ENV 3310: Field Methods in Environmental Science
Syllabus, Spring 2024
Course Description:
This course will provide significant experience with environmental sampling methods and an introduction to sample processing, data collection, data analysis, and various biological indices. Course will cover standard TCEQ methods for environmental sampling of air, water, sediment, and biota. There will be an emphasis on environmental assessment of aquatic systems.
Course information:
1 – This lab course requires mobility across uneven ground. Should you have any difficulties accomplishing this, your instructor will be happy to arrange disability accommodation or to arrange alternative exercises. Please provide written documentation of the disability and accommodation from the Student Success Center – Access and Disability Office. The instructions for the documentation are on the Internet.
2 – If you have a temporary medical condition that limits your mobility, your ability to walk outside or would prevent you from getting wet (example: a limb in a cast); please report this to your instructor. They may request documentation from the Health Center. The instructors will be happy to make alternative arrangements.
3 – This laboratory may require quizzes or examinations, and you are required to read your assignments BEFORE lab. These labs will be available on Canvas, so please read them, and bring them to class. You will have regular written work, such as laboratory reports, to submit. Should you have a disability that may affect your performance, please report to your instructor as soon as possible, with the required written ADA documentation.
Course objectives:
1 – To expose students to concepts of scientific sampling, data analysis and presentation.
2 – To learn standard methodologies for environmental sampling.
3 – Provide students with relevant and practical training with various types of field sampling equipment and technology.
4 – To understand the ecological relevance of measured endpoints.
5 – To learn the role of environmental sampling and monitoring in regulation and management.
Course requirements:
This course is taught in a field and laboratory format, allowing students to have a “hands-on” experience in environmental science. You are expected to attend all assigned laboratories. Clearly, exceptions will be made for confirmed or possible COVID-19 infection, or other illness.
1 – You must read laboratory materials prior to class. You must also complete the required lab reports and assignments.
2 – Please notify me and the TA if you will be missing class. You must still make up the laboratory. See COVID-specific language below.
3 – All laboratory assignments must be submitted by the announced final date for grading. Grades will be posted on Canvas; you have one week from posting to question your grade. After this, grades will NOT be changed.
4 – You will lose 10 points per day for late assignments.
5 – You must come properly dressed for lab and/or the field, and bring repellent and sun screen. This will include wearing clothing that can get wet, as many labs will require water entry. If you miss a lab due to lack of preparation, you will be considered absent.
6 – Environmental sampling entails risks that students may not be accustomed to. It is imperative that you follow instructions in the lab and especially in the field. If you do not comply with instructions or safety practices, you will be asked to leave your lab session. You may not make up the grade. If you have continued difficulties with following instructions or complying with safety, you will be permanently dismissed from the lab.
Final Grades:
Final grading for the course will be on the following basis.
Lab notebook/assignments/participation 75%
Final exam 25%
100%
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 59 and below
Tentative Schedule – Weather and water conditions often necessitate changes, expect more!
Date Laboratory
16-Jan Introduction
18-Jan Interpreting Ecological Data
23-Jan Indoor Air Quality Lecture
25-Jan Indoor Air Quality
30-Jan Introduction to Discharge and Water Chemistry
1-Feb Stream Discharge Determination
6-Feb Introduction to Water Chemistry
8-Feb Basic Water Chemistry
13-Feb Nutrient Analyses
15-Feb Wastewater Nutrient Gradient
20-Feb Temporal Variation in Water Chemistry
22-Feb Diel Variation in Water Chemistry: Primary Productivity
27-Feb Sediment Collection and Analysis
1-Mar Sediment Collections
5-Mar Spring Break
7-Mar Spring Break
12-Mar River Confluence Water Mixing
14-Mar Brazos/Bosque Confluence Sampling: Lake Brazos
19-Mar Lake Stratification
21-Mar Depth Profiling in Lakes - Thermoclines/Chemoclines
26-Mar Collection Methods
30-Mar Freshwater Macroinvertebrates - Field Collections
2-Apr Intro to Macroinvertebrate Identification
4-Apr Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Identification - Lab
9-Apr Diadeloso
11-Apr Fish Collections
16-Apr Community Assessment Methods
18-Apr Fish Collections Cont.
23-Apr Habitat Characterization
25-Apr Habitat Characterization and Mapping
30-Apr Final Exam Preparation Discussion
2-May Make-up lab - Ifnecessary, or Final Exam
7-May FINAL EXAM - 9:00-11:00 am (if not on May 2)
Laboratories denoted with italics will be at least partially outdoors. Prepare and dress accordingly.
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