BIO - 291 Stream Ecosystem Assessment (Lecture and Lab)

The principal focus of this course is on the sampling and analysis techniques used to conduct ecological assessments in streams. Key topics covered in this course include: physical, chemical,and biological characteristics of natural stream ecosystems; water quality sampling; quantifying in-stream habitat characteristics and riparian condition; quantifying large woody debris and other fish habitat attributes; sampling and identification of benthic invertebrates and fishes to quantify community structure; satellite and elastomer tagging of fish; computation of stream habitat suitability and ecological condition; US EPA’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) sampling protocols. A week-long field trip to the eastern mountains of WV will follow self-paced readings and lectures on line.