BIOL 35 – Page 1 Date Approved: 11/1/85 Date Scanned: 4.29.05 COLLEGE OF THE REDWOODS COURSE OUTLINE COURSE TITLE: Fields Studies in Biology BRANCH: Mendocino Branch CATALOG TITLE: BIOL 35 LECTURE HOURS: 12.0-24.0 LAB HOURS: 18.0-36.0 UNITS: 1.0-2.0 PREREQUISITE: None, one biological science class recommended EVALUATION: Grade/CR/NC Option TRANSFERABILITY: UC/CSUC MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 25 CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A field class designed to give the student practical experience in field identification and field study of the ecology and biology of California’s native species in their native habitat. This course involves an extended field trip away from the campus. Variable 1.0 - 2.0 units, 12-24 hours lecture, 18-36 hours lab. NOTE: Repeatable to a maximum of 4 units. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion, the student will be able to: Increase their knowledge of California1s diverse organisms by field study of a selected ecosystem. TEXT(S): Texts will vary with the ecosystem studied. BIOL 35 – Page 2 Date Approved: 11/1/85 Date Scanned: 4.29.05 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: (Provided by CR): 2 vans for transportation (Provided by Student): Camping gear METHOD OF EVALUATION: Quizzes following each lecture Identification quizzes and lab exercises Daily essay questions % OF GRADE 25% 35% 40% GRADE SCALE: TOPICAL OUTLINE: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. # CLASSROOM HOURS Introduction: Plant taxonomy, Morphology, Physiology, Paleobotany and Soil Science. Floristic Regions of California Flower structure, plant nomenclature and identification Plant community concept California Deserts, Plant Communities of Death Valley Desert Riparian species and ecology; alkali marsh species and ecology; desert soils and salinity. Salinity, drought and plant growth; alkali sink ecology. Edemic plants of Death Valley; the value of a species; “What is rare and endangered.” The Pinyon-Juniper woodland ecology and species identification Joshua Tree woodland ecology and species identification. SUBMITTED BY: Teresa Sholars DATE: November 85