INTRODUCTION TO STREAM ECOLOGY
ZOO 4970/5970, Sec. 054, 3 credit hours
Syllabus - PDF
Course Description: A survey of the physical, chemical and biological components that comprise lotic ecosystems with field laboratory examples. Investigations include the uniqueness of the stream environment, organismal adaptations to stream life and the factors determining lotic community structure as understood through ecological principles.
Topics Covered: Topics will include: Physical and chemical characteristics of streams; characterization of drainage basins; the stream as a continuum; movement, migration and drift in aquatic communities; resource partitioning and limiting similarity in lotic systems; and stream community structure in response to stochastic and deterministic forces.
Laboratory: This portion of the course will involve field trips and lab exercises. Laboratories will be conducted each afternoon. An all-day trip is tentatively scheduled for the second week of the course as logistics allow. Students will analyze stream community structure, habitat associations and feeding groups through the collection and identification of fishes and aquatic invertebrates. Graduate students will be required to do an additional research project to be decided with the instructor.
Examinations: Grades will be based upon two lecture exams, and a lab practical requiring the identification of fish species, aquatic invertebrate families, and a practical understanding of field assessment procedures and equipment.
Grading Policy: Grades are based on a 10 point scale (90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, etc.). Exam 1 = 100 pts., Exam 2 = 100 pts. and the Lab Final = 100 pts. Graduate students must score 3% higher in all grade categories to receive the same grade as undergraduate students and a more complete mastery of material is expected.
Time Required: Students will be required to attend field trips that may take longer than regularly scheduled class hours. In addition, the lab will be open after class hours (evenings) so students can examine/study materials. Historically, students that take advantage of these extra hours have high quality experiences in the course.
Text: Voshell, J. Reese, (2002) A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. The McDonald & Woodward Publishing Co., Blacksburg. ISBN: 0-939923-87-4 $23.07 plus tax
Miller, R.J. and H. W. Robinson. (2004) Fishes of Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma Press, Norman. ISBN: 0-8061-3610-3 $32.63 plus tax
Materials Required Other Than Textbook: Field notebook, dissecting kit, and fine-point forceps.
(fine-point forceps will be available for purchase at the Biological Station). Snorkeling equipment is
optional. This class involves in-depth fieldwork (getting dirty, wet and carrying equipment over
uneven surfaces); therefore, it is advisable that you bring appropriate clothing for these activities.
Available at the Biological Station:
- Field notebook (all weather) : $3.77 plus tax
- Dissecting kit:
- Fine-point forceps:
Reasonable Accommodation: The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course are requested to contact the professor, William Stark, as well as Janat Issac, UOBS, (405)-325-7431, well in advance to the start of class. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course. The Disability Resource Center is located in Goddard Health Center, Suite 166, or by calling (405) 325-3852 or TDD only (405) 325-4173.
William Stark
Fort Hays State University
Department of Biological Sciences
319 Albertson Hall
600 Park St.
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5681
Fax: (785) 628-4153
Bio page: www.fhsu.edu/biology/stark.htm
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