Field Ecology of Aquatic Organisms

Instructors:

Zy Biesinger zbiesing@ufl.edu, 392-9617
Matt Catalano catalm@ufl.edu, 392-8497
Mark Rogers mrogers@ufl.edu, 392-8497
Dr. Mike Allen msal@ufl.edu, 392-9617
Dr. Tom Frazer frazer@ufl.edu, 392-9617
Dr. Bill Pine billpine@ufl.edu, 392-9617
 

Office hours:  By appointment

Credits: 4

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am – 4pm (Begins 5/15/2007)

                    Course calendar with field trips

Location:  Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Conference Room (located off campus, click here for directions)

Objectives:  To gain an overview of the diverse aquatic ecosystems in Florida, and an understanding of the complexities of aquatic ecosystems and their ecology.  We will explore freshwater lakes, streams and springs, estuaries, and offshore oceanic ecosystems, thus encapsulating the full range of Florida’s aquatic systems.  Important themes through the course will revolve around:  nutrient effects on aquatic ecosystems, roles of habitats in structuring aquatic systems, and water use implications for aquatic ecosystems.  In each field trip we will identify prominent plants, fishes, and invertebrates that occur and discuss system ecology.  Lectures will provide the background for placing field observations into a broader context.  Required supplemental readings will illustrate key scientific research or ideas related to the ecology of aquatic organisms and their environments.

Suggested resources (not required):

UF/IFAS Center for aquatic and invasive plants  http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu

Aquatic plant ID flashcards  IFAS bookstore       http://ifasbooks.ufl.edu/merchant2/merchant.mv     

Handbook of Common Freshwater Fish in Florida Lakes      IFAS bookstore (see link above)

photos from J. Flowers

Grading:          Participation in field trips                                                                     10 %

                        4 take home assignments                                                                      30 %

4 in-class module practicals                                                                   30 %

                        Final exam (June 28)                                                                               30 %

Attendance:  Attendance is required for all classes.  Students are expected to be on time and may be left behind from field trips if they are late.  All students missing any class will receive a mandatory assignment at the discretion of the instructor to make up for the missed class.

Assignments:  Assignments are expected to be on turned in on time and no late assignments will be accepted.

Academic Honesty:  As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statements: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work.  I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and to understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”

Students with Disabilities:  Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities.  To take advantage of accommodations students must register with the Dean of Students office.

Checklist for field trips (bring these with you every day):

            Old clothes and shoes (not sandals or flip flops) for getting in the water

            A change of dry clothes

            Sunscreen

            Insect repellent

            Hat

            Sunglasses (polarized preferred)

            Rain gear

            Snorkel, mask, and fins

            Waterproof notepad and pencils for making field observations (write-in-rain paper)

            Lunch and lots of hydrating drinks

Flexibility statement:  This course has a strong field component and therefore the course schedule is tentative depending on weather conditions.  We will conduct field trips in inclement weather (rain and wind), however field trips may be canceled or rescheduled if weather events threaten our safety during those planned activities.

Safety statement:  Students are required to adhere to field sampling safety guidelines from the Instructors.  Failing to comply with safety guidelines could result in injury and will not be tolerated. 

Student counseling services are available at the Student Health Care Center, (352) 392-1171