Note: The topics for 2012 will remain the same but the dates will change.
NATURAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA (BISC 369L) SPRING 2011
Syllabus* Lecture Class No. 13025A (file: 369 - syllabus – 2011)
Laboratory Class No. 13351R
Instructor: Dr. Gerald J. Bakus, AHF B4A, 213-740-5790 cellphone 714-345-1360 (see
Emergency Contacts Sheet for other numbers). email: bakus@usc.edu
Teaching Assistant: Jun Zhao, RTH 522, 213-821-4250, cellphone 213-300-3589
fdujunzhao@gmail.com
Textbook:
Bakus, G.J. 2011. Natural History of California. To appear in print
about February 2011.
Alden, P. (ed.) 1998. Regional Guide to California. National Audubon Society.
Office Hours: Bakus – Tu 1-2 Th 12-2 AHF B4A
?? TA
Lecture: 2-3:20 TuTh ZHS 460
Laboratory: 3:30-6:20 Tu ZHS 460
Field Trips: See below (**) for overnight or full-day trips
Date
Jan. 11
13
Jan. 18
20
Lecture Topics
Reading
Introduction. Work on library report.
Lec.- Natural regions, ecology geology, collecting techniques,
research topics
Fieldtrip (Palos Verdes: -1.3 ft at 2:42 p.m. Depart USC at 2 p.m.)
Return to USC 6 p.m.
Lec.- Classification of organisms, collection techniques.
Research topics.
1
*It may be necessary to make some adjustments to the
syllabus during the semester.
25
Lec.- Ecology
Geography Quiz
Work up Palos Verdes
27
Lec.- Cismontane Southern California
Lab – Pacific Northwest Mountains
Feb. 1
Field Trip (Santa Ana Mountains - chaparral
Depart USC at 2 p.m.) Return to USC 7 p.m.
3
Lec.- Coast Ranges
8
Lab.- work up Santa Ana Mountains
Turn in a 1 page outline of your proposed
research project. Follow the format provided.
10
Lec.- Great Central Valley
Lec.- California Deserts
15
Geography Quiz
Lec.- Coastline
Prepare to discuss your research topic today
- then start it!
17
Lec – Inland Waters
2
22
Lec. – Sierra Nevada,
Lec. - Mountaintops
24
Taxonomy Quiz. Research Projects
Mar. 1
FIRST LECTURE EXAMINATION (100 pts)
3
Lab - Report on Status of Research Project
Bring all information and data to class.
8
Lab – Visit Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach – Depart USC 2 p.m)
Return to USC 6 p.m.
10
Lec. – Quantitative Techniques
14-19
Spring Recess (work on individual research projects)
22
Lab. - Field Trip (Big Bear Lake & Mojave Desert – Terrestrial &
Freshwater - Depart USC at Noon). Return to USC 7 p.m.
24
Quantitative Techniques (hands-on)
29
Work up Big Bear Lake and Mojave Desert
31
Flower, insect and bird study projects due
Apr. 1-3
5
7
.
** Field Trip – weekend fieldtrip to Santa Catalina Island. Depart
USC 6:30 a.m. Apr. 1 and Return to USC 5 p.m.
Apr. 3
Lec. – Santa Catalina Island. Discuss the fieldtrip.
Work up Santa Catalina Island trip.
Present final semester notebook. Research Project.
12
Prepare for final lab exam
14
SECOND LECTURE EXAMINATION (100 pts).
19
Prepare for final lab exam
3
.
21
RESEARCH PROJECT REPORTS DUE (100 pts)
26
FINAL LABORATORY EXAMINATION (300 pts)
28
Prepare for final examination
FINAL EXAMINATION: THURSDAY MAY 5
2-4 p.m..
PowerPoint demonstration and oral report
on research project – 10 min (50 pts)
Attendance by all students for the entire time is mandatory.
No make-up exams!
Other Items: The final laboratory examination will cover all
field trips and laboratory work-ups.
Point Breakdown (Summary)
First Lecture Examination 100 pts
Second Lecture Examination 100 pts
Final Lab Examination 300 pts
Research Project 100pts
PowerPoint Oral Presentation 50 pts
Misc. Tasks 350 pts (see Grading Policy for details)
4