SRJC Course Outlines

10/7/2024 4:27:34 PMBTNY 64 Course Outline as of Summer 2025

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  BTNY 64Title:  NORTHERN SIERRA PLANTS  
Full Title:  Plants of the Northern Sierra
Last Reviewed:1/25/2021

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum2.00Lecture Scheduled1.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled17.50
Minimum2.00Lab Scheduled02 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR3.00 Contact DHR52.50
 Contact Total4.00 Contact Total70.00
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  35.00Total Student Learning Hours: 105.00 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  BOTANY 64

Catalog Description:
Untitled document
Field course introducing the plant communities of the Sierra Nevada north of Lake Tahoe, emphasizing the taxonomy and ecology of the ferns, conifers and flowering plants.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 100 OR EMLS 100 (formerly ESL 100) or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
Field course introducing the plant communities of the Sierra Nevada north of Lake Tahoe, emphasizing the taxonomy and ecology of the ferns, conifers and flowering plants.
(Grade or P/NP)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 100 OR EMLS 100 (formerly ESL 100) or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Summer 2014Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:Effective:Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Not Certificate/Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1.  Identify plants based on their taxonomic groupings, using vegetative and reproductive morphology.
2.  Apply knowledge of evolution, ecology, and natural history to flora and vegetation types in the northern Sierra Nevada.
3.  Make and record observations in a field journal.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify the major plant indicator species within the habitats studied.
2. Explain the basic plant characteristics useful in plant identification.
3. Use plant identification resources, including dichotomous keys.
4. Explain the major ecological factors affecting the distribution of plant species and their association into plant communities.
5. Differentiate the major vegetation characteristics of the principle plant communities of the Northern Sierra.
6. Maintain a field journal.

Topics and Scope
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I.   Overview of the Geology, Soils, Climate, and Physiography of the Sierra Nevada
II.  Survey of Plants Common to the Northern Sierra Nevada
III. Taxonomy of the Major Plant Species Characteristic of the Northern Sierran Communities
IV. Association of Ecological Factors with Major Northern Sierran Vegetation Types
V.  Biological Characteristics of the Indicator Plant Species
VI. Identification of Vascular Plant Species Using Manuals and Other Resources
VII. Structure and Organization of a Field Journal
 
The following parts of the course are covered during the Lab hours:
I. Field Experience:
     A. Plants common to the Northern Sierra Nevada
    B. Taxonomy of the plant species discovered during the field trip to Northern Sierran communities
    C. Ecological factors of major Northern Sierran vegetation types
II.  Biological Characteristics of the Indicator Plant Species in their Natural, Northern Sierra Nevada Environment
III. Preparation of a Field Journal While Examining Plants in the Northern Sierra Nevada

Assignments:
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Lecture-Related Assignments:
1. Ecology or vegetation research paper (4-6 pages)
 
Lab-Related Assignments:
1. Maintain field journal
2. Plant identification using the dichotomous key and other resources

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
40 - 60%
Research paper and field journal
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
0 - 0%
None
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
10 - 30%
Use of dichotomous key and other plant ID resources
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
0 - 0%
None
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
10 - 30%
Participation


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. Laws, John Muir. California Academy of Sciences. 2007 (classic)
A Sierra Nevada Flora. Weeden, Norman. Wilderness Press. 1996 (classic)
Plants of the Tahoe Basin. Graf, Michael. CNPS Press. 1999 (classic)

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