Syllabus - PDF

Course Description: Reservoirs are human-engineered habitats that occur in almost all major river basins in the world. Because these systems are a prominent feature of the landscape and are of high economic and recreational value, it is important for aquatic ecologists to understand how they function. The location of the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on the shore of Lake Texoma is an ideal setting to study reservoir ecology. The emphasis of this course will be on the major physical, chemical, and biological factors that influence the ecology of fish assemblages in reservoirs. Thus, we will be examining all aspects of the reservoir from water quality to fish community structure.

Lecture and Laboratory: Although this is primarily a field course, there will be a series of lectures that will introduce students to reservoir ecology.  In addition, there will be assigned readings and discussion of current literature.  Field and laboratory activities will include collection and analysis of water, algae, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and fish samples from different ecological zones in the reservoir.  In addition, students will be expected to complete an independent research project associated with the ecology of reservoir fishes.

Time required: Lecture and field activities will typically take place between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, but some field activities may require us to leave early or return late. In addition to these activities, the laboratory will be open in the evenings so students can process collections or work on independent research projects.

Required materials:  In lieu of a textbook, an electronic file will be sent to your OU e-mail box approximately one week before class starts.  Please make sure you do not have your e-mail forwarded to an outside account, as any e-mail sent will be bounced back as spam due to the size of the file.  You are responsible for making sure you get the material.  A delivery and read receipt will be attached.  Make sure you send back the read receipt.   The material will be sent by the Biological Station secretary, Gail Barnes, gbarnes@ou.edu.  You may want to print out the material and arrange it in a 3-ring notebook or put it on a disc for reference purposes.  Make sure you bring this material with you when you come for class at the station.   Other readings, etc., will be in electronic form, so it would be helpful to have a laptop, if you have one.  Computers are available at the station in the library, so if you do not have one, it is not a problem. 

Safety: This is a field intensive course that will require participation in outdoor activities.  Please dress appropriately and be aware of safety concerns.  Life vests must be worn at all times while boating.  The heat can be intense so be sure to drink plenty of water and don’t be afraid to go for a swim.  Bring plenty of sunscreen, insect repellant, snacks, necessary medications, etc. for field trips.

Reasonable Accommodation: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from demonstrating his or her abilities should contact one of your instructors, as well as Janet Isaac at (405) 325-7431, and the office of Disability Services, Goddard Health Center, Rm. 166, (405) 325-3852, as soon as possible so that accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities can be discussed.

Grading:  Grading will be based on two exams (40 points), an independent project (30 points), a lab reports from field trips (15 points), and participation in paper discussions and field activities (15 points). Students taking the course for graduate credit will take different exams and will be expected to produce a more scientifically rigorous project.

Examinations: The exams will cover materials from lecture, observations from field exercises, and papers discussed in class.

Paper discussions: A major portion of this class will be spent discussing pertinent literature on reservoir ecology.  Students will be responsible for leading these discussion groups and are required to come prepared to contribute to the discussion.  For assigned papers, each student is required to have two written questions and a discussion outline for each question prepared before class. During class, two students will be chosen, at random, to lead the discussion.  Those students will write all the questions from other students on the board and facilitate the discussion. 

Laboratory Report: During week 1, we will be introducing various sampling techniques and data analyses.  These techniques may be employed in week 2 for independent research projects.  A short laboratory report will be required to summarize and analyze data collected on field trips.  This will help to learn how to present data for the independent project.

Independent projects: Students may work alone, in pairs, or groups of three to investigate a particular problem related to reservoir ecology.  I encourage groups because most fish sampling methods require at least two people.  By the end of week 1 you are required to have a research topic approved by the instructor, and we will discuss these projects on Friday of week 1.  You will be expected to present the results of your project to the class at the end of the second week as a PowerPoint presentation.  These presentations will be graded on 1) enthusiasm for the project, 2) quality of data, 3) thorough analysis, and 4) quality of presentation.

Lance and Marsha Williams
Department of Biology
University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler TX 75701
Office phone: (903) 565-5878
Cell: (903) 952-9448
E-mail:
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