EEOB 5420: Aquatic Ecosystems Ecology of Inland Waters

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1 The Ohio State University Course offering at Stone Laboratory EEOB 5420: Aquatic Ecosystems Ecology of Inland Waters Semester Credit Hours 4 under/grad PREREQUISITES At least junior standing by the summer of enrollment, minimum GPA of 2.5, and completion of 12 semester hours of biological science courses and a basic chemistry course that includes a lab, OR permission of instructor. Knowledge of basic ecological principles is also recommended. COURSE DESCRIPTION Limnology is the study of inland waters. It is an interdisciplinary science that integrates the study of geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes in these waters. During this course students will investigate the aquatic communities and ecosystem processes that occur in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Much of the course will involve outdoor fieldwork in lake, river, and pond settings. Appropriate clothing is recommended (rain gear, extra shoes for getting wet/muddy, swimwear/light clothing). During this course students will learn standard field and laboratory techniques in aquatic sciences. Time spent in a lecture hall will be minimized with content being interspersed during field and lab experiences. Students will complete a research paper based on their own limnological data and literature analysis. Presentations on timely limnological topics will also be expected (e.g. invasive species). The course meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 AM until 4:00 PM. TEXT Kalff, J Limnology. Prentice Hall. ISBN: (out of print) online material will be made available. cont d Instructor: To Be Determined

2 COURSE SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS June 19- Morning Chapter/ Article Afternoon Chapter/ Article July 23 Sunday None Course Introduction Statistics/excel Tuesday F-Kelley s Island F- Kelleys Island L-Physics- Water, Light, Heat K chp 3, 10, 11, L- Geology- Lake Origins K chp. 6 Thursday F- Sandusky Bay/ Subbasin F- Sandusky Bay/ Subbasin Saturday F begin nutrient limitation assay F- Analyze Physical Data from SB Field Trip F ph, ANC, conductivity L-Hydrology K chp. 5 L- Physics- Water Movements K chp. 12 L- Geology- Lake Morphometry K chpt. 7 Tuesday F- Sample deep hole L P, N K chp. 17, 18 L Aquatic Chemistry K chp 13 F phytoplankton ID Thursday Midterm I- Statistics, Geology, and Physics L ph, ANC K chp. 14, 15 L Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Metabolism K chp. 14, 15 F water treatment plant Saturday L other nutrients K chp. 19 F chemical analysis F- finish limitation assay Tuesday F chl. a analysis F chemical analysis P Literature review of eutrophication Thursday L- Primary producers K 21, 24 F - project data analysis L- Bacteria K chp. 22 Saturday F- Light/ Dark Bottle Photosynthesis F- Terwilliger s Pond- Aquatic Macrophytes in Midterm II- Chemistry L- Shallow Lakes and Ponds 2

3 Tuesday F Small Lake Limnology F Small Lake Limnology Thursday F invasive zooplankton roundup F - zooplankton ID L- Zooplankton K 23 Saturday L- Fish K 26 L- streams and reservoirs L Exotic Species P rough draft of algal limitation report Tuesday F - Old Woman Creek/Huron River F - Old Woman Creek/Huron River Thursday F Lake Erie fish/invert sampling L- Benthic Invertebrates K 25 Friday NO CLASS P - Invasive species presentations L-any make up lectures/work Saturday NO CLASS Lab Practical Written Final (cumulative, but focus after MTII) Legend: A- Assignment D- Discussion F- Field/ Laboratory Exercise L- Lecture P- Project Due K- Kalff (text) 3

4 COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the course students will be able to 1. Link the geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes of inland waters 2. Hypothesize how the structure of aquatic communities and ecosystems function are related 3. Evaluate how humans have impacted aquatic systems (i.e., invasive species, cultural eutrophication, toxins, etc.) 4. Perform standard limnological techniques used in research and professional aquatic fields 5. Analyze aquatic data using appropriate statistical techniques 6. Conduct literature research on important aquatic science questions 7. Work cooperatively in group settings. 8. Enjoy and appreciate Lake Erie s aquatic habitats and teach others of their beauty and value!! POINT BREAKDOWN (Assignments and Points subject to change): Assignment Midterm I Midterm II Final- Written Final- Lab Practical Eutrophication Literature Review Algal Limitations First Draft Algal Limitations Final Report Homework Assignments Class Participation Total Points 50 pts 50 pts pts 25 pts pts 4

5 GRADING SCALE Grade Cutoff A 90% B+ 87% B 80% C+ 77% C 70% D+ 67% D 60% F Below 60% PROJECTS Algal Limitation Report Compile pertinent data from labs to write a scientific paper regarding the limitations of algal growth in Lake Erie. Research Briefs and Guest Lectures: Stone Lab offers an excellent seminar series during the summer, with nationally and internationally known scientists, managers, and policy makers. Students in this course are required to attend these lectures and will receive class participation points. Lectures occur on Thursday evenings from approximately 7-9 PM. Material presented in these lectures will also be included in exams. Homework Homework will be assigned throughout the semester. These will include reports from field trips, reading assignments, exam preparation quizzes, and class presentations. 5