BIO-214 Herpetology: Natural History and Field Techniques of NY State Amphibians and Reptiles

An investigation of amphibians and reptiles of NY State, specifically the Finger Lakes Region, including, but not limited to ecology, behavior, natural histories, environmental impact and evolutionary relationships. A 5 day residential component for Amphibian and reptile identification and learning field sampling techniques will be an integral part of this course. Evaluation of students is based on 1) class participation, 2) group summary of field project, 3) critique of oral presentation of natural history of a species, 4) maintenance of a field journal, 5) identification of amphibians and reptiles of northeast.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

BIO-122

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

2

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Science & Technology

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Summarize literature research of the natural history of an amphibian and a reptile whose home ranges include the Finger Lakes region in an oral presentation
2. Describe the morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations of herps
3. Apply techniques associated with inventory sampling and monitoring of herps in the field
4. Demonstrate proficiency in identification, collection and handling of herps according to protocol during class field trips
5. Recognize the importance of herps in the ecology of local habitats
6. Evaluate habitat requirements for amphibians and reptiles

View Course Outline

BIO 214: Herpetology: Natural History and Field Techniques of NY State Amphibians and Reptiles

Department

Science and Technology

Course Description

An investigation of amphibians and reptiles of NY State, specifically the Finger Lakes Region, including, but not limited to ecology, behavior, natural histories, environmental impact and evolutionary relationships. A 5 day residential component for Amphibian and reptile identification and learning field sampling techniques will be an integral part of this course. Evaluation of students is based on 1) class participation, 2) group summary of field project, 3) critique of oral presentation of natural history of a species, 4) maintenance of a field journal, 5) identification of amphibians and reptiles of northeast.

Credit Hours

4

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	2
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Prerequisites

BIO-122

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Summarize literature research of the natural history of an amphibian and a reptile whose home ranges include the Finger Lakes region in an oral presentation
2. Describe the morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations of herps
3. Apply techniques associated with inventory sampling and monitoring of herps in the field
4. Demonstrate proficiency in identification, collection and handling of herps according to protocol during class field trips
5. Recognize the importance of herps in the ecology of local habitats
6. Evaluate habitat requirements for amphibians and reptiles

Topic Outline

Being a combination traditional lecture and residential field course offers the flexibility of time.  The traditional lecture/discussion will include:  

1. anatomical and physiological characteristics of amphibians and reptiles 
2. a brief overview of evolution and taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles 
3. an examination of the ecological role of herps in the environment 
4. survey of local, as well as northeast in general, amphibians and reptiles 
   1. identification 
   2. natural history
   3. environmental status
5. open discussion of current research related to northeast herps 

The residential course will include:

1. inventory techniques for amphibians and reptiles 
2. handling protocol of amphibians and reptiles 
3. collection field trips for the purpose of identification and sampling of herps 
4. Habitat delineation 
5. Student presentations of an amphibian and a reptile