BIOL 120M – Page 1
Date Approved:
11/3/89
Date Scanned:
4.29.05
College of the Redwoods
CREDIT COURSE OUTLINE
DEPARTMENT AND COURSE NUMBER: BIOL 120M
DEGREE APPLICABLE
NON-DEGREE APPLICABLE
FORMER NUMBER (If previously offered) BIOL 120C
COURSE TITLE INTRODUCTION TO IDENTIFICATION OF NORTH COAST BIRDS
LECTURE HOURS: 6.75 total
LAB HOURS: 6.75 total
PREREQUISITE: NONE
UNITS: 0.5
Eligibility for: Engl 150
Math 105
Request for Exception Attached
CO-REQUISITE: NONE
GRADING STANDARD:
Letter Grade Only
TRANSFERABILITY:
CSUS
UC
Articulation with UC requested
Repeatable
yes
no
CR/NC Only
Grade/CR/NC Option
NONE
Max No. Units
Maximum Class Size 25
Max No. Enrollments
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on how to look at and identify local birds, and where to find them. Field observations
focus on the identification and ecology of local bird species.
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. Identify local species of birds.
2. Interpret a bird’s role in the ecosystem by observing behavior and external morphology.
3. Critically analyze information presented in the classroom and observations made in the field to
determine the identity of different bird species and to formulate solutions to questions regarding their
natural history.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Introduction to taxonomy
Methods of identifying birds
Ecology and identification of shore birds
Ecology and identification of perching birds
% of Classroom Hours Spent on Each Topic
12.5%
7.5%
15%
15%
Laboratory work: identification of birds and interpretation of ecological roles
50%
BIOL 120M – Page 2
Date Approved:
11/3/89
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: Birds of North America
Required
Edition:2nd
Alternate
Author: Dunn and Blom
Recommended
Publisher: National Geographic Society
Date Published: 1987
(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)
written homework
reading report(s)
laboratory 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)
quizzes
homework problems
laboratory report(s)
field work
other (specify)_______
3. Skill demonstrations, including:
class performance(s)
other (specify)____
4. Objective examinations, including:
multiple choice
completion
field work
performance exam(s)
true/false
other (specify)
matching items
5. Other (specify) ____________________________________
NOTE: A course grade may not be based solely on attendance.
BIOL 120M – Page 3
Date Approved:
11/3/89
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 activity or exercise
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 birds 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 of birds.
BIOL 120M – Page 4
Date Approved:
11/3/89
Date Scanned:
4.29.05
ADDITIONAL/ALTERNATE TEXTS:
Text: Birds of North America
Author: Robins, et.al .
Edition: 2nd
Publisher: Golden Books
Text: Field Guide to Western Birds
Author: Peterson
Edition: 2nd
Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin
Required
Recommended
Alternate
Year: 1983
Required
Recommended
Alternate
Year: 1961
Text: Birds of Northern California, an Annotated Field List
Author: McCaskie, et.al.
Edition: 2nd
Publisher: Golden Gate Audubon Society Year: 1988
Required
Recommended
Alternate