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Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (ZOOL 326 – 3 semester hours)
Meeting time: May 14-June 1(Monday – Thursday, full day)
Instructor: Dr. Tom Blanchard (University of Tennessee at Martin)
e-mail: tblanch@utm.edu
Phone: (731) 881-7594
The Reelfoot Lake area provides a great variety of aquatic habitats that support a diverse assemblage of aquatic insects and other invertebrates. The lake itself is a relatively shallow, natural lake with abundant emergent and submerged vegetation. Surrounding the lake is extensive bottomland forest that is periodically flooded to varying degrees thus providing important ephemeral aquatic habitats. There are also several streams that feed the lake or the Obion River that contain invertebrate taxa more characteristic of flowing water habitats. This course is designed to be an introduction to the study of freshwater macroinvertebrates including structure, classification, ecology and identification. Each day will include a 1 – 2 hr. lecture, collecting in various habitats, and the identification of specimens in the laboratory. One over-night camping trip to Montgomery Bell State Park is planned for the second week of class. Prerequisites: introductory biology or permission of instructor.
Freshwater Algae (BOT 305 – 3 semester hours)
Meeting time: June 4-July 6 (Mon., Wed., alternate Frid., Full day)
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Greenwood (University of Tennessee at Martin)
e-mail: jreenwood@utm.edu
Phone: (731) 881-7175
Why would anyone want to take a course in freshwater algae? Why doesn’t everyone want to take a course in freshwater algae? Learning about algae is like opening a door to a brand new microscopic world that is colorful, vibrant and teeming with life. You might hardly ever think about algae, but algae are beautiful organisms that play a critical role in freshwater ecosystems. This course will teach students how to sample algae from different aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands, and also how to sample from different microhabitats such as plankton, sediment, rocks, Cypress knees, etc. Students will learn how to key algae and to recognize algal genera representatives from cyanobacteria, green algae, diatoms, euglenids, chrysophytes and any other group that we sample. Knowledge from this course would be useful for students who are planning a career in an environmental or aquatic field. There is also increasing demand by consulting firms and government agencies for people with experience in algal identification. This course will require field work involving physical activity. Prerequisites: introductory biology (BIOL 130-140) or instructor’s approval.
Field Ornithology (ZOOL 323 – 3 semester hours)
Meeting time: June 4-July 6 (Tues., Thur., alternate Frid., Full day)
Instructor: Dr. H. Dawn Wilkins (University of Tennessee at Martin)
e-mail: hwilkins@utm.edu
Phone: (731) 881-7188
Field Ornithology is designed to teach students how to identify birds and to give students a better understanding of what it means to be a professional field ornithologist. We will investigate the numerous habitats around Reelfoot Lake as students learn to identify a wide range of species. In addition, students will use the scientific method and common field techniques in ornithology as they participate in research projects. Projects include observing differences in diversity between habitat types, censusing owls, erecting and monitoring nest boxes, observing interactions within heron rookeries, and mapping Osprey/Eagle nests. This course will require extensive field work in a variety of situations including hiking, wading, canoeing, and boating. Prerequisites: introductory biology or permission of instructor. |
