Winona State University
BIOL 415/527 – ECOLOGY OF LARGE RIVERS LAB
Boating for Science!
During the Ecology of Large Rivers lab this semester, we will attempt to
examine a variety of aspects of large (and smaller) river systems. These
aspects will be incorporated into lab exercises that will require either 1, 2,
or possibly more lab periods to complete. The lab exercises are listed below in
no specific order, and the order in which we conduct them may be subject to
change.
1 – Leaf
decomposition
2 – Submersed
macrophyte surveys
3 – Native mussel
communities
4 – Channel depth
profiles
5 – Small stream
habitat survey
6 – Fish in channel
border habitats
Unpredictable fall weather may necessitate rearranging the order or content of
some or all of the exercises. We will have to work
with the prevailing weather conditions each week, so be flexible. It may be
necessary to conduct the fieldwork for two different exercises during the same
lab period, some come prepared. We hopefully will be able to examine a wide
variety of Mississippi River habitats, and other smaller rivers or streams as
necessary during the semester.
Lab
Exercises
At the completion of each exercise, students will be required to
submit a data summary that contains the results of that exercise, including
tables, figures, and a written description of the results. In essence, students
will produce a "Results" section of a research report for each lab
exercise. Students will produce
and submit these data summaries either individually or in groups of two (2)
students. Please follow the
standard format for writing a research report "Results" section, as
found in A Short Guide to
Writing About Biology by J.A.
Pechenik. Data summaries will be due on Wednesday
the week following completion of the lab exercise, or another day as agreed
upon by the class. Be neat!! Remember, this is a
senior/graduate-level class, so produce senior/graduate-quality products.
Lab
Paper
After the completion of one specific exercise, students will be
required to write and submit a complete research report detailing the findings of the
exercise. Once again, follow the guidelines for writing found in Pechenik's
book. Reports undoubtedly will contain comparisons to the information contained
in pertinent literature that the instructor will make available to students.
Students will produce and submit this report either
individually or in groups of two (2) students, and it will be due near the end
of the semester. More details will be forthcoming.
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