BIOL 120K – Page 1
Date Approved: 11/2/89
Date Scanned: 4.29.05
College of the Redwoods
CREDIT COURSE OUTLINE
DEPARTMENT AND COURSE NUMBER: Biology 120K DEGREE APPLICABLE
NON-DEGREE APPLICABLE
FORMER NUMBER (If previously offered) Biology 120A
COURSE TITLE MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH COAST
LECTURE HOURS: 6.75 total
PREREQUISITE: NONE
LAB HOURS: 6.75 total UNITS: 0.5
Eligibility for: Engl 150 Math 105
CO-REQUISITE: NONE
Request for Exception Attached
GRADING STANDARD: Letter Grade Only CR/NC Only Grade/CR/NC Option
TRANSFERABILITY: CSUS UC NONE
Articulation with UC requested
Maximum Class Size 25
Max No. Units Max No. Enrollments Repeatable yes no
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on the evolution of mammals, with particular emphasis on the adaptations of mammals to the marine environment. The identification and ecology of local marine mammal species are discussed.
NOTE: This course provides a Natural History Certificate Program elective.
COURSE OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES: List the primary instructional objectives of the class. Formulate some of them in terms of specific measurable student accomplishments, e.g., specific knowledge and/or skills to be attained as a result of completing this course. For degree-applicable courses, include objectives in the area of “critical thinking.” Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate and understanding of the adaptive significance of many marine mammal structures, behavior patterns, and physiological processes.
2. Identify local marine mammal species and understand their roles in the marine ecosystem.
3. Critically analyze information presented in the classroom and observations made in the field to determine the identity of different marine mammal species and to formulate solutions to questions regarding their natural history.
COURSE OUTLINE: % of Classroom Hours Spent on Each Topic
Introduction to taxonomy, evolution of marine mammals: odontocetes, mysticetes, pinnipeds, carnivores 20%
Adaptations to the marine environment: skeleton, thermo- regulation, diving physiology, nutrition, migration
Laboratory and field work; identification and ecology
30%

BIOL 120K – Page 2
Date Approved: 11/2/89
Date Scanned: 4.29.05
APPROPRIATE TEXTS AND MATERIALS: (Indicate textbooks that may be required or recommended, including alternate texts that may be used.)
Text(s)
Title: Marine Mammals
Edition: 2nd
Required
Alternate
Author: Haley
Publisher: Pacific Search Press Date Published: 1986
Recommended
(Additional required, alternate, or recommended texts should be listed on a separate sheet and attached.)
For degree applicable courses the adopted texts have been certified to be college-level:
Yes. Basis for determination:
is used by two or more four-year colleges or universities (certified by the Division Chair or
Branch Coordinator, or Center Dean)
OR
has been certified by the LAC as being of college level using the Coleman and Dale —Chall
Readability Index Scale.
No. Request for Exception Attached
If no text or a below college level text is used in a degree applicable course must have a minimum of one response in category 1, 2, or 3. If category 1 is not checked, the department must explain why substantial writing assignments are an inappropriate basis for at least part of the grade.
1. Substantial writing assignments, including:
essay exam(s) term or other paper(s) laboratory report(s)
written homework reading report(s) other (specify) _____
If the course is degree applicable, substantial writing assignments in this course are inappropriate because:
The course is primarily computational in nature.
The course primarily involves skill demonstrations or problem solving.
Other rationale (explain) __________________________________________
2. Computational or Non-computational problem-solving demonstrations, including:
exam(s)
laboratory report(s)
quizzes
field work
homework problems
other (specify)_______
3. Skill demonstrations, including:
class performance(s)
other (specify)____
4. Objective examinations, including:
multiple choice
completion
field work
true/false
other (specify)
5. Other (specify) ____________________________________
NOTE: A course grade may not be based solely on attendance.
performance exam(s)
matching items

BIOL 120K – Page 3
Date Approved: 11/2/89
Date Scanned: 4.29.05
REQUIRED READING, WRITING, AND OTHER OUTSIDE OF CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:
Over an 18-week presentation of the course, 3 hours per week are required for each unit of credit. ALL
Degree Applicable Credit classes must treat subject matter with a scope and intensity which require the student to study outside of class. Two hours of independent work done out of class are required for each hour of lecture. Lab and activity classes must also require some outside of class work. Outside of the regular class time the students in this class will be doing the following:
Study
Answer questions
Skill practice
Required reading
Problem solving
Written work (essays/compositions/report/analysis/research)
Journal (reaction and evaluation of class, done on a continuing basis throughout the semester)
Observation of or participation in an activity related to course content (e.g., play, museum, concert, debate, meeting, etc.)
Field trips
Other (specify) ____________________________
COLLEGE LEVEL CRITICAL THINKING TASKS/ASSIGNMENTS:
Degree applicable courses must include critical thinking tasks/assignments. This section need not be completed for non-degree applicable courses. Describe how the course requires students to independently analyze, synthesize, explain, assess, anticipate and/or define problems, formulate and assess solutions, apply principles to new situations, etc.
Students will be required to apply principles learned in the classroom to new situations and interpret and explain various aspects of the natural history of the mammals being studied. Students will be expected to critically analyze information and observations acquired in the field and formulate solutions to questions regarding the natural history and evolution of the mammals.