Download FORM 335 - Harrisburg Area Community College

Division: Mathematics and Science
Department: Biology
Subject Code: BIOL
Course #: 130
Course Title: Field Biology
HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FORM 335
Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years per AP 765 to include, at
a minimum, the following elements. [§335.2]
1.
Digital Description:
Credit hours:
Lecture hours:
Lab hours:
4.0
3.0
3.0
BL: [ ]⅓ [X]½ [ ]⅔ [ ] Other (Indicate fraction or percent)
2.
Catalog Description:
Field studies in Biology intended to acquaint the student with local flora and
fauna, their biology and ecological relationships. Emphasis is placed on
identification of organisms, collecting techniques, and their economic and
ecological significance. A laboratory fee is required.
Minimum Grade Required
3.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites:
None
Other:
4.
Learning Outcomes
[These outcomes are necessary to enable students to attain the essential
knowledge and skills embodied in the program’s educational objectives.]
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Describe the characteristics of local habitats such as wetland, forest and field
ecosystems
 Differentiate between gross, primary and secondary productivity
 Describe the trophic structure of at least two local habitats
 Identify at least 12 species of monocots and dicots
 Demonstrate the ability to use dichotomous keys in the identification of local
tree and flower species
 Assemble two collections of local flora
 Gather stream macroinvertebrates with the use of kick and dip nets
 Identify at least six small mammals native to the local area
 Recognize the various stages in the life cycles of moss, ferns and fungi
 Identify three local reptilian species and their habitat
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Division: Mathematics and Science
Department: Biology
Subject Code: BIOL
Course #: 130
Course Title: Field Biology
5.
Planned Sequence of Learning Activities
[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]
I.
Introduction to Ecology
A.
Introduction to Ecology and Pennsylvanian Biodiversity
B.
Ecosystems and Productivity
C.
Community Structure & Dynamics
D.
Local Terrestrial Habitats
II.
Primary Producers, Basis of Ecosystem Dynamics
A.
Basic Classification
B.
Basic Morphology and Variation
C.
Dicots vs. Monocots
D.
Tree, Shrubs and Flowers
E.
Dichotomous Key Identification
F.
Pollination and Reproduction
G.
Collection and Preservation Techniques
III.
Aquatic Studies
A.
Abiotic Factors – Water Chemistry
B.
Freshwater Ecosystems
C.
Representative Phyla
D.
Dichotomous Key Identification
E.
Collection and Preservation Techniques
.
IV.
Animal Adaptations to the Environment
A.
Adaptations to the Environment
V.
Reptiles and Amphibians
A.
Phyla and Class Characteristics
B.
Life Cycles
C.
Ecological Roles
D.
Identification and Collection
VI.
Birds and Mammals
A.
Properties of Populations
B.
Major Groups
C.
Identification Techniques
D.
Life Histories of Representative Species
VII.
Soil, Flora and Fauna
A.
Soil Structure
B.
Soil Microorganisms
C.
Soil Invertebrates
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Division: Mathematics and Science
Department: Biology
Subject Code: BIOL
Course #: 130
Course Title: Field Biology
VIII.
6.
Plant Diversity
A.
Fungi and Lichens, Life Cycles and Ecological Importance
B.
Mosses
C.
Ferns
D.
Gymnosperms
E.
Collection and Preservation Techniques
Assessment of Student Learning
[Methods of assessment should be appropriate for Learning Outcomes listed
above.]
Field and laboratory quizzes, written exams, individual student collections,
and group projects.
Assessment of student learning outcomes for the course, as required by AP 765, is
part of regular curriculum maintenance and/or improvement. The specific plan
has been determined by the pertinent faculty involved and is kept on file in the
division office.
7.
List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning
Materials (code each item based on instructional use):
A-Lecture, B-Laboratory, LC-Lecture/Clinical, CLN-Clinical, I-Online,
BL-Blended, D-Independent Study, P-Private Lessons, E-Internship,
F-Cooperative Work-Study, FE-Field Experience. [These resources must be easily
accessible to students.]
C:
Flora of West Virginia by Strausbaugh and Core
How to Recognize Flowering Plants by Grimm
Field Guide to Edible Plants by Angier
Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Newcomb
The Illustrated Book of Trees by Grimm
General Zoology by Alexander
Peterson’s Field Guides: Wild Flowers, North American Trees,
Eastern Trees, Mammals, Animal Tracks, Butterflies, Spiders,
Reptiles and Amphibians, Mushrooms, by Peterson
Plus additional laboratory library books.
8.
Prepared by Faculty Member: Dee Walter Kruleski
Date: 11/02/09
9.
Approved by Department Chairperson: R.C. Hairston
Date: 4/26/10
10.
Approved by Academic Division Dean: Juliette Winterer
Date: 5/14/10
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Division: Mathematics and Science
Department: Biology
Subject Code: BIOL
Course #: 130
Course Title: Field Biology
This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335,
subchapters A / B.
This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the
policies, standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is
consistent with the college mission.
If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar
courses generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and
universities.
11.
Director, Curriculum Compliance: Catherine A. Lencioni Date: 5/17/10
12.
Provost & VP, Academic Affairs: Ronald R. Young
13.
Original Date of course approval by the college: 197410
14.
Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes;
Date: 5/17/10
textbook(s)]: May 2003
Review and updated: 12/1/04; 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09
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