BIOL 490: Field Studies in Biology/South African Wildlife (3c-0l-3cr)

I. Course Objectives

As a result of taking this course students will be able to:

1. Explain and analyze the features of the major ecological regions of southernAfrica.

2. Assemble, collect and organize data onmajor groups of flora and fauna observed in the field.

3. Explain, appraise and assessthe strategies for wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and habitat restoration in southernAfrica.

Student achievement of these objectives will be evaluated by their performance on writing assignments and oral reports.

II. Course Outline

Course activities will take place during a three week trip to southern Africa with a group of8 to 16 students led by the course instructor. The Narrative Itinerary document describes the planned experiences.

III. Evaluation Methods

Student achievement of course objectives will be measured using the following evaluation tools, described in chronological order of administration.

Class Participation and Oral Reports

Class activities in southernAfrica include a variety of lectures, guided field trips, museum and other site visits as well as less structured opportunities to observe habitat and wildlife or to interact with local people. All students are expected to participate fully in all these class activities and to display the general level of engagement expected of an IUP undergraduate or graduate student. This component will count as 10% of the final course grade.

In addition, each student will be required to engage in discussions at morning or evening class meetings held during the trip to southern Africa. These reports will provide a mechanism for sharing information among students, a sounding-board for daily impressions and a forum for discussion of the day’s events. The instructor will be able to observe each student in order to monitor the quality of class participation. Oral reports will count collectively as 10% of the final course grade.

Students will meet with the instructor at least one time prior to the start of the class. Non-IUP students will participate via phone or internet.

Students are required to attend all class meetings and to participate in all class activities.

Field Notes/Journal

Students are required to keep a field journal with detailed notes on the trip. After returning to the United States, students will turn in the journal for grading. Because the trip ends so close to the end of the second summer session, we will discuss the due date for the journal and establish a date that attempts to meet everyone’s needs in an equitable fashion.

The information in your journal should include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following points.

  • Date, time, location of each species sighted
  • Description of animals
  • Location of sighting
  • Habitat, physical features, vegetation in area of each sighting
  • Behavior of animal, type of socialization with other species and reaction to humans
  • Picture- a photo taken by or a picture from the internet
  • Distinguishing features of the species
  • Current/historical distribution of species
  • Similar species or subspecies
  • Feeding habits/diet
  • Management/conservation practices employed

Our South African safari guides and drivers will be able to help you with much of the information that you need and the balance is available in field guides, the appropriate literature or on the internet. The journal willcount as 80% of the final course grade.

You will receive additional information in the form of an assignment sheet and near the end of the trip we will finalize a due date for the journal.

Grade Breakdown:

Class Participation

Participation in Class Activities:10%

Oral Reports: 10%

Journal: 80%

Grade Scale: A = 90%, B = 80%,C = 70%,D = 60%,F = <60%

IV. Required Textbooks and Supplemental Readings

Required Textbook: NONE

Supplemental Readings: None

Other Requirements:

A valid passport is required for travel to southernAfrica. Malaria prophylactic medications and some vaccinations (e.g. current tetanus booster) are also required. A notebook for field data is required. Photo equipment is recommended. A field guide to South African wildlife is recommended but not required.

VI. Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all class meetings and participate in all class activities.

VII. Dates

The course takes place during IUP Early Summer Session May 2017. Class dates are May 15-June 2, 2017. The course will begin in the early afternoon of May 15, 2017 (exact local time TBD) at lodgings in the Lesedi Cultural Village in Johannesburg. The class ends on Friday, June 2 (local time TBD) at King Shaka International Airport near Durban.