Riparian/Floodplain Ecology

Course Syllabus

Course Overview:  This course focuses on the integrative principles of river, groundwater and riparian ecology as a means of exploring the biophysical structure and ecology of riverine corridors.  Riparian landscapes are a biophysical composite of river, hyporheic and floodplain environments.  These landscapes are somewhat linear in nature, forming a dynamic eco-tone between aquatic and terrestrial upland habitats.  The goal of this course will be to introduce students to the ecology of riverine corridors, key aspects of fluvial geomorphology, surface:subsurface interactions, and current floodplain management and restoration strategies.  Groundwater and riparian sampling protocols will be reviewed, including integration of GPS/GIS-based techniques.

Class Website:         http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/floodplain_ecology

Meeting Time/Location:    CNR 209; MWF (10:20-11:30)

Textbook & Class Readings :  Currently a riparian/floodplain ecology textbook is not available for this course. Class readings will thus focus on special issues of Freshwater Biology (Volumes 40 ~ 1998 & 47 ~ 2002), and articles from Bioscience, Geomorphology, River Research & Management, Wetlands, among other sources. 

Exams/Quizzes:  Two exams (take-home) will be given during the semester.  Each exam will focus largely on materials covered in class prior to the exam, though testing will be cumulative in nature. The format of these exams will be largely essay with some definitions and problem sets. In addition, there will be 3 quizzes during the semester.

Literature Review Sessions: Each friday, there will be student-led discussions of research papers pertinent to lecture topics for that week. The student will be the primary discussion leader and prepare a short handout (1-2 pages), which identifies the paper’s strengths, weaknesses and important findings. In addition, two undergrad students and all graduate students will be assigned to read this paper and assist with discussion.

Field Trips/Projects:  Field trips/projects are an integral part of the class. There will be three field trips during the semester (One is optional, the other two are required). Dates/locations TBA

Research Papers/Proposals:  Undergraduates will write a research paper on a contemporary topic of interest in riparian ecology and management. Graduate students will be required to write a research proposal (based upon either thesis research or another topic of interest).  Format of the proposal will follow requirements typical of research proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (doctoral improvement grants/postdoctoral studies).  Draft papers/proposals will be due one month prior to the end of the semester.  Following initial review, revised papers are due the last day of class. 

Evaluation Criteria:        (Total Points for Semester = 600)
2 Exams (100 pts each)                                            200
4 Quizzes (20pts each)                                                80
Literature review                                                         50
Field trips                                                                 100
Research Paper/Proposal                                          120
Class Participation                                                       50

Grading Criteria:
   A ~ 90-100%; B ~ 80-89%; C ~ 70-79%; D ~ 60-69%

Expectations of Students: Be prepared for class discussions; read assignments before lecture.
Diligently work to obtain a broad working knowledge of riparian ecosystems and their management in forest & rangeland environments (headwaters to lowland alluvial rivers). Actively participate in all class activities.

Library Reference Texts:
Gilbert, J. et al. (eds). 1994. Ground-water ecology. Academic Press, NY.
Hauer, S.R., G.A. Lamberti. 1998.  Methods in Stream Ecology. Academic Press, NY.
Leopold, L. B. 1994. A View of the River.  Harvard University Press.
Malanson, G.P. 1993.  Riparian Landscapes. Cambridge University Press .
Naiman, R.J., R. Bilby (eds). 1998. River Ecology and Management. Springer-Verlag 

Instructor:
Jeffrey H. Braatne, PhD
Asst. Professor of Floodplain Ecology
UI - Departments of Fish and Wildlife Resources
& Rangeland Ecology and Management
ph: 208-885-9712
braatne@uidaho.edu

Office hours: MWF  11:30-Noon

TA:  Kara Anlauf,  Dept of Fish & Wildlife Resources