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Course Description:
This course will present ecological principles made relevant by examples from Pacific Island ecosystems and from interactions of humans with our island reefs and forests. It will focus on the close interrelationship between the physical (hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere) and biological (biosphere) environments of tropical Pacific islands and the impact of human colonization. Emphasis will be placed on islands as “closed” systems with limited surface area and resources. Drastic alteration to Pacific island environments by rapid population growth, industrialization and modern technology within the last century will be explored.
A. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOS):
The student will be able to:
B. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOS) - GENERAL
The student will be able to:
SLO |
PLO 1 |
PLO 2 |
PLO 3 |
PLO 4 |
PLO 5 |
1 |
|
|
|
ID |
IDM |
2 |
|
|
|
ID |
IDM |
3 |
|
I |
|
ID |
ID |
4 |
|
|
|
ID |
ID |
5 |
|
ID |
|
ID |
ID |
6 |
|
|
|
ID |
I |
7 |
|
|
|
I |
I |
I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered
C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOS) – SPECIFIC
The student will be able to:
General SLO 1: Become familiar with the scientific concepts of "environment" and "ecology".
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
1.1 Identify the relationship among the scientific concepts, At least 70% correct Principles and theories of environment and ecology, as on objective tests they pertain to the following:
|
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
1.2 Apply procedures of scientific methods as part of the inquiry process in weekly lab experiments on topics of environment and ecology. |
At least 70% correct on lab checklists |
General SLO 2: Describe four major Pacific island types and explain their origins.
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
2.1 Identify and explain geologic processes in the development of Pacific islands as well as their resources and limitations |
At least 70% correct on lab checklists |
2.2 Apply procedures of scientific methods as part of the Inquiry process in weekly lab experiments on topics of Island geologic development, resources, and limitations. |
At least 70% correct on lab checklists |
General SLO 3. Develop understanding of the past and present impact of humankind on the tropical Pacific island ecosystems.
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
3.1 Express mathematically human impact, including how technology influences these impacts on a variety of ecosystemss. |
At least 70% correct on lab checklists |
3.2 Describe and explain how human activities affect the tropical Pacific islands and their ecosystems:
|
At least 70% correct on lab checklists |
3.3 Identify such human impacts on tropical Pacific island ecosystems |
At least 70% correct on lab checklists |
General SLO 4. Develop a vocabulary that allows students to discuss environmental realities linked to environmental challenges.
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
4.1 Use appropriate vocabulary to discuss environmental topics (in classroom discussion, exercises, assignments, and exams) |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
4.2 Apply vocabulary in the use of scientific methods in lab reports |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
General SLO 5. Identify “global issues” concerning the world environment and their impact on tropical Pacific islands.
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
5.1 Explain graphic presentations (charts, tables, maps, and graphs)related to "global issues". |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
5.2 Describe and explain global environmental issues, such as global warming and ozone layer depletion, and link them to projected catastrophes in tropical Pacific island communities |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
5.3 Apply procedures of scientific methods as part of the Inquiry process in weekly lab experiments related to "global issues". |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
General SLO 6. Understand environmental ethics in relation to traditional or cultural knowledge of the environment.
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
6.1 Compare and contrast traditional and modern ethics related to environment, and identify those that would benefit our environment today |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
6.2 Apply procedures of scientific methods as part of the inquiry process in weekly lab experiments related to traditional practices of benefit today. |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
General SLO 7. Recognize sustainable patterns in tropical island environments.
Student Learning Outcomes |
Assessment strategies |
7.1 Identify best conservation practices (both traditional and modern), as presented by guest speakers from local conservation agencies. |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
7.2 Describe and identify best conservation practices in the context of scientific methods |
At least 70% correct on objective tests |
D. COURSE CONTENT
F. REQUIRED TEXT AND COURSE MATERIALS
Lobban, S.C. and M. Schefter. Tropical Pacific Island Environments. Guam: University of Guam Press.1997 (or most recent edition).
G. REFERENCE MATERIALS
PCunningham, W. P. and B. W. Saigo. Environmental Science. A Global Concern. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education. 2001 ( or most recent edition).
Enger E.D. & B.F. Smith. Environmental Science. A Study of Interrelationships. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. 2000 ( or most recent edition).
Tyler Miller G. Jr. Living in the Environment. 11th ed. New York: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co. 1999 ( or most recent edition).
H. INSTRUCTIONAL COST
$25.00 for gasoline for lab field trips.
I. EVALUATION
None
J. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None
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