Western Field Biology Course Offerings, Summer 2006
By Roger A. Anderson
Associate Professor of Biology
Western Washington University

Two Courses, to be taken simultaneously:
Ecological Methods Biol 417a (6 Cr)
Research in Reptile Ecology Biol 417b (6 Cr)

Course Descriptions:

            Biol 417a, Ecological Methods: 6 credits. Field research; comparative investigations and application of alternative methods and instrumentation for measuring an array of ecologically-relevant parameters, such as spatiotemporal variation in microclimate, or vegetation, or terrestrial invertebrate abundance and diversity.  Field work will be in three meso-habitats, performed in 3-4 person teams, and will produce publication-quality data.  Special Course Fee payable at Summer Session Office by June 17.  The special course fee for Ecological Methods is $400.  This field course is largely self-supporting, that is, the special course fees pay for food, travel , field supplies for camping and research, and field research equipment and instrumentation. This course must be taken concurrent with Research in Reptile Ecology.  June 18-July 30, 2008
 
            Biol 417b, Research in Reptile Ecology: 6 credits. Field research on the behavioral ecology and physiological ecology of reptiles, conducted in 3 or 4-person teams.   Observational-comparative and experimental methods will be learned, and the research results will be analyzed and interpreted with respect to the data collected from Ecological Methods.  Field research by the entire class will focus on developing knowledge and understanding of the population ecology of reptiles.  Special Course Fee payable at the Summer Session Office by June 17.  The special course fee for Research in Reptile Ecology is $400, which is one-half the total for special course fees. This field course is largely self-supporting, that is, the special course fees pay for food, travel, expendable field supplies for camping and research, and field research equipment and instrumentation. This course must be taken concurrent with Ecological Methods.  June 18-July 30, 2008.

Time Commitment:

Course Objectives of Western Field Biology

            Students will obtain experience in theory and practice of field research, particularly in reptile ecology.  Part of the effort is as an entire class; we will measure distribution and abundance of a few focal species of reptiles in three habitats. Students will also pursue small team research projects in behavioral and physiological ecology of reptiles, wherein there is a very real potential for publication.

            Because knowing the environmental milieu is essential for an understanding of reptile ecology, equal effort will be placed in an Ecological Methods course. Students will learn and perform a variety of techniques used for measuring essential features of the microclimate (e.g., spatiotemporal patterns in temperature, humidity, wind, direct and reflected insolation), vegetation (plant form, diversity, and distribution), and terrestrial invertebrates (spatiotemporal patterns in distribution, abundance, and diversity).  Comparisons of technique effectiveness and reliability will be enhanced by work in three habitats.  Both automated instrumentation (e.g., weather station) and hand-held instruments will be utilized.

            Upon completion of these courses, students will have the abilities to pursue independently both basic and applied research.  Two field courses listed in their transcripts will provide these students with very noteworthy credentials, attractive to graduate programs, government agencies, and environmental assessment firms.
           
            The joint efforts of students, TA, and professor will produce a useful and valuable database and a perspective on the ecology of reptiles in the northwestern U.S.A. that is lacking heretofore.  These efforts will be highly heuristic, and are likely to lead to further field courses and research efforts.  Students will be encouraged to present posters and give talks at regional scientific meetings.

            The general learning objectives of these group research projects are to help students understand how to:
            (1) ask scientific questions,
            (2) frame those questions into testable hypotheses,
            (3) set up the research into well-defined procedures with an accurate knowledge of conditions intrinsic and extrinsic to the subject animals,

1. obtain reliable, statistically analyzable data, and        
2. communicate results both verbally and in writing, in a scientific paper format.

And yes, the field experience has been designed to be enjoyed.  Student testimonials are available upon request!

Requirements for students in Ecological Methods:

1) Each student will review literature on a particular instrumentation or method.  This effort will provide a focused perspective that will support the research team’s comparative analysis of two techniques.

            2) For each of two-three habitats, each student will be part of a research team that develops, conducts, analyzes, and provides a comparative analysis of two techniques designed to characterize the environmental parameter.  The team participates in the design of a research project, including all sample sizes and statistical tests anticipated, conducts the research, enters data in Excel, analyzes the results with Systat, makes figures with Sigma Plot, and composes a poster in MS Word; if the work coordinates well with the Research in Reptile Ecology, then a single, integrated presentation will be permitted.  The plans for the poster are submitted, reviewed, and resubmitted; with the experience culminating in a poster presentation.  Time permitting, each student also will be individually evaluated in an oral exit interview.

1) Each student will be part of a research team on the behavioral ecology or physiological ecology of lizards.  The team proposes a specific research project chosen among a list of options.   Fully explicated techniques that have been tried for their efficacy, including data sheets that are easily placed into Excel format are required.  Students must anticipate needed sample sizes. Students perform the research with frequent consultation with TA and course instructor.  Upon return to campus student research teams enter data in Excel, analyze the results with Systat, make figures with Sigma Plot, and compose a poster in MS Word, perhaps in an integrated effort with the work for Ecological Methods (poster is the incipient stage for a possible paper for publication). The plans for the poster are submitted, reviewed by other research teams and course instructor, and resubmitted; with the experience culminating in a poster presentation.  Time permitting, each student also will be individually evaluated in an oral exit interview.

2) All students also will contribute effort to capture-mark-release-recapture studies in each habitat, and will be able to see the results of their efforts as a post-course presentation by the TA on methods for estimating population density. 

Field work requires tent camping in rigorous, windy, primitive conditions.  Although venomous snakes will not be studied, they do pose a field hazard, as do stinging insects, and thorns.  The high elevation (4000 ft), low humidity, high midday sun, and high heat of afternoon can be problematic if one is not vigilant about avoiding dehydration and overheating.

Additional Information:
See PDF document for detailed course requirements, a list of recommended texts, and instructor's qualifications.