Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    ENVC

 Course #:    112

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    030101

 EPC:    165

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

Introduction to natural and human-induced processes that shape lake ecosystems. Quantitative and qualitative measuring techniques will be used to assess water quality, including biological integrity.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: ENVC 101 or ENVS& 101 with a "C" or higher.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe how the physical and chemical factors shape lake ecosystems.
2. Measure and interpret water quality factors that determine aquatic habitat quality.
3. Describe the biological communities of lake systems including plankton, nekton, benthic and fringing communities.
4. Demonstrate how limnological communities are linked through food webs and nutrient cycling.
5. Describe the process of graphing limnology data and writing sections of a scientific research paper.
6. Quantify how anthropogenic activities affect aquatic habitats and communities.
7. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Outline an ecological sampling design.
8. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Water or wastewater license; how many students successfully obtain a state license within the first year after graduation.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Introduction, morphometry, origin and classification of lakes. Light in lakes, heat in lakes, water movement in lakes.
2. Chemical and physical factors affecting lake ecosystems.
3. Trophic status of lakes. DO/CO2.
4. Nutrient cycling. Nitrogen, phosphates, and other ions.
5. Biota of lakes - bacteria, viruses, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and vascular plants.
6. Food webs in lakes.
7. Anthropogenic impacts and lake management.