Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Thank you for your interest in Freshwater Biology!  

General class info:

Online Lecture:  Asynchronous pre-recorded lectures and activities 1.5 hours per week.

Lecture: In-person lectures Fridays 11-12:30 

Lab: In-person Lab  Fridays 1-3:50 p.m. 

I am deeply passionate about science, science communication and inclusive teaching practices.  I particularly love studying about the unique, fascinating means in which organisms have adapted to live in harsh, aquatic environments.  My goal is to try and transfer some of that excitement and love for science to you… with the full acknowledgement that science is HARD.  Learning science is like learning a new language.  It requires learning a new language (memorization of scientific vocabulary), practice in process, and critical thinking.  This course, while [hopefully] fun, is also very challenging.  We tackle chemistry, micro-biology, ecology, and social science (related to human interactions with the environment and freshwater environments).  Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time outside of class reading the text, learning new vocabulary, conducting field and lab research, collecting and testing samples, and thinking critically.  

This course is fundamentally a field-based course.   Traditionally, aquatic science students venture into the field to collect organisms, data and water samples.  Be prepared to wear appropriate outdoor clothing (for conditions), shoes/boots, and carry water on field trips.  All field trips will have additional information for students prior to departure. Please contact me if you cannot participate in a field trip for any reason, and we will work on accommodations.

It is my sincere hope that you will succeed in this course.  Please reach out to me if you have questions or need additional help.

Provides a survey of basic ecological principles related to freshwater ecosystems, including streams, lakes and wetlands, with a focus on local habitats and organisms. Discusses the interconnectedness of human societies and freshwater systems. Includes a laboratory component that explores biological, chemical, and physical aspects of freshwater systems. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

This course is a 12 week hybrid course where we have in-person lecture and lab once a week.  Some of these labs will remain in the laboratory building conducting water chemistry experiments and observing organisms.  However, some will take place in the field (2-3 field trips this term- and may span the hours of both lecture and lab).  If you are unable to attend a field trip, please contact and consult with your instructor as soon as possible.  (See the schedule for locations and dates).  I want to make this course fun, educational, and inclusive, and am happy to work with you to find a means of participation.

BI 143 Course Outcomes and CCOG Hyperlink:  /ccog/bi/143/

Fieldwork is a professional competence in many areas of Biology. Standard field practices include measurements of abiotic and biotic components. Fieldwork includes use of all the senses to make observations in natural and built environments. Field training may include developing skills in site characterization, measurement and data collection, application of key terms and concepts, species identification, and observation. Certain protocols may require use of equipment, chemicals, and expensive gear. Field training is experiential often leading to unique sets of observations/data in particular locations. Fieldwork may include inherent risks (uneven terrain, off-trail work with map & compass, variable weather, insects, environmental irritants, travel, stress, etc.). Fieldwork can be physically challenging and may require overland travel on foot or unusual means to field points, carrying field equipment (as well as food, water, and safety equipment), taking measurements under duress (learning new protocols, requiring remaining in an unusual posture or position for a length of time, timing pressures for certain procedures, holding organisms, variable weather, etc.), survival skills, orienteering, and so on.

1. Materials:  A bound, composition notebook (available in the bookstore or other vendors such as amazon).  

1. Additional Open Source Readings and homework/ videos will be provided separately via D2L.  

Here is a link to last year's syllabus

Basic office suite, ability to watch pre-recorded lectures.