Division: Mathematics and Science

Department: Biology

Subject Code: BIOLCourse #: 130

Course Title: Field Biology

HARRISBURG AREACOMMUNITY 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:4.0

Lecture hours: 3.0

Lab hours: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

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

VIII.Plant Diversity

A.Fungi and Lichens, Life Cycles and Ecological Importance

B.Mosses

C.Ferns

D.Gymnosperms

E.Collection and Preservation Techniques

6.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 Virginiaby 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

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 Date:5/17/10

13.Original Date of course approval by the college:197410

14.Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes; textbook(s)]: May 2003

Review and updated: 12/1/04; 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09