ENVC 122 - Stream Ecology

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to physical, chemical and biological components of lotic systems and their anthropogenic impacts. Sampling techniques, lab procedures, water quality and stream habitat will be evaluated. Perform bioassessment. Exploration of global and cultural issues in relation to rivers.

Prerequisite: None.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify, measure, and interpret water quality and habitat parameters that can be used to evaluate ecosystem health, including description of macroinvertebrate communities.
Explain land and water uses that affect stream and river quality.
Discuss cultural issues regarding water quality, stream habitat, and uses on a local and global scale.
Explain the importance of riparian ecotones and interactions between aquatic and terrestrial systems.
Conduct field sampling of stream habitats using the Timber/Fish/Wildlife (TFW) Policy Committee ambient monitoring protocol.

Course Contents

Channels and flow, water chemistry. Physical factors.
Primary production and allochthonous inputs. Trophic relationships.
Predation, herbivory, competition. Drift.
Organic matter. Nutrients.
Anthropogenic impacts.

Instructional Units: 5.5