FISH 435: Wetland Ecology
Course Syllabus
Course Overview: This course focuses on the integrative principles of wetland hydrology, soil and vegetation as a means of understanding the biophysical structure and ecology of wetlands. Wetlands occur at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, thus the goal of this course will be to introduce students to key aspects of wetland hydrology, soil genesis and ecological interactions. Strategies for the delineation, management and restoration of wetland habitats will also be explored.
Class Website: http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/wetland_ecology
Meeting Time/Location: CNR 108; M & F (8:30-9:20), TR (12:30-1:45)
Textbook: "Wetlands" by W.J. Mitsch & J.G. Gosselink, 3rd
Edition, J.Wiley & Sons, NY.
(Available at the UI-Campus Bookstore or Amazon.com). Optional text:
"Wetlands: characteristics and boundaries" by the National Research
Council Committee on Characterization of Wetlands. 1995. National Academy
Press, Washington, DC.
Exams/Quizzes: Two exams 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. There will also be four quizzes during the course of the semester. The format of these exams/quizzes will be largely essay with some definitions and problem sets.
Field Trips/Projects: Field trips and research projects will be an integral part of the class. There will be two field trips (Friday through Sunday) during the semester. These field trips to the Prairie Pothole Wetlands (April 18-20) and Turnbull Wetlands (May 3-4) will review concepts of wetland hydrology, soils and vegetation with emphasis upon different sampling protocols. A problem set will be distributed prior to each trip, which will be due the following Friday. In addition, there will be two research projects studying the relationships between: a) wetland hydrology and soils genesis and b) wetland hydrology and plant distribution. A write-up of methods, results as well as ecological and regulatory significance of findings will be due two weeks following completion of these field studies.
Literature Review/Class Discussions: Each week there will be student-led discussions of a research or review paper pertinent to recent lecture topics. Each 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 (see webpage for details). Graduate students will read all literature review papers and assist with class discussions. These discussions will also focus on current topics related to wetland delineation and regulation, court rulings, water law & policy (Section 404 of the Clean Water Act).
Expectations of Students: Attend class regularly & be prepared for class discussions; read assignments before lecture. Diligently work to obtain a broad knowledge of wetland ecosystems and their management. Actively participate in all activities.
Evaluation Criteria: (Total
Points for Semester = 600)
2 Exams (mid-term & final exam, 100 pts
each)
200
4 Quizzes (25 pts
each)
100
Field trip/studies (2 @ 100 pts
each)
200
Literature
review
50
Class
participation
50
(Grading Criteria: A > 90%; B > 80-89%; C > 70-79%; D > 60-69%; F
< 60%)
Library Reserve:
Cronk, J.K. and M.S. Fennessy. 2001. Wetland Plants: biology and ecology. Lewis
Publishers, NY.
Keddy. P.A. 2000. Wetland Ecology: priniples and conservation. Cambridge Press,
UK
Mitsch, W.J. and J.G. Gosselink. 2000. Wetlands, 3rd ed. Van Nostrand Reinhold,
NY.
National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: boundaries and characteristics.
National Academy Press, Wash, DC.
Payne, N.F. 1998. Techniques for Wildlife Habitat Management of Wetlands. McGraw
Hill, NY.