Time Schedule:
Warren G. Gold
BES 316
Bothell Campus
Introduces students to methods used in the analysis of ecological systems and their processes. Employs data analysis tools, graphic presentation, and scientific writing in the presentation of results from laboratory and field studies. Includes lectures, laboratory work, and field investigations. Prerequisite: BES 312.
Class description
Spring 2004 This course is designed to provide an experiential introduction to ecological research in the laboratory and field (an outdoor setting). Students can expect to learn about the application of the scientific method to ecological research, microenvironmental, habitat, and plant community analysis. Students will also gain experience with data collection, analysis, presentation, and scientific writing.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The first half of the course will be devoted to study and training in ecological methods and basic scientific skills. This will include lectures and data collection each day. We will be outside almost every day. The second half of the course will focus around a field research project using the skills gained during the first half. Field work will take place in small groups or pairs, but written assignments will be individual products. Field work will take place in local sites, sometimes requiring work in heavy brush and unfavorable weather conditions.
The last few weeks of the course will be open class periods for your final project, but some of the final project field work will probably need to be scheduled and accomplished outside of class with your group / partner.
Note that this is a 7-credit course and will consequently require a significantly greater level of commitment and involvement than a 5-credit course.
Recommended preparation
This is a companion course to BES 312 - Ecology. You should have taken BES 312 previously (or an equivalent with instructor permission). You are also expected to have had a basic course in statistics. This course is for BS and STE students - it is a rigorous science course and is not appropriate for those simply wishing to fulfill a science requirement. You should be familiar with Microsoft Excel (or willing to learn it) as we will be using that software for data handling.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will include lab reports from most of the first 5-6 labs and a final paper on the independent field project.
Grades are based upon the lab reports and final paper.
