Northwest Environments

BIOL 127

Summer 2010

 

PROFESSOR

Dr. Dan Stephens

Wenatchee Valley College

Wenatchi Hall 2328, office hours by arrangement

682-6752 (voice mail)

http://commons.wvc.edu/dstephens

dstephens@wvc.edu

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a field-oriented course exploring the natural history of the Pacific Northwest.

The diverse habitats of Central Washington will be explored.  Emphasis will be on 

identification, evolution, ecology, and natural history of plants and animals of the Northwest.

 

CREDIT HOURS

5 quarter credit hours.  This is a natural science lab course.

 

TEXTBOOK/NOTEBOOK

National Audubon Society--Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest.  Alden, Peter and Dennis Paulson

Field notebook (9x7) , dividers, and paper (8 ½ x 5 ½ ).

 

TEACHING METHODS

Field trips, discussions, readings, one comprehensive exam, and a field notebook. 

Specialized lab & field techniques will be taught as requested.  Hands-on, face-to-face

contact with plants, animals, and dirt satisfy the lab requirement of this course.

 

OBJECTIVES

 To provide the student with:

            1.   First hand knowledge of adaptation in nature.

            2.   A feel for the important concept of an ecosystem.

3.     An appreciation for the biodiversity of Central Washington.

            4.   Basic skills in plant and animal identification.

            5.   Knowledge of the names and natural history of some plants

                  and animals of Washington.

            6.   An appreciation of the interrelatedness of life.

7.     A foundation for lifelong learning in natural history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVALUATION

Evaluation will be based on:

            Exam...................................................................................................200 pts.

            Field notebook.....................................................................................200 pts.

            Field trip attendance.............................................................................200 pts.

                                                                                                               total  600 pts.

 

Grades are then given according to the following scale (%):

 

            93-100=A        87-89=B+        77-79=C+        67-69=D+       <60=F

            90-92=A-        83-86=B          73-76=C          63-66=D

                                    80-82=B-         70-72=C-         60-62=C-

 

ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES

Students exhibiting exemplary effort and positive attitudes will be more successful in the course.  Late assignments will receive a 10% per day penalty  (i.e. field notebooks). Five points will be deducted each time a student does not bring his field notebook and field guide on the class hike.

The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus at any time, with notice given in class.  The exam can not be made-up unless the instructor is notified before, and there is a valid reason (such as an emergency).