generally, you can tell if a
journal is peer reviewed by examining the "fine print" on the credits pages at the
beginning of a journal, or you can look it up on the Mansfield Library website; request
only those journals that are "peer reviewed". If you still have questions, email me or
ask the librarian. Some of these journals require a subscription for access; usually the
university already has a subscription. To access this, however, you must go through
the university library system. Check with the COT or Mansfield librarian to get access
information.
For full credit, your summary must include:
a) a copy of the article you read
b) a citation for the article (APA formatting is good). Below are two examples of
citations in APA format, the second for an article published strictly online:
Emery, R.E. (2005). Marital turmoil: Interpersonal conflict and the children of discord and divorce.
Psychological Bulletin, 92, 310-330
Hitchens, C. (2004, June 21). Unfairenheit 9/11. Slate. Retrieved October 28, 2004, from
http://slate.msn.com/id/2102723/
Some suggestions for written assignments:
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Make sure to include your name and which assignment you are submitting
Read through your work to ensure that there are no errors
Reflect in your own words on what you have learned
Summarize the methods, findings, and interpretation for Journal Article
Summaries
Always include a copy of the original article
Include a formal citation for all Journal Article Summaries
Submit work on time; late assignments will lose 10% per class meeting
Class Schedule:
Date:
Aug 31
Sep 2
Topic:
Course Introduction, policies
Science as a process
Sep 7
Sep 9
Sep 11
Labor Day Holiday
Lab expectations, Intro to alpine systems
Lab #1: Alpine
Sep 14
Sep 16
Montana physiography
Montana’s mountains, landscapes
Sep 21
Sep 23
Sep 25
Montana climate, Intro to montane forests
EXAM 1
Lab #2: Montane forests
Sep 28
Sep 30
Montana ecosystem diversity overview
Diversity of Life
Oct
Oct
Oct
Alpine habitats continued
Montana forest types , Intro to grassland systems
Lab #3: Sagebrush & Grassland
5
7
9
Oct 12
Oct 14
Montane forests continued, dominant fauna
Rare Montana forest habitats and species
Oct 19
Oct 21
Oct 23
EXAM 2
Grasslands, Intro to Floodplains
Lab #4: Floodplains
Oct 26
Oct 28
Grasslands continued
Sagebrush steppe
Nov 2
Nov 4
Nov 5
Floodplains
Deserts, savannah, juniper woodlands
Lab #5: Field Trip, Montana natural History Center
Nov 9
Nov 11
EXAM 3
Veteran’s Day Holiday
Nov 16
Nov 18
Nov 19
Energy transformations, food webs
Changes in ecosystems, ecosystem boundaries
Lab Notebooks, revise Lab reports
Nov 23
Nov 25
Human impacts on Montana’s ecosystems
Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 30
Dec 2
Dec 3
Montana wildlands
Impacts of climate change
Lab #7: mapping Montana wildlands
Dec 7
Dec 9
EXAM 4
Course wrap-up, instructor evaluations
Dec 16
Cumulative Final Exam
Assignment due:_____
Summary #1
Lab Report #1
Lab Report #2
Summary #2
Lab report #3
Lab Report #4
Summary # 3
Notebooks due
Summary #4