I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Field Methods in Freshwater Studies

2. Course Prefix & Number:
NATR 1152

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 2

Lecture Hours: 0

Lab Hours: 4

4. Course Description:

This course will place students directly in the field collecting and interpreting aquatic data. Through this course, students may collect water samples, inventory aquatic vegetation, assess aquatic invertebrate communities, or map watersheds. Students will also work with cooperating agencies, lake associations, or LUGs to schedule sampling, present results, or provide other elements of customer service.

5. Placement Tests Required:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Name of Institution	Course Number and Title	Credits
University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point	WATR 380  Field Experience in Aquatic Ecosystem Evaluation	1

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

 

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate oral communication skills	effectively communicate sampling results and interpretations through oral communications with water sampling clients
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	demonstrate the correct application of techniques to analyze in-lake and watershed-level influences upon water quality in lakes and rivers
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals	work in small groups to collect samples, manage data, and reach shared solutions

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate the proper use of standardized methods to collect water samples, map aquatic vegetation, and assess invertebrate and fisheries communities in area lakes and rivers.
• Accurately record, manage, and conduct quality assurance tests on data.
• Analyze data to reach decisions and develop recommendations.
• Create watershed assessment reports and management plans focused on maintaining or improving water quality and effectively communicate these with their target audience(s).
• Work directly with clients to provide customer relation service.
• Describe three considerations in setting prices for contract services.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1.  Training in the proper use of water sampling equipment, including boat, motor, and trailer.
• review boating safety protocol with students prior to any work on the water
• discuss equipment maintenance and troubleshooting checklist
• discuss and demonstrate correct trailering procedures and boat launch guidelines
2. Conduct water quality-related sampling that may include water sampling, invasive species surveys, aquatic vegetation mapping, and aquatic macro-invertebrate surveys
• discuss and demonstrate water sampling protocol and procedures
• demonstrate use of GPS systems to locate or mark features
3. Collect, manage, and interpret data
• demonstrate and explain procedures for recording and managing data
• demonstrate and guide students in summary and analysis of aquatic data
4. Create written reports, presentation, maps, or other customer products
• discuss, demonstrate, and guide students in the creation of graphs and charts to effectively communicate sampling results
• discuss, demonstrate, and guide students in the creation of presentations that effectively communicate important information to clients
5. Discuss considerations in undertaking independent contracting contracts
• techniques for tracking time and tasks
• other costs to take into consideration (e.g., FICA employer portion, workmans comp, insurance, etc.)
• modifying costs based on project history