Time Schedule:
Thomas P. Quinn
FISH 312
Seattle Campus
Ecological characteristics of fishes and shellfishes in the important freshwater and marine habitats of North America. Relationship between physical aspects of the habitats and community structure. Impacts of human activities on diversity and abundance. Prerequisite: either BIOL 162 or BIOL 220; recommended: FISH 210; FISH 311. Offered: Sp.
Class description
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures, illustrated with slides and overheads, dialog with students, field trips and labs, and writing papers in scientific method.
Recommended preparation
Basic background in biological science; coursework in fisheries or aquatic science is desirable but not essential. Students from departments outside fisheries (e.g., zoology, forestry, oceanography, civel engineering) are encouraged to enroll.
Class assignments and grading
We will take field trips to three aquatic habitats: a small stream (Issaquah Creek), Lake Washington, and Puget Sound. On each trip we will collect scientific data to test specific ecological hypotheses. In the caseof the Lake Washington trip, we will also bring samples back for analysis in the lab. These data will be the basis for three papers, to be written in scientific format. The papers will be carefully edited by the Instructor, as writing is a key skill to be learned in the class. These papers will also require (and we will teach) basic skills in data analysis and graphics.
Grades for the course will be based on a mid-term exam (15%), a final exam (25%) and three papers based on the field trips (10, 20 and 20%, respectively) and participation in field and lab work (10%). The majority of the grade thus rests on the field and lab work, and papers associated with them. If papers are handed in on time, they will be returned before the next one is due. This will allow you to study my comments and make necessary adjustments in the next paper. The first paper will not be accepted after the second is due, the second after the third is due, and the third after the final exam, except under extraordinary circumstances.
