Course Content and Outcome Guide for BI 164
- Date:
- 23-FEB-2010
- Posted by:
- Curriculum Office
- Course Number:
- BI 164
- Course Title:
- Bird ID and Ecology
- Credit Hours:
- 4
- Lecture hours:
- 30
- Lecture/Lab hours:
- 0
- Lab hours:
- 30
- Special Fee:
- $12
Course Description
Bird ID and Ecology An introductory course to the biology of birds of the Pacific Northwest. Emphasizes learning bird identification in the field by sight and sound. Aspects of avian ecology, natural history, and behavior will be studied. The student will be introduced to field techniques for identifying and studying birds. Recommended completion of WR 115 or placement into WR 121.Addendum to Course Description
To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, the Portland Community College Biology Departments stand by the following statements about what is science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory in the discipline of the biological sciences.
- Science is a fundamentally nondogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither a guess, dogma, nor myth. The theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are modified and revised through observation and experimentation.
- The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, creation "science" is neither self-examining nor investigatory. Creation "science" is not considered a legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School District #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).
Biology instructors of Portland Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity of life. We, the Biology Subject Area Curriculum Committee at Portland Community College, therefore stand with such organizations as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula.
Intended Outcomes for the course
A student will collaboratively and independently:
- Develop knowledge of the common bird species in Oregon, and the ability to identify bird species anywhere in the world.
- Become familiar with field techniques for studying bird populations, behavior, breeding biology, and ecology.
- Develop knowledge of basic biological principles in ecology, behavior, evolution, anatomy and physiology, relationships between form and function, breeding, populations, and conservation biology by studying these aspects in birds.
- Develop skills in science by understanding scientific principles and research.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
- Essay and multiple choice exams
- Maintain a detailed field notebook
- Weekly applications of laboratory and field experiences
- Independent research projects
- Bird identification tests in field and class
- Conduct independent research via scientific literature and/or in the field
- Write reports
- Oral presentations
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Concepts and Themes:
- Bird Identification
- Taxonomic relationships between birds with an evolutionary perspective
- Fundamental principles of ecology, anatomy and physiology, behavior
- Habitat associations of birds
- Important areas in the Pacific Northwest for birds
- Human interactions with birds and conservation of birds
- Field identification and study of birds
- Form and function of birds in relation to their environment
Process Skills (Competency skills):
- Read
- Knowledge of bird species of Pacific Northwest
- Write
- Apply scientific method
- Present conclusions logically in oral and written reports
- Develop field skills and techniques
- Locate and access information
- Think critically