Syllabus
Lectures: Valentine, rm. 107 or Bewkes, rm. 109
Tues, Thurs 10:10 am - 11:40 am
Labs: Bewkes, rm. 109
Thurs 1:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Office Hrs: Tues, Thurs, 9 - 5
Office: Bewkes, 121-1
Telephone: 229-5240
Email: bbal@ccmaillink.stlawu.edu
Web Page: http://it.stlawu.edu/~fwbio/
Text Books: 1) Peckarsky et al. (1990) Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Northeastern North America
2) Smith, C.L. (1985) The Inland Fishes of NYS
3) Several other helpful texts on science library reserve
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
1) the biology and ecological relationships of freshwater (FW) animals (mainly invertebrates & fish) and plants
2) environmental characteristics of lakes/ponds and rivers in the "north country" of NYS
3) methods to collect and identify FW organisms
4) methods to assess the biodiversity and ecological status of selected FW habitats
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
I prefer to learn and to teach using "hands on" experiences so great emphasis will be placed on the lab component of the course. Here, you'll visit a variety of FW habitats and you'll sample their water quality and biota first hand. You'll also establish and stock FW aquaria in the lab so you can more closely observe the biota and their interactions with one another. Lectures will of course be needed to maintain a framework for class material and I will frequently ask you students to help by conducting your own information searches and oral presentations (I think you'll come to see that teaching is one of the best ways to learn).
WHAT I NEED FROM YOU
1) you must enjoy field work and have an affinity for water
2) you must enthusiastically collect and handle smelly fish, wiggly bugs, slithering leeches, etc., etc.
3) you must recall information and concepts from Biol 101 & 102!!
4) you should be (or get) familiar with Word, Excel, Netscape, and email (find your email address!). If you need help, see me or the folks at Instructional Technology.
5) you should be (or get) familiar with library search techniques
6) you should bring a daypack and appropriate clothing to lab. Sometimes its rainy (we WILL go out in the rain so get some rain gear) and/or cold so come prepared! On longer field trips you'll need to arrange and bring a bag lunch and drink (I'll bring a cooler).
COURSE GRADING
The bottom line is that you'll get what you EARN. I will give you a variety of ways to learn course material and to earn your grade. Ultimately, though, it comes down to your intelligence, your attention, and your work ethic (as do most other things in life). You need ALL THREE to learn class material and to earn a good grade in this class! If you need help, please say so, as I don't want you to do poorly!