West Valley College
Ecology of the Sierra Nevada
Biology 56- 52705
Summer 2023
Welcome to Ecology of the Sierra Nevada! As your instructor this semester, I am here to guide you through the wonderful world of Biology. I am committed to helping you learn and succeed in this adventure. If you need help please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You may contact me through the following:
Instructor: Leticia Gallardo
Email: [email protected]
Office: SM 55H Phone: 408-741-2416
Zoom Office Hours: M-Th 1:45-2:15pm, or by appt.
Web Page: instruct.westvalley.edu/gallardo/
Course: Bio 056- Ecology of the Sierra Nevada 3 units
Class Hrs: Lec. MW 3:15-4:35 pm Online
Field Trip Fri July 29 Thru Thurs Aug 04
Prerequisites: There are no academic prerequisites for this course. However, students should be physically fit to participate in high altitude hiking that will be involved in the field component of the course.
Required Textbooks:
The California Naturalist Handbook. 2013. Nevers, G, D.S. Edelman, A. Merenlender. University of California Press. Berkeley, California. ISBN: 978-0-520-27480-8
King Sequoia: The Tree That Inspired a Nation, Created Our National Park System, and Changed the Way We Think about Nature. 2016. Tweed, William C. and Medeiros, Joe. Heyday Press, Berkeley, California. ISBN: 978-1597143516
Recommended:
- A Natural History of California. 2017. Schoenherr, Allan A. University of California Press. Berkeley, California. ISBN 978-0-520-06922-0
- The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. 2007. Laws, John Muir. Heyday Press, Berkeley, California. ISBN 13-978-1-59714-052-2
- Sierra Nevada Wildflowers 2nd edition. 2013. Wiese, Karen. Morris Book Publishing, LLC. Kearney, NE. ISBN 978-0-7627-8034-1
- Sierra Nevada Tree Identifier. 1998. Paruuk Jim. 2014. Yosemite Conservancy. Yosemite National Park. ISBN 978-0-939666-83-6
- Sibley Field Guide to Birds (Western North America). 2003Chanticleer press, Inc. New York ISBN 0-67945121-8
- Sierra Nevada Natural History. 2004. Storer, T.I. & R.L. Usinger. University of California Press. Berkeley, California. ISBN 978-0-520-29037-2
Field Notebook.
3 ring binder 5.5” X 8.5” OR 6 “X 9.5” with Lined filler paper
Binoculars & Hand lens
Important Dates to remember
Last date to add: 6/27/23 Last day to withdraw w/ a “W”: 7/23/23
Last day of class: 7/27/23 Final Exam: 8/7/23
July 4th Holiday: 7/04/23
General Course Description
This course explores the ecology of plant and animal communities of the Sierra Nevada. Topics that will be covered include climate, evolutionary history, biogeography, community structure and general ecology principles. Communities that will be discusses include chaparral, foothill pine, yellow Pine, lodgepole/ red fir, subalpine, alpine, and pinyon- juniper woodland. The field component of this course will visit areas of the Western & Eastern Sierra Nevada, Western slope of the White Mountains. Students must successfully complete class preparatory requirements in order to participate in the field trip.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course the student should be able to
- Describe Plant communities of the Sierra Nevada and describe abiotic and biotic conditions influencing life in these zonesIdentify dominant plants
- Describe the fundamental climatic & geological processes that shape the Sierra Nevada
- Describe the Vertebrate and Invertebrate fauna of the regions visited
- Identify common birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects
- Demonstrate the ability to make field journal entries
- Appreciate the natural landscape of California
Student Learning Outcome: Student will be able to evaluate and hypothesize on the climatic conditions influencing community ecology
Course Expectations
Students will be required to attend and participate in lecture and course activities. Students will also be responsible for maintaining a field notebook and completing assigned readings and activities.
UC California Naturalist Certificate: The mission of the California Naturalist Program is to foster a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of California’s natural resources through education and service. Students have the opportunity to use their class hours and assignments towards fulfilling the certification requirements. Class hours, reading assignments, homework, field notebook and presentation (Capstone project) qualify toward certification. Students interested in certification must also pay the California Naturalist fee of $110 ($55 for full time students). See supplemental handout for requirements.
Conduct: Our course is a safe and respectful space for everyone. Please be respectful of the environment and of your classmates and instructor. Disruptive conduct in class will not be supported. In this spirit, please arrive on time, avoid disruptive or disrespectful talk, ringing cell phones, pagers and ipod use while in class. Please be sure to mute your audio during Zoom sessions unless you are actively asking a question or participating in an activity. Disruptive students will be asked to leave and will lose participation points. Continued disruptive behavior will result in disciplinary action. Students violating conduct or academic integrity policies will lose any extra credit points offered/earned. Thank you for being respectful of our course community.
COVID-19 Safety: Part of creating a respectful and safe environment is to contribute and respect everyone’s health and safety. We will practice all West Valley College and Santa Clara County COVID-19 safety protocols in our classroom. Please review the COVID safety guidelines in the course module “WVC Biology Department COVID Information and Guidelines.” Students must show the instructor a completed Cleared to Enter green checkmark for the day of the meeting to participate in any face-to-face class meetings. Any individual not adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols will be asked to leave and risks losing course points for missed activities.
Coming to Campus? Follow The West Valley 5:
- Download the West Valley Go app.
- Complete the Health Self-Assessment
- Always wear a face-covering
- Maintain a safe distance from others.
- Not feeling well? Stay home or go home. (COVID-19 Reporting Form)
Land Acknowledgment: We pause to acknowledge that West Valley College sits on the land of the Muwekma Ohlone. For thousands of years, these natives occupied this land and used this beautiful location as their home. Let us give an enormous debt of gratitude to the Muwekma Ohlone tribes. By offering this Land Acknowledgment, we remember that the Muwekma Ohlone people are still connected to this region.
WVC Non-discrimination Statement: The district, and each individual who represents the District, shall provide access to its services, courses, and programs without regard to national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or military and veteran status, or because he/she/they is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Health/ Stress Management: All of us benefit from support during times of struggle. You are not alone. There are helpful resources available on campus and an important part of the college experience is learning how to ask for help. Asking for help is a smart and courageous, albeit sometimes difficult, thing to do- for yourself and for those who care about you. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, I strongly encourage you to seek support. You may reach out to your instructor for guidance to campus resources or contact West Valley College Health Services for free confidential personal counseling. Call 408-741-2027, drop by the Health Services office M-Th 9:00 am- 4:30 pm. http://www.westvalley.edu/services/counseling Additionally, the Office of Student Needs offers student support in the form of the Computer Loan, Emergency Loans, Free Lunch & the Food Bank Programs. https://www.westvalley.edu/services/student-needs/
Special Accommodations: If you have a learning or physical need that will require special accommodations in this class you will need to notify me in writing of your accommodation needs. Please notify me following the first class if you require any special accommodations for learning or physical impairments. This will allow me to best meet your needs and allow us ample opportunity to provide suitable accommodations. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students with DESP accommodations must adhere to guidelines set by their specified accommodation, which includes discussing and scheduling any accommodation with the instructor in advance (minimum of 48hrs). Depending on accommodation exams may be proctored live on Zoom with DESP personnel and should be scheduled at the same time as scheduled for the class. DESP Rescheduling of exams and assignments remains in the purview of the instructor. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request. Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for student success. State & district policy mandates that students missing more than 10% of class hours without a district approved documented absence will be dropped- this is roughly equivalent to 4 class periods. Note that a lecture and lab period each count as separate class periods/absence, so missing 2 days of class accounts for the 10% allowed absences. Missing this much class is very detrimental to success in the course, so it is not advised to miss this much class time if you would like to be successful. It is the student’s responsibility to attend ALL classes and labs. Classes will start on time and will run the entire time. Schedule doctor appointments, dental appointments, baby sitters etc. accordingly. If you are absent for any reason, please notify me as soon as possible. If a student misses a lecture, it is his/her/their responsibility to obtain any handouts and information provided. Again, if a student is absent from more than four class sessions he/she/they will be DROPPED from the course. A portion of your grade will be determined by your in-class participation, so it is important that you attend all class sessions to earn all possible points. Students repeatedly missing class forfeit any and all extra credit points.
Online Course Time Requirements: Summer school is naturally fast-paced due to condensing a 16-week semester into 6 weeks. Additionally, students report feeling like they have less time with online courses due to having to self-pace and learn material independently without in class guidance. Please be forewarned- on average, students need to spend 4.25+ hours of class time daily (M-TH) on Zoom class meetings and lab work, and additional time on assignments, reviewing Powerpoints and the text and studying. If you cannot commit to this demanding schedule, perhaps you should consider taking the course when you have more time to allocate to the course. Be realistic in your expectation in what it will take to be successful in this course.
Withdrawing from the Course: Anyone not present in the beginning of the semester will be dropped. After the first class it is the responsibility of the student who registered to withdraw, even if he/she/they has stopped attending class. Do not assume that if you stop coming to class that you will automatically be dropped. Students who fail to attend but do not inform the instructor and officially drop the course will receive a failing grade.
Websites: This course will have TWO active website pages which can be used to review lecture schedule and general class policies throughout the semester. This section has an instructor webpage designed to provide students information relevant to the course. Instructor’s syllabus with polices and lecture PowerPoint presentations will be made available to students weekly. These materials are highly beneficial to focusing your study time and if used properly will aid in your success in this course. Please keep in mind these resources are a privilege and not a right and may be discontinued at the instructor’s discretion. Students are also responsible for logging into the Canvas webpage daily to complete any homework assignments and check for course announcements or email updates. You will need to login to Canvas using your username and password. Instructions for logging on are provided on the following webpage.https://wvm.instructure.com/login/canvas Supplemental course materials will be available on the instruct webpagehttp://instruct.westvalley.edu/leticia-gallardo/
Canvas: Students are also responsible for logging into course management system- Canvas webpage to submit daily homework/lab assignments and check announcements and email updates relevant to the course. It is advised that students check this webpage daily. You will need to login to Canvas using your username and password. Instructions for logging on are provided on the following webpage.https://wvm.instructure.com/login/canvas
Study Time: For each hour spent in class, students should expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class completing assignments and studying. In effective studying you should plan to break your studies into chunks of time to prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed. 15-20 minute segments with breaks in between help you to learn more effectively than prolonged periods of studying where you can become easily distracted. You should plan to study in small segments throughout the week to maximize your study effectiveness. Learn more about how you can maximize your study habits and time management skills by reviewing the Time Management and Study Skill Resources module on the course Canvas page.
Note: Be careful not to confuse quantity studying with quality study. Simply spending time with your books and materials will not earn you a better grade. Only hours of directed, motivated studying will work toward earning you a better grade! As you instructor, I am here to facilitate your learning by presenting the material and assisting in your understanding. I will do as much as I can to help you, but ultimately it is you who will earn your final grade!
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is MANDATORY. The college policy on cheating is clearly spelled out in the college catalogue and will be strictly enforced. Use of any method other than your knowledge and memory (such as notes, looking on other student papers, communication between students, using internet browsing, etc.) to answer questions on an assignment/exam/quiz constitutes cheating and will result in failure of the assignment/exam/quiz. Dishonest behavior also includes: all forms of cheating, tampering, fabrication, plagiarism, and assisting on any assignment/exam/quiz. This means that ALL YOUR WORK MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS AND BASED ON YOUR OWN LEARNING EXPERIENCE. Copying from Google, other students, textbooks, sites like Chegg or other internet or published sources are all considered dishonest behavior. Any student caught exhibiting dishonest behavior will be appropriately reprimanded. Therefore, be proactive; keep your work to yourself and be sure that all work is your own, and in your own words. This includes any assigned group activities, while you may be working as a team, you must all participate and summaries or reports must be completed individually, in your own words. Any students caught or implicated in dishonest behavior will be appropriately reprimanded. Students will receive an AUTOMATIC ZERO on that assignment/exam/quiz and all dishonest behavior will be reported to the Vice President of Student Services and will undergo review by the Disciplinary Action Committee. Resulting disciplinary action may include one or more of the following: academic probation, suspension, expulsion from the district colleges, and academic dishonesty transcript notation. Testing procedures & policies are detailed below. Students violating conduct or academic integrity policies will lose any extra credit points offered/earned. Students caught cheating will also forfeit any and all extra credit points.
Due to several incidents of cheating very strict testing procedures will be enforced!
- Students will NOT be allowed to leave the testing “room” for any reason once the exam has been administered. This includes: using the restroom, answering cell phones, etc.
- If you must leave the room you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time. I will only grade the portion of the exam that you have completed.
- Be on time! Once the first person leaves the exam room, no one arriving late will be allowed to start the exam.
- All notes, books, and personal belongings will be either left outside the room. Internet browser/windows other than the exam page must be closed
- Cell phones/pagers must be turned off during the exam and placed in backpacks or purses. Ringing cell phones and/or pagers during exams may result in failure of the exam. If, for any reason, you answer a cell phone or pager during an exam you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time.
- Absolutely no papers (other than those provided by the instructor) are allowed on or around the student’s workspace.
- Cheating will result in a zero on the exam and probable expulsion from the class. All extra credit points will be forfeited.
If circumstance precludes you from adhering to these policies you must speak to your instructor PRIOR to the exam
Cost:
Students are responsible for course fees, purchasing books, and transportation for the field trip
Students are responsible also responsible for costs associated with travel, meals and camping equipment plus related expenses
Code of conduct
- Alcohol and drug use violate West Valley College policies and will not be allowed on the trip
- Weapons including firearms are not allowed on field trip
- Safety is critical for the success of this course. Students will be responsible for following the safety guidelines provided by the instructor.
- Failure to follow safety and conduct rules will result in dismissal from the class with a failing grade
- Respect. Be respectful of the environment and of your classmates.
- Cell phone use is not allowed during course lectures or activities.
- Loud stereos and music are not permitted
Safety: Student safety in the class is a primary concern. In order to be safe, all students should be familiar with their surroundings. Safety rules will be outlined by the instructor in class. Any failure to follow these rules places you and your classmates in jeopardy. In the event of any injury the instructor must be notified immediately.
Campus Safety & emergencies: You should know the location of the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, eye wash, and nearest emergency phone. In the event of an emergency which requires the evacuation of the building (earthquake or fire), we will exit the building through the outside door and walk to parking lot #2. In this event you MUST remain with the instructor.
Field trip Safety & emergencies: In order to ensure your safety the instructor must be aware of your location at all times. Be proactive and stay in contact with the instructor, do not assume that the instructor is aware of your activities. Students are not allowed to leave the group unless the activity has specifically been approved by the instructor. You should always know the location of the first aid kit. Students are responsible for following field safety protocol. If you are unclear with safety protocol- ASK!!
Evaluation
Participation (~10%): Participation will be evaluated through attendance records and participation & performance during lab activities. Some ways in which to lose participation points are: 1) missing class; 2) arriving late or leaving early; 3) violation of safety procedures; 4) demonstration of continued lack of preparation; 5) failure to complete field activities; and 6) disruptive behavior in class.
Assignments & Capstone Project (~60%): Assignments will be given throughout the course to reinforce concepts covered in lecture and the field. You will be responsible for completing and homework independently according to the instructions provided during the Zoom meetings. COPYING is considered CHEATING and all parties involved will receive a zero grade. A field notebook will be required for the field component of the course. Points will be allocated based on format, content, and completion of assignments.
Exams (~30%): Exams will be administered throughout the course. The exams will consist of a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answer, labeling and identification questions. The final exam will include a comprehensive component. Attendance of scheduled exams is mandatory. There are NO make-up exams.
COMPUTER PROBLEMS ARE NOT A REASONALBLE EXCUSE for not submitting assignments on time. You should use a reliable computer and Wifi when completing your assignments. Contact the office of student needs for assistance with obtaining reliable computer or internet access. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3BteSB95bUOiGuUSSPijiAvoPqKmB66OE_Wd1A7HUyPID9Q/viewform
Grades
Your final course grade will be based on the following scale
A 90-100% B 80-89% C 65-79% D 55-65% F Below 55%
Grade Calculations:
A single 3- unit grade will be given for the entire course (lecture and lab). All points will be converted into a percentage score (pts earned ÷ pts possible) to calculate your final grade.
*If complications in projects cause assignments to be discontinued or if additional assignments are given, the percent scale of the adjusted points will be used to calculate grades.
Places to seek Additional Help:
Office Hours: M-Th 1:45-2:15pm or by appt.
Form study groups: your fellow classmates are a valuable resource
Support Services: Please take advantage of the support services on campus- They are here to help you! Services contact information is listed below
Tutoring: Tutorial Services: All students are eligible for free on campus tutoring. If you wish to get help you MUST make the commitment to attend any scheduled tutorial sessions. If any student misses 2 non-cancelled tutorial sessions they will be dropped from the program. https://www.westvalley.edu/services/success-center/
Important Phone Numbers:
Disability & Educational Support Program (DESP)………….……741-2010 Technology Center………………………………….741-2666
Student Health Services on campus……… ……………………….741-2027 Tutorial Services……………………………...…….741-2038
Safety Escort Service (Campus Police) ……………………………741-2092 Counseling Center………………….………………741-2009
Science and Math Division office ………………………..……....….741-2018 Bookstore…………………………….……………..741-2015
Extended Opportunity Programs & Service (EOPS)…………..…..741-2010 Student Needs Office………………………………
General Information
- Students must be capable of hiking in mountain terrain and enjoy "roughing it."
- Students will be carpooling together to and from field locations. Due to restrictions of number of vehicles possible in the group, it is not conducive to students planning on excursions from field locations.
- Hiking will be limited to day excursions. No overnight backpacking. This is not a backpacking class.
- Students will provide their own tents, sleeping bags and pads, hiking boots, daypack, and food.
- Several food buying stops will be made at grocery stores to replenish stocks.
- Cooking equipment will be provided so students can prepare their own food
- Overnight accommodations will be in camp areas with tables for food preparation and study.
- Although class (including lectures) will be held each of the days while in the field, there will be opportunities for study, solitude, and fun!
Gear
Required
Tent
~20 Degree sleeping bag (technical sleeping bag highly recommended)
Insulated pad
Binoculars (Available for check out from Biology Dept)
Day pack with 2 liter water/lunch/ field guide capacity
Mess kit & utensils
Headlamp/ flashlight (2 light sources)
Camp chair
Hiking boots, lightweight shoes
Rain gear
Wind breaker
Sunblock
Cold weather gear (Be prepared to layer)
Fleece, warm jacket, hat, gloves
Alarm clock
Optional
Camera & film Bathing suit
Camp chair Bandana
Sunglasses Insect repellant
Cap
Suggested Packing
3-4 shirts (short and long sleeve), 1-2 pants, 2-3 shorts, Unders
Camp towel
Toiletries, prescription medications, contact lens supplies, sunscreen, insect repellant, baby wipes
Will be provided for you
Kitchen Supplies: Propane stoves, cutting boards, pots & pans, utensils, washing supplies, toilet paper, water, etc
General camp lantern
Cooler
Basic first aid kit (no medications)
Tentative Schedule
Camp
Day 1 Stanislaus National forest (Fri)
Day 2 Stanislaus National forest (Sat)
Day 3 Stanislaus National forest or Lundy Canyon (Sun)
Day 4 Lundy Canyon (Mon)
Day 5 BLM- Alabama hills (Tues)
Day 6 BLM- Alabama hills (Wed)
Tentative Visits and hiking excursions
Day 1 Arrive at camp, Set-up, camp activities, Hetch Hetchy
Day 2 Glacier Point hike, Visitor center
Day 3 Tuolomne Grove
Day 4 Tuolomne meadow & Mono Lake
Day 5 Lundy canyon, Alabama Hills
Day 6 Horseshoe Meadow/ New Army Pass
Day 7 Bristlecone Pine forest (White Mountains)
