BIO 181 - Biology of Wallops Island, Experimental
Credits: 1
1 Lecture Hours
Description
This course is a directed exploration of the natural history and biodiversity of Wallops Islands. Students will experience the ecology of a dynamic coastal system through the school programs offered by Chincoteague Bay Field Station. The Field Station is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, between the Atlantic Ocean and ecologically important Chesapeake Bay. The barrier islands of the Eastern Shore create a series of close-by habitats that are biologically diverse and geologically dynamic. These natural classrooms introduce students to a variety of concepts in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. The core of the course will consist of a Friday to Sunday visit to the Marine Science Consortium located in Wallops Island. Students will explore a variety of terrestrial and marine habitats to observe animals and plants in the wild, as well as visiting conservation facilities and evolutionary research stations. Some preparatory coursework will take place before the trip itself.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
- Identify and describe the unique animals and plants of Wallops Islands
- Recognize the critical ecological significance of the islands and similar “living laboratories”
- Describe the relationship between geography and evolution
- Learn techniques for direct observation of animal behavior in the wild
- Describe the species found in Wallops Island through trawling, wetlands and beach investigations.
- Describe the evidence for mechanisms of evolution and adaptation to specific environments
- Understand the effects of human activity on isolated ecosystems and the importance of conservation
- Identify organisms living in Wallops Island collected in field in lab using microscopes
Listed Topics
- Biogeography
- Ecology
- Environmental Biology
- Evolution
- Environmental Science
- Field Study
- Zoology
- Sustainability
Reference Materials
REFERENCE, RESOURCE OR LEARNING MATERIALS TO BE USED BY STUDENT:
Directed readings on topics related to the ecology and environmental science to Chincoteague Bay Field Station/Marine Science Consortium, natural history of Wallops Island, including http://www.cbfieldstation.org/ and related articles on specific organisms and habitats studied.
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