Office of Continuing Education, Montana State University

BIOE 519-801: Biology of Riparian Zones and Wetlands

Online Jun 17-Jul 26, 2013 Credit: 2 graduate Tuition & Fees: $626.70 Instructor(s): Joseph Bradshaw Register Online

Online
Jun 17-Jul 26, 2013
Credit: 2 graduate
Tuition & Fees: $626.70
Instructor(s): Joseph Bradshaw

Course Description

Building a home along the bank of a river (riparian zone) or draining a wet area (wetland) for “useful” purposes are commonplace activities throughout the country. But how do these activities change the functions of naturally occurring riparian zones and wetlands?

In this course, we will explore the structure and functions of these areas transitional between dry and aquatic communities, and their importance in the natural world. You will complete six activities in this course:

Read some on-line material about riparian zones and wetlands, and discuss the material.
Locate and describe an important riparian zone or wetland, a park for instance, in your area, explaining why it is special.
Locate and describe one or two study areas for your class project that ideally could be used for your own classroom activities.
Identify 8-10 major plants in your study areas and construct a dichotomous key to the plants that could be used by your students (or friends).
Quantitatively compare three features between or within your study areas, collecting data and analyzing them statistically (a sample statistics problem will be provided).
Write a short paper on your project, following scientific paper format. We will have a “Question of the Week” for sparking discussion among class members.

Science standards, federal and state, usually require field activities and ecological understanding. This course will get you outside, investigating areas that you find interesting and relevant to you and your students. This course can be combined with BIOL 513: Terrestrial Ecology of Plains and Prairies, for heightening awareness of the similarities and differences between grasslands and wetter areas.

Meeting Place and Times

Teachers login to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend 12 - 15 hours each week while the course is in session, either online or offline working on course related assignments, to stay current and successfully complete this 2 credit graduate course.

Instructor(s)

Joseph Bradshaw, MS.

Prerequisites

Two or more years of teaching experience.

Target Audience

Middle and high school science teachers.

Time Commitment:

12-15 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Tuition and Fees


	Tuition	$533.00
	Program Fee	$87.00
	Computer Fee	$6.70
	Total	$626.70

NSTA Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount. You will be prompted to enter your membership number at the time you register.

A $30 registration fee is also charged once per semester.

The costs above assume that you are taking only MSU Extended University courses during the semester that the course is offered. If you also registered for courses through the MSU Registrar, the regular MSU fee structure may apply.

A $40 late fee will be assessed if payment is not posted to your account by 3 pm (Mountain Time) of the course start date (or the business day before if the course starts on a weekend or a holiday).

To learn more about tuition and fees, please see the University Business Services' Student Accounts Web page.

Required Books/Materials

Materials will be provided electronically by your instructor.

Computer Requirements:

Computer running Windows XP Service Pack 3 or newer or Mac OS X.5 (Leopard) or higher
CD-ROM drive
Internet access

This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date.

For More Information

contact Diana Paterson at dianap@montana.edu or 406-994-5679.

BIOE 519-801: Biology of Riparian Zones and Wetlands