PCC/ CCOG / ESR

Course Content and Outcome Guide for ESR 204

Date:
21-SEP-2012
Posted by:
Joy Killgore
Course Number:
ESR 204
Course Title:
Intro to Env Restoration
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture hours:
0
Lecture/Lab hours:
0
Lab hours:
0
Special Fee:
$12

Course Description

Develops an understanding of the techniques and practices of environmental restoration using hands-on practice in the field. Includes riparian restoration and restoration in wetlands and upland ecosystems topics. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores, and ESR 160 or BI 143. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

  • Use an understanding of ecosystem functioning and human effects upon ecosystems
  • Utilize field and laboratory methods/technologies to assess site conditions including soils, hydrology, and plant composition
  • Use concepts of environmental restoration to manage and restore an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or contaminated from human activity or natural agents

Course Activities and Design

  • Essay exams
  • Write-ups of field and laboratory experiences
  • Research paper on class environmental assessment
  • Oral presentation of lab results
  • Self-assessment of group dynamics

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Energy relationships and environmental systems
  • Biogeochemical cycles
  • Land, Soil, Watershed
  • Water Quality
  • Human Impacts
  • Field sampling
  • Measuring of environmental parameters --Lab and field skills
  • Computer Modeling
  • Data analysis

 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Read and process scientific papers
  • Write using the scientific format
  • Use basic math and statistics appropriately
  • Apply scientific method
  • Field and lab techniques and equipment
  • Perform water quality analysis
  • Use of taxonomic key
  • Equipment to analyze upland microclimates
  • Hydrologic data collection
  • Locating and accessing information
  • Think critically
  • Collaborate with peers -- Work effectively in groups
  • Present conclusions logically
  • Use spreadsheet for data analyses
  • Use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)