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.