WETLANDS SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT
WETLANDS ECOLOGY
ES 5273 , Sec. 050, 3 credit hours
ZOO 5970, Sec. 051, 3 credit hours

Syllabus - PDF
This syllabus is tentative and subject to change

Description: This graduate course provides a comprehensive field-based examination of wetland science and management. Major wetland types and resources are examined and the biogeochemical and ecological diversity of wetland waters, soils, vegetation and fauna is investigated.  Biological, physical, chemical, and hydrological aspects of wetland ecosystem structure and function are explored through visits to several field sites.  Current issues in wetland valuation, classification, management and identification are considered as well as the assessment of created, restored and treatment wetlands.

Objectives:    

• To introduce inland and coastal wetlands from an ecosystem perspective
• To develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of wetlands
• To examine the linkages between wetland ecosystem function and wetland management
• To accomplish the above in an enjoyable and exciting field setting!
  

Textbooks: Mitsch, W. J. and J. G. Gosselink. (2007). Wetlands (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.   ISBN: 978-0-471-69967-5. $78.21 to $79.75 plus tax

Course Format: We will spend approximately 30% of our time in lecture/discussion and 70% of our time in field and laboratory analyses over the two-week period.  Several field trips outside of the Biological Station will be involved.  Be prepared for field work in hot summer weather - a good hat, good shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle are musts!  Hip boots or waders are optional, but if you don’t have any, plan on getting wet.  Due to the field-intensive nature of the class, there will most likely be times when we will need to leave UOBS very early in the morning, and return late in the evenings.  When this occurs, appropriate adjustments will be made to the remaining schedule.  At least one (very) full-day field trip to several field sites in southeastern Oklahoma will be scheduled.

Available at the Biological Station:

• Sunscreen: $3.77-$6.37 plus tax
• Insect repellant: $3.30-$4.46 plus tax

Attendance/Participation: Attendance at all class sessions and participation in discussions is expected of all students (and it is part of your grade!) Class sessions will begin on time!  Please be aware that course meeting times may vary (see above).

Team Exercises and Discussions: Students will work in pairs or small teams on several in-class exercises and discussions.  Students will be required to provide brief oral summaries of these exercises.

Laboratories: The bulk of the course focuses on completion of eight laboratories.  Individual labs may include field work, wet lab analyses, calculations, data interpretation and analysis and/or supplemental reading and interpretation.  All students must submit individual laboratory write-ups on time. 

Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be conducted on the last day of the session.

Timely Submission: Please note that, due to the compressed nature of this course, it is imperative that all students complete reading assignments, laboratories and home works in a timely manner.  No late submissions will be accepted.

Grading Policy:

• Participation/discussion                          5%
• Laboratories (8 for 10% each)              80%
• Exam                                                     15%

                                                            100%

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 Dr. Nairn, Janet Isaac, 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.

Codes of Behavior:  Each student should acquaint her or his self with the University’s codes, policies, and procedures involving academic misconduct, grievances, sexual and ethnic harassment, and discrimination based on physical handicap.

Academic misconduct: It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies and procedures concerning academic misconduct. Instances of academic misconduct and classroom disruption will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. “The Academic Misconduct Code is available at/www.ou.edu/provost/pronew/content/integritymenu.html. 

By accepting this syllabus, all students agree to the following contract:  “As a member of The University of Oklahoma, I understand that enrollment creates special obligations beyond those attendant upon membership in the general society. In addition to the requirement of compliance with the general law, I assume the obligation to comply with all University policies and campus regulations. I understand that behavior that it considered, by the instructor; to be a disruption or obstruction of teaching will not be tolerated. I further understand that if my behavior is considered to be of such a nature, I will be asked to leave the classroom and may be formally charged under The University of Oklahoma Student Code of Responsibilities and Conduct and, if so, will be subject to appropriate sanctions under Title 17 of the Code. I also agree to uphold the academic integrity of The University of Oklahoma. I understand that any incidents of academic misconduct discovered by the instructor will be handled in accordance with the Academic Misconduct Code.” 

Religious holidays:  It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall on religious holidays.

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Robert Nairn
The University of Oklahoma
School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
202 W. Boyd Street
Norman, OK 73019
Phone: (405) 325-3354
Bio Page: www.coe.ou.edu/ebel/
E-mail: