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GEOG 396 Field Methods, Fall 2011

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Joy Wolf
TELEPHONE: 595-3221
EMAIL: wolf@uwp.edu
OFFICE: MOLN 247
 

This course is a survey of field methods used in biogeography.   The class is intended for geography majors, environmental science minors, and other related majors past the sophomore level. The emphasis is on sampling design using a variety of ecological and geographical data.  Students will learn techniques of field study and statistical data tests.  Because of the level of this class, satisfactory writing and computer skills are expected of all students at the time the course begins.
 

Past Field Trip Photographs:   2001      2002    2003    2004    2005   2006

Related Links from past and current classes:      Chiwaukee Prairie, Renak-Polak Woods, Monarch Watch, Hawthorn Hollow, Petrifying Springs, REC , Richard Bong State Recreation Area,  Ephemeral Pond Project , Plants of Concern Monitoring, Cedarburg Bog, Lulu Lake, Hemlock Draw, Devil’s Lake, Weed Out Project, Beulah Bog
See schedule below for more.

Class Structure
The class will meet on Tuesdays from 2:00pm to 6:00pm unless otherwise posted - check the time schedule.  You will be responsible for getting to class on time for each field trip. You should always prepare for the weather, i.e. bring rain gear and dress appropriate to weather and field conditions.  However I will shift lecture and field trip times to accommodate for lightning or dangerous storms. Class will run over time if we are in the middle of a field exercise.  We will participate in a one or two night camping trip. The overnight trip is mandatory.  For the camping trip, we will leave early and may not return until 6:00 or later on the last day.

 

Suggested Materials:
* Field books to identify flowers, grasses, and trees in this region
* Journal Book (and clipboard if needed)
* Camera (You may want to include photos in your papers)
* Binoculars

Final Grade
Assignments                          40%
Exams                                     25%
Field Journal                          10%
Research Project                    15%
Attendance, Enthusiasm, Writing    10%

Course Attendance and Other Policies:  Your attendance in class is required.   You will receive a grade of 0 for any day you miss.  For all written work, use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Assignments should be typed double-spaced, and error free. Part of your grade will be evaluated on completeness, neatness, and organization.  If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain lecture notes or any announcements regarding syllabus changes or exams from a classmate.   You cannot make up any missed graded activities.

Cancellation Policy due to Weather:  The class will meet for all weather conditions unless the University closes entirely.

Research Project
Each student will use one method we completed in class in their own project.  The student will research the method in more depth, support the method used, and interpret the results based on the scientific method.   Review the handout in D2L.

Daily Journal
Maintaining a field journal throughout the semester gives you a chance to be a naturalist and a field scientist!  Use it to record field notes, observations, thoughts about your research project, drawings, and anything you feel is appropriate to your work and the class. I encourage you to take photographs, Include dates and times of your entries. You should become comfortable in taking notes in or out of the classroom.

Reminder:  End time for all classes are subject to change if we are in the middle of an activity (likely no more than an hour).

This is an updated tentative schedule that continues to reshape – be flexible!