|
Back to Curry Home Page
Special Topics: Field Biology & Natural History of Nova Scotia, Summer 2016
|
|
Course numbers
- Bio 3955 Topics in Biology, 4 credits, lecture &
lab; online distance-learning pre-trip preparation and post-trip reflection/assignments
Format
-
Summer Session III (June & July): hybrid format, combining
Distance Learning pre- and post-trip work with field trip
- Distance Learning elements will concentrate on ...
- Assignments prior to the field trip
focusing on preparation for travel and field activities that will take
place in Nova Scotia. Readings will be administered through Blackboard
using online sources; the course will not involve required purchase of a
major textbook
- Assignments after the trip will involve
write-up of field observations and exercises
- The required field trip--which constitutes the
central element of the course as a whole--will involve ...
- Travel by University van from Villanova to
southwestern Nova Scotia, using ferry between Portland, ME, and Yarmouth, NS
(or, if necessary, between Saint John, NB, and Digby, NS). It probably will be possible for us
to pick up students between Philadelphia and Portland en route (it
would not be necessary for students to ever come to the Villanova campus).
- Trip dates
(includes travel days): 6 - 21 July
- Most activities in Nova Scotia (13-14 days)
will take place in Yarmouth County, or in adjacent Digby and Shelburne
Counties
- While in Nova Scotia, we will camp using tents and
equipment provided by Villanova, or stay in cottages owned by the Curry
family; we will also spend several nights on Bon Portage Island at
Acadia University's field station
Note: A 2-credit
version, offered in summer 2013 and summer 2014, using the hybrid format described above, was
very successful. Contact information for students who completed that
offering of the class (and are willing to answer questions) is available
from Dr. Curry on request.
Prerequisites
- coursework
equivalent to General Biology I & II or equivalent to Environmental Science
1 & 2, and/or permission of
instructor
Cost
-
Summer Session III tuition
- $900 additional, which will cover
the per capita
cost of ferry passage, accommodations, food, and all
required course activities (e.g., whale-watch trip)
Field trip activities planned
- Bird-banding and field identification
- Forest ecology and natural history
- Salt marsh ecology
-
Intertidal and rocky shore ecology
- Fisheries
ecology and survey of fishing technologies
-
Whale watching: boat trip from Brier Island, Digby Co.
-
Lake and stream ecology
Student equipment needed
Required
- Clothing appropriate for fieldwork in
wet/buggy/muddy conditions (long pants, long-sleeved shirts)
- Hiking boots and/or rubber boots ("wellies"
recommended)
- Day pack
-
Field notebook, writing implements
- Raincoat or poncho
- Binoculars (pairs available to borrow from
Villanova with security deposit, but own binoculars preferable as long as
good quality)
- Sleeping bag
Optional
- Camera
- Bathing suit(s)
- Sleeping pad
- Rain pants
- Fishing rod (no license
required for saltwater fishing; non-resident license required [extra cost]
for freshwater fishing)
Page last updated:
Friday, 06 May 2016
|