Biology

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate professionalism through attendance, lack of tardiness, assignment completion, classroom behavior, and respect for fellow students.
• list and describe the organs and functions of all 11 body systems.
• discuss the concept of homeostasis and its maintenance through feedback loops.
• sketch and explain the components of a feedback loop.
• classify the four types of adult tissues based on structure and function.
• construct accurate concept maps that summarize challenging topics.
• diagnose, using scientific methodology, disease states based on medical case studies and explain the basic underlying disease process for each case.
• describe the main homeostatic feedback loops for each of the 11 body systems.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• apply the text chapter outlining strategy to their own science text.
• construct paraphrases for concepts presented in science textbooks or in their class notes.
• prepare notes for their science class via the Reading Across the Disciplines (RAD) note-taking method.
• interpret various types of graphs and diagrams from their science textbook.
• create concept maps in order to see relationships between ideas presented in their science textbook.
• assess various test taking strategies appropriate for their science class.
• demonstrate ability to read "actively" in their science textbook.
• apply proportional reasoning and spatial awareness techniques to improve content comprehension.
• develop a calendar that indicates study time, modifying it throughout the semester as needed.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain the important biotic and abiotic factors of the various ecosystems of California.
• examine the many different relationships between species.
• apply general ecological concepts.
• incorporate the principles of natural selection in understanding relationships between a species' adaptations and its environment.
• recognize several common species of California plants and animals in the field.
• assess the importance of climate and geology to plant and animal adaptations.
• evaluate the importance of biodiversity to ecosystem health.
• record observations on adaptations and ecology in natural environments.
• discover and explain the importance of biodiversity to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• use the scientific method to pose questions and test hypotheses about the natural world.
• evaluate the design, analysis, and interpretation of scientific experiments.
• recognize and define a core set of biological terms and principles.
• relate the structure of biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids to their functions in cells.
• comprehend some aspects of human physiology based on one or more of the body systems such as the digestive, nervous, immune, and reproductive systems.
• analyze problems involving inherited traits by utilizing the basic principles of Mendelian genetics.
• outline the basic cellular processes involved in cell division and the production of sex cells.
• construct diagrams that outline the roles of DNA, RNA, and proteins in the expression of inherited traits.
• explain the process of biological evolution by the mechanism of natural selection.
• interpret "tree of life" diagrams representing the evolutionary history of a group of organisms.
• evaluate new developments in biology in areas such as infectious disease, genetics, biotechnology, origin of life, and environmental studies.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• use the scientific method to pose questions and test hypothesis about the natural world.
• comprehend experimental design and critically evaluate experimental results.
• perform simple laboratory skills such as observation, precision measurement, and aseptic techniques.
• use the compound light microscope to view living organisms at the cellular level.
• integrate the biological concepts introduced in Contemporary Biology based on the hands-on experience of the laboratory setting.
• evaluate information in the media about contemporary issues in biology that affect human societies such as epidemiology and prevention of disease, human genetics, genetic engineering, the Theory of Evolution vs. creationism, and biodiversity.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain major molecular, cellular, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary principles.
• apply major molecular, cellular, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary principles to basic biological questions.
• apply the scientific method to biological problems and interpret scientific data from a variety of sources for scientific validity and meaning.
• analyze particular biological structures and explain functions of those structures.
• assess information to evaluate scientific hypothesis investigated in the laboratory using inquiry, data collection, and analysis.
• develop scientific literacy by understanding and utilizing the basic vocabulary of the biological sciences and critically assess biological information relevant to life.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• use the scientific method to pose questions and test hypotheses about the natural world.
• explain the mechanisms of evolution and discuss the evolutionary history of life on earth.
• integrate an understanding of basic geologic processes and ecological principles into a global view of how they influence the evolution of organisms.
• distinguish major groups of living organisms as well as specific types of dinosaurs and other ruling reptiles.
• explain the basic mechanisms of animal form and function, especially as related to vertebrates such as dinosaurs.
• assess the environmental disturbances proposed to have driven dinosaurs to extinction, and evaluate how many of these disturbances are occurring today as a result of man's influence on the environment.
• incorporate knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, DNA, and cloning and stem cell technologies into an understanding of what scientists are presently and potentially capable of doing with such technologies.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• use the scientific method to pose questions and test hypotheses about the natural world.
• explain the mechanisms of evolution and discuss the evolutionary history of life on earth.
• integrate understanding of basic geologic processes and ecological principles into a global view of how they influence the evolution of organisms.
• distinguish major groups of living organisms as well as specific types of dinosaurs and other ruling reptiles.
• explain the basic mechanisms of animal form and function, especially as related to vertebrates such as dinosaurs.
• assess the environmental disturbances proposed to have driven dinosaurs to extinction and evaluate how many of these disturbances are occurring today as a result of mans influence on the environment.
• incorporate knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, cellular reproduction, DNA, and cloning and stem cell technologies into an understanding of what scientists are presently and potentially capable of doing with such technologies.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• classify plants into their correct groups: gymnosperms, angiosperms, monocots, eudicots, and others.
• explain flower characteristics, leaf shapes, and other characteristics used in the classification of flowering plants.
• examine unknown plants to determine their flower characteristics, leaf shapes, and other characteristics used in the classification of flowering plants.
• diagnose the correct family and species of unknown plants using a vascular plant dichotomous key.
• compare and contrast the characteristics of at least 25 flowering plant families.
• recognize the correct family of unknown plants by using the learned plant family characteristics.
• recognize common California plants to correct genera and species.
• compare the different plant habitats of California on types of plants, physical environments, and stresses placed on the plants.
• compile a collection of correctly identified plants.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and its role in biological studies.
• analyze adaptations of organisms to their environments.
• compare and contrast current scientific hypotheses on emerging biological topics.
• integrate new data into a better understanding of current and topical biological issues.
• analyze the methodology used in various biological investigations.
• explain ecological roles of organisms within communities.
• recognize taxonomic groups for identification of organisms.
• state the conservation status of taxa and explain reasons for designation of rare and endangered taxa.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• define ethnobotany and discuss the various disciplines included in this area of study.
• examine how ethnocentricity and reactivity can influence ethnobotanical research.
• design a simple ethnobotanical research project that includes scientific methods of collecting ethnobotanical data and ethical issues involved in conducting ethnobotanical research in the field.
• analyze flowering plant parts to determine their classification as to vegetative modifications, flower parts, and/or fruit types.
• discriminate between plant families of ethnobotanical and economic importance.
• categorize plant compounds into primary or secondary compounds, and, if secondary, into their correct type of secondary compound.
• evaluate the effectiveness and ecological impacts of traditional harvesting and management practices compared to current European/North American practices and how traditional ecological knowledge has helped to maintain viable populations of many plant species.
• compare and contrast plant use by various peoples (Anasazi, Cochimi, Miwok, and other groups of interest to the students), and relate this to the ecological constraints of the environment and the values of the particular culture.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• design a simple ethnobotany experiment including methods of collecting ethnobotanical data and a discussion of ethical issues involved in doing this research.
• discriminate between different vegetative modifications, flower parts, fruit types, and plant families of ethnobotanical and economical importance.
• apply the use of dichotomous keys to identify locally useful plants and plant families.
• identify by sight plants used by the Miwok and explain the uses of these plants.
• test whether or not certain plant extracts have antibiotic properties and evaluate the results of these tests.
• evaluate the presence of selected plant food compounds such as proteins, amino acids, and lipids, by performing and analyzing laboratory tests.
• create models of the human nervous system and use these to help explain the effects of various plant chemicals on the human body.
• hypothesize about a plant's usefulness (as food, dye, fiber, or other use) based on its chemical, cellular, and morphological properties.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain fundamental biological terms, concepts, and principles through the study of insect diversity in form and function and through application of the scientific method.
• recognize the importance of insects in their beneficial and adverse interactions with the human environment.
• analyze and identify the role of morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations of insects to environmental pressures and through the natural selection and artificial selection processes.
• examine the high level of diversity found in insects and their fundamental roles in ecosystem function.
• assess the characteristics of the major groups of insect fauna.
• assemble a collection of common insects that are identified to order and family.
• label the primary diagnostic physical characteristics of the various orders of insects.
• compare specimens from various insect orders to understand diagnostic features for identification purposes.
• apply the principles of natural selection to examine how insects rapidly adapt to environmental changes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain evolutionary principles including causes of evolution, evidence for evolution, and phylogenetics.
• use the scientific method to generate hypotheses, collect and analyze data generated through active experimentation, and draw conclusions.
• examine current scientific hypotheses regarding the evolution of birds and flight and evaluate the evidence supporting these views.
• describe avian adaptations for flight.
• describe the major avian physiological systems, including the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and sensory systems.
• use general principles of behavioral ecology to understand avian foraging, competition, social and reproductive behavior, parenting, migration, navigation, and intelligence.
• determine the major conservation issues in the field of ornithology.
• discuss the role of citizen science in understanding, researching, and conserving natural communities.
• demonstrate proper use of binoculars, field guides, and field journals while identifying birds in the field.
• identify and taxonomically classify bird species based on diagnostic field morphology and behavior, especially those species found in California and the western U.S.
• differentiate between the Orders of North American birds and determine their defining characteristics.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• examine information on the biology, pathogenesis, and transmission of infectious disease agents threatening global health.
• explain how the human immune system responds to infectious agents, what factors affect the ability of the immune system to respond to infectious agents, and what factors affect the ability of the immune system to combat infectious disease agents.
• assess factors leading to the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases worldwide including rapid global transport, the effects of malnutrition, poverty, war, urbanization, pollution, government health policies, use/overuse of pesticides and antibiotics, encroachment of wilderness areas, and intensification of animal agriculture.
• explore how the spread of infectious disease agents can be controlled or prevented through medical intervention such as vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, and behavioral and social changes.
• demonstrate expertise with regard to a specific infectious disease by writing a research report.
• design and create a poster or slide presentation illustrating the main points of the natural history of a specific infectious disease agent.
• report results of infectious disease research project.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• evaluate the connection between science in original research and mainstream news, and how bias can affect both.
• cite key discoveries and events in microbiology history.
• find, read, and comprehend simple peer-reviewed scientific journal articles.
• analyze information using the Scientific Method, while incorporating the Nature of Science.
• demonstrate qualities of basic scientific literacy such as how to ask and answer questions, determine suitable controls, and effectively assess evidence.
• compare and contrast a variety of technologically useful microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, and algae.
• describe in general terms how microbes are engineered for a new purpose.
• identify basic features of enzymes and biochemical pathways, and describe how they can be engineered for a new purpose.
• discuss what GMO (genetically modified organism) means, and cite examples of GM (genetically modified) products common to modern culture.
• explain how engineered microbes are applied for use in fields such as bioremediation, biofuels, food science, human health, and biotherapeutics.
• evaluate and discuss the role of microbiology in controversial issues such as GM food, human gene editing (CRISPR), global warming, and diminishing global fuel resources.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain fundamental ecological terms, concepts, and principles through the study of environmental biology.
• examine the various human-caused environmental impacts on biological communities and the environment.
• assess the techniques and practices humans are utilizing to alleviate and mitigate environmental damage.
• review the various historical and current environmental issues.
• compare environmental, social, and economic conditions between the developed world and the developing world.
• describe world population trends and their relationship to environmental degradation.
• apply ecological concepts during critical thinking simulations of real world issues.
• predict the economic and ecological outcomes of changes to consumptive patterns in our lives.
• define the various terminologies used in environmental science and in applications of the scientific method.
• propose sustainable solutions to environmental issues at the personal and societal levels.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain the physical factors that affect climate and how geographic variation of solar energy receipt affects temperature, precipitation, and ecosystems.
• diagram the carbon cycle; explain where carbon is naturally stored in the environment, and how carbon is moved both physically and biologically.
• describe the various layers of the atmosphere and explain their role in producing the greenhouse effect and anthropogenic climate change.
• apply principles of meteorology and global oceanic circulation to hypothesize how terrestrial and marine biotic communities may be impacted by climate change.
• correlate how atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may affect the acidity of oceans and the structure of marine communities.
• understand how scientists collect modern and paleoclimatologic data to determine the history of the earth’s climate and biogeography, and apply scientific reasoning to assess the evidence for human induced climate change.
• analyze the complexities, variables and other difficulties encountered in constructing climate change models and assess why it is difficult to predict the specific future effects of climate change.
• describe global political efforts to deal with the causes and effects of climate change.
• identify how climate change will likely affect human lives and civilizations and develop effective short and long-term strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate basic principles of ecology, population genetics, and evolution/natural selection to the analysis of conservation issues.
• explain the basic concepts of population, community, and ecosystem ecology and apply these to the understanding of conservation issues.
• examine biodiversity in terms of the structure and function of biological systems.
• incorporate concepts of genetic/species diversity in the application of conservation principles.
• appraise patterns of community diversity and community stability.
• apply elements of landscape diversity to healthy ecosystems and community diversity.
• analyze the relationship between the impact of human populations and ecosystem health as it applies to threats on biodiversity.
• explain aspects of economics, law, and resource consumption as they relate to impacts on conservation.
• evaluate the use of protected areas and ex situ conservation strategies in species conservation.
• discriminate and interpret scientific data using the scientific method to develop questions and reach reasoned conclusions in biological conservation.
• analyze conservation case studies and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• explain the background, requirements, and implementation of environmental regulations.
• demonstrate selected field techniques and data gathering methods for wetland delineations.
• assess the process of preparation of environmental documentation for both Federal and California processes.
• define the numerous acronyms that are most commonly used in the environmental regulatory process.
• examine the structure of the U.S. and California governments and their regulatory responsibilities.
• evaluate the policies of various governmental agencies as they pertain to environmental laws enacted by Congress and by California.
• compile a folder/binder of the various federal and state regulations discussed in class and the policy interpretations of those regulations by applicable agencies.
• prioritize governmental regulations, laws, treaties, state constitutions, federal constitution, and state laws in order of legal strength.
• discuss the role of the California Environmental Quality Act in addressing climate change concerns.
• examine the role of public meetings/hearings in the environmental process through attendance at a public sector meeting.
• explain the process of how laws are promulgated by the Legislative branch of government and how the regulations to implement legislation are developed by the Executive branch of government.
• write a public comment letter regarding pending legislation or pending environmental evaluation of the students' choice.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• apply quantitative field research methods to analyze wildlife habitat.
• identify local plants and animals and knowledge of their life histories.
• design and prepare field sampling programs and record, analyze, and interpret data from the sampling programs.
• evaluate survey methods for appropriateness to various habitats and species and justify the selection of specific methodologies.
• inventory plant and animal species in local habitats.
• record findings in a field notebook for later analysis.
• analyze information derived from field measurements through statistical and mapping techniques.
• synthesize field data and translate for use in habitat management applications.
• be able to work with others in a cooperative manner.
• identify individual baseline characteristics and protocols for field measures.
• assess plant and animal communities for production of monitoring reports to federal and state resource agencies.
• record and analyze survey results pertaining to vegetation, fisheries, and wildlife of study parcels.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• analyze the basic principles of ecology in the context of restored ecosystems.
• assess methods and describe materials for restoration of wildlife habitats and ecosystems.
• examine the interactions between humans and the environment, in particular, the detrimental impacts to ecosystems and the resolution of such conflicts.
• critique proposed restoration projects for viability.
• explain how ecological processes such as the hydrologic cycle, nutrient cycle, ecosystem succession, and geological cycles affect the habitat restoration process.
• write a prospectus and conceptual restoration design plan for a restoration project of a hypothetical degraded/damaged habitat.
• develop restoration proposals for stream, riparian, and wetland areas.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• integrate the relationships between the physical aspects (tides, currents, waves, etc.) and biological aspects of the marine environment.
• demonstrate a basic understanding of chemistry, biological organization, and ecology as they apply to the marine environment.
• differentiate the various life forms found in and associated with the marine environment through the use of taxonomic identification and classification.
• discriminate among the various adaptations of marine organisms and associate the adaptions to success in the specific habitats within the ocean ecosystems.
• integrate ecological and human resource perspectives regarding the marine environment.
• research the effects of resource exploitation on specific marine species for presentation.
• examine the coastal marine environment first-hand through field exploration.
• identify the benefits and challenges of learning in group situations during extended field investigations.
• evaluate information from field investigations and incorporate it into a field journal.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• use the scientific method to pose questions and test hypotheses about the natural world.
• evaluate the design, analysis, and interpretation of scientific experiments.
• outline the process of biological evolution by the mechanism of natural selection.
• demonstrate a set of laboratory techniques including light microscopy, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, aseptic cell culture and transformation, and statistical analysis of data.
• recognize and define a core set of biological terms and principles.
• relate the structures of biological molecules such as DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids to their physical properties and functions in cells.
• comprehend metabolic processes based on an understanding of core concepts of thermodynamics, enzyme biochemistry, photosynthesis, and respiration.
• apply knowledge of the major cell structural components such as organelles and the cytoskeleton in order to comprehend and synthesize new information in cell biology.
• describe the fundamental cellular processes involved in cell reproduction and the production of sex cells.
• analyze problems involving inherited traits, including dihybrid (two gene) crosses, a variety of dominance patterns, gene interactions, and linkage by utilizing the basic principles of Mendelian genetics.
• integrate the principles of genetics with the roles of DNA, RNA, and proteins in the expression of inherited traits.
• discuss recent developments in DNA technology and genetic engineering.
• explain the distinction between eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells, and viruses and evaluate new information based on their structural and functional characteristics.
• evaluate new developments in biology in areas such as gene expression and cancer, stem cell research, infectious diseases, molecular genetics, biotechnology, origin of life, and genomics.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• examine the plant form, anatomy, and function of plants, fungi, algae, and cyanobacteria.
• integrate prior acquired knowledge of cell structure and function with knowledge of plant cell structure and function.
• classify organisms studied in this course into their appropriate domains, kingdoms, and phyla on the basis of their characteristics.
• analyze the evolutionary trends observed among the cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and plants.
• generate hypotheses relating to general ecology (including non-photosynthetic organisms) or to the physiology of plants.
• evaluate hypotheses by performing experiments and analyzing the collected data.
• apply at least one ecological principle or hypothesis, such as but not limited to top-down control or indirect effects, to contemporary published journal articles or experiments.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• evaluate and discuss the concepts and mechanisms of microevolution and macroevolution, adaptation, population genetics, speciation, classification, and phylogenetics.
• provide evidence for evolution.
• understand and compare different patterns of animal development, life cycles, and asexual and sexual reproduction.
• understand the role of gene expression in animal development and evolution.
• examine the characteristics of representative unicellular non-photosynthetic eukaryotes, understand their phylogenetic relationships, and describe the origin of multicellularity.
• construct and interpret phylogenies, understand and diagram the phylogenetic relationships among the major animal phyla and in relation to non-photosynthetic unicellular eukaryotes, and explain the lines of evidence and research used to determine such relationships.
• describe the characteristics, body plans, life cycles, and behavior of the major animal phyla.
• analyze evolutionary transitions in the animal lineage and the evolutionary origins of novel animal body plans and characteristics.
• describe, compare, and contrast the anatomy and functions of the major physiological systems of various animal taxa, including nervous, endocrine, sensory, and immune function; movement; circulation; gas exchange; nutrient acquisition; excretion; and reproduction.
• identify examples of animal behavior and explain the evolutionary significance of particular behaviors.
• use microscopy and dissection methods to identify anatomical structures in animals and describe the functions of those structures.
• apply scientific methodology and reasoning through active experiments, investigations, and critical thinking activities relating to evolution and animal biology.
• acquire, use, and cite scientific literature appropriately in scientific writing.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the overall organization of the human body, its organ systems, and organs.
• demonstrate a fundamental understanding of homeostasis and feedback loops using diagrams.
• demonstrate the ability to properly use a microscope to view histological specimens.
• differentiate the main histological characteristics of tissues in the adult body and relate the characteristics to the function of the tissue.
• analyze and discuss data pertaining to osmosis.
• identify all bones and their features and most muscles by name.
• measure basic auditory functions using tuning forks.
• associate a specific disease with the body system involved.
• demonstrate an understanding of the intricacy and functional interrelationships that exist between the various body systems.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• evaluate the fundamental background of human structure and function at both the gross and microscopic levels.
• demonstrate an understanding of the functional interrelationships among the various body systems.
• analyze various physiological processes of the body.
• identify gross and microscopic anatomy of the heart including anatomy of blood vessels and physiological mechanisms of the vascular system.
• research respiratory physiology through data acquisition and analysis from volunteer subjects.
• collect research data pertaining to digestive functions and interpret the results.
• evaluate the chemical processes and components of artificial urine as part of studies in the gross and microscopic anatomy of the urinary system.
• explain the human reproductive system from fertilization to birth.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• examine cellular and biochemical changes that take place as a result of injury.
• compare specific disease processes to those of normal body function and homeostasis.
• identify microscopic and gross changes that take place during disease processes.
• assess how the systems of the body work together to maintain health.
• examine the effects of disease on all related systems.
• relate physical signs and symptoms to the disease process taking place within the body.
• hypothesize the possible etiology of disease given the clinical manifestations.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• survey important "milestones" in the history of microbiology.
• compare and contrast the structures and functions of macromolecules found as components of microbial agents/microorganisms.
• compare and contrast different types of metabolism/metabolic pathways employed by different types of microbes.
• compare and contrast different types of microbial agents and microorganisms with respect to morphology, physiology, and phylogeny.
• integrate concepts of gene expression, natural selection, and evolution in the context of microbiological organisms.
• operate a microscope to examine microscopic life including bacteria, protozoa, algae, fungi, helminths, and arthropod vectors.
• differentiate bacterial cultures by using staining techniques.
• compare the use of different types of microbial media for isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi.
• classify unknown bacteria by performing metabolic tests.
• incorporate aseptic/sterile techniques in all laboratory experiments.
• compare and explain the effects of physical and chemical factors in controlling microbial growth and perform antibiotic sensitivity tests.
• explain the role of bacteria in biofilm formation and nitrogen cycling as important aspects of prokaryotic ecology.
• explain aspects of host non-specific and specific defenses against microbial pathogens.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• discuss the scientific method and its role in biological studies.
• describe a contemporary or relevant biological/ecological topic.
• compare and contrast current scientific hypotheses on a biological topic and evaluate the evidence for each hypothesis
• integrate new data into a better understanding of current and topical biological issues.
• analyze the methodology used in various biological investigations.
• assess and critique current papers (both scientific and layperson) in biological research.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• conceive and implement a study design using the scientific method for a biological investigation or an education investigation in a biological or ecological topic.
• evaluate data collected as part of a biological/ecological study utilizing the scientific method.
• demonstrate an understanding of a contemporary and relevant biological/ecological topic.
• be able to work with others in a collaborative manner.
• record high quality notes of data and findings.
• prepare a product from a study - such as a paper, scientific poster, presentation, collection, etc.
• examine literature sources pertinent to the study hypothesis, methodology, and data results.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between organisms (interspecific and intraspecific relationships).
• analyze the interrelationships between organisms and their abiotic environment.
• research the natural history and ecological importance of specifically assigned organisms.
• investigate the effects of past and present human use of the desert ecosystem.
• identify organisms representative of the various habitats present in the Mojave Desert.
• use a field journal to record all observations, investigations, and field activities.
• conceive and execute investigations of ecological interactions in the Mojave Desert.
• apply scientific methodologies to the analysis and interpretation of observations.
• be able to work with others in a group living and learning environment.
• create an educational presentation regarding a species or ecological process that occurs in the Mojave Desert and present the research to classmates while at the field station.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify organisms representative of the various habitats present in the Mojave Desert.
• research the natural history and ecological importance of specifically assigned organisms or interacting organism groups (guilds).
• analyze the interrelationships between communities of organisms and their abiotic environment.
• demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between organisms - both interspecific and intraspecific relationships.
• investigate resource management needs and implications in desert environments with a specific emphasis on Mojave National Preserve.
• examine the effects of climate change on desert ecosystems.
• use a field journal to record all observations, investigations, and field activities.
• conceive and execute investigations of ecological interactions in the Mojave Desert.
• apply scientific methodologies to the analysis and interpretation of observations.
• mentor students new to the Mojave Desert and provide leadership during group learning exercises.
• be able to work with others in a group living and learning environment.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• interpret the interrelationships between organisms (interspecific and intraspecific relationships) and the evolutionary significance of these interrelationships.
• analyze the interrelationships between organisms and their abiotic environment.
• research the natural history and ecological importance of specifically assigned organisms.
• examine the interactions of organisms and physical processes at the interface between the desert and marine ecosystems.
• investigate the effects of past and present human use of the desert ecosystem and the Gulf of California.
• identify organisms representative of the various habitats present in Baja California and the Gulf of California.
• use a field journal to record all observations, investigations, and field activities.
• conceive and execute investigations of ecological interactions in the desert and marine environment of Baja California.
• apply the scientific method to the analysis and interpretation of observations.
• associate closely with others in a group living and learning environment.
• create an educational presentation regarding a species or ecological process that occurs in this area of Baja California and present the research to classmates while at the field station.
• partner with the nearby natural history museum in public outreach efforts with the local community.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• interpret the interrelationships between discussed organisms both interspecifically and intraspecifically.
• examine the interrelationships between organisms and their abiotic environment.
• identify organisms that can be found in the Sutter Buttes.
• understand the effects of past and present human use of the habitats found in the Sutter Buttes.
• apply scientific methodologies to the analysis and interpretation of observations.
• record all observations, investigations, and field activities in a field journal.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• identify flowering or gymnosperm plants to correct species and family.
• explain the abiotic and biotic factors that determine the distribution of plant communities in the Sierra Nevada and nearby areas.
• diagnose the correct family and/or species of a plant by using The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California.
• discriminate between different flowering and gymnosperm plant families.
• explain the interrelationship of plants and other organisms in representative communities.
• associate plants with the community or communities in which they usually occur.
• research natural history, ecological importance, and ethnobotany of specific plants.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• conceive and implement a study design for a biological field investigation in a biological or ecological topic.
• evaluate data collected as part of a biological or ecological study utilizing the scientific method.
• demonstrate an understanding of a contemporary and relevant biological or ecological topic.
• collaboratively work with an instructor or instructors and other students.
• record high quality notes of the data and findings.
• utilize a field journal of the research in a manner consistent with scientific research.
• prepare a product from the study, such as a paper, scientific poster, presentation, or collection.
• examine literature sources pertinent to the study hypothesis, methodology, and data results.