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- Winter Ecology -
A
Field Course at CU's Mountain Research Station
EBIO
4100, Sec 570
Spring 2012 - 3 Credits
Meets ENVS’s
Field & Application requirements – Meets
EBIO’s 4000 requirement
_________________________
6 Weeks -- Wed 18 Jan - Sat 25 Feb 2012
* *
* * * *
Field classes
5 weekends – At the Mountain Research
Station
Lecture 1 hour/week for 5
weeks – On the Boulder campus (Weds 5 pm,
room TBA)
Mid-course
weekend for individual field projects (11-12
Feb 12)
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Course
Description
Wintertime offers
insights into the natural history of organisms and function of
ecosystems that are not often appreciated in summer visits to
the field. Winter Ecology is a survey of
physical and biological processes and their interaction in
wintertime snow-covered environments. Through classwork,
fieldwork, and individual projects, we will focus on the
dynamics of high-elevation ecosystems in the western US.
Based from the CU Mountain Research Station's new year-round
Moores-Collins Science Lodge, we will spend 5 weekends
exploring the ecology of upper montane, subalpine, and alpine
landscapes in winter. We will study plant, vertebrate, and
microbial adaptations to winter and the dynamics of
terrestrial, aquatic, and snowpack environments. We will
consider how winter processes play a role in “growing season”
dynamics, shape landscapes, and are important factors in
conservation and management of natural resources of the Rocky
Mountains.
Course
Specifics
Instructor:
Dr. Timothy Kittel, INSTAAR
Locations, Dates & Times:
- 5 Weekends in the field: Sat 21
Jan - Sun 5 Feb, and Sat 18 Feb - Sat 25 Feb
2012
- Mountain Research
Station, University of Colorado, Boulder
–
- One
weekend midway through for individual field
research projects - Sat
11 Feb - Sun 12 Feb 2012
- Course well
over before Spring Break
- Saturday – 8:30a-5:00p and
7:30-8:30p
- 1st Sat - Arrive at 8am for
check-in
- Sunday – 8:30a-5:00p (some
days may start earlier or go longer)
- One Weekday lecture meeting per
week - Main Campus, Wednesdays, starting 1/18/12
- Lectures
(1hr/week)- background for the coming weekend's
field exercises
- Weds, 5-6pm. Ramaley
N183– during
weeks prior to field weekends
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|
 Moores-Collins
Science
Lodge
Mountain Research Station
(photo: TKittel)
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Course Registration
Credits:
3
- EBIO 4100, Sec 570
-
Open to students from all colleges and universities
Tuition & Fees:
$1400 -
-
includes lodging
- no
additional tuition for out-of-state
-
meals to be arranged separately (see pre-course
organizational meeting)
-
sorry, no pets
Registration
- You must
sign up on the Mountain Research Station registration
site and pay the deposit before you will be
counted as having a place in the course.
- See the MRS
registration
site for general information and to register
online
- Register
by phone 303 492-8842
- Enrollment
is limited to 15.
- Course
Deposit: $250
- Cancellations
-
Final
Registration (with balance of tuition payment
due) – 1st Weds lecture
Financial
Aid -
- While MRS
does not offer financial aid for its courses –
- If you have
financial aid through CU, you can use it to cover
for course costs. Contact the Station to make
necessary arrangements (email mrs@colorado.edu,
phone 303 492-8842).
- If you are
at another institution, please check with your
financial aid office.
Textbooks
Required
texts:
- Life in the Cold. An Introduction
to Winter Ecology, by Peter
Marchand. 3rd ed. 1996. University Press
of New England. ~$23.
- ISBN
0-87451-785-0
- 3 Copies on reserve
- 2 at Norlin
- 1 in the INSTAAR
Information Center*
- Available
at:
- Boulder
Bookstore, downtown -- Class Orders
Shelves (in the basement). Note: They
offer a 10% discount on texts.
- [not
available at CU Bookstore, UMC: back
ordered]
- Winter. An
Ecological Handbook, by J.C.
Halfpenny and R.D. Ozanne. 1989. Johnson
Books (Boulder, CO). ~$17 ISBN 1-55566-036-3
- This book is out of print.
- 7 Copies on reserve
- 2 at Norlin
- 3 at MRS
- 2 in the INSTAAR
Information Center*
- Also on Google
books
- Amazon
Kindle version $10.
*INSTAAR
Information Center 2nd
floor RL-1, East Campus) --
Loan period
for reserve books: two hours or
If checked out late in the day--overnight.
Suggested
outside reading (not assigned):
- Winter
World. The Ingenuity of Animal Survival, by
Bernd Heinrich. 2003 (Ecco paperback edition
2004). HarperCollins. ~$25. (Publisher is currently out of
stock.)
- Autumn.
A
Season
of
Change, by Peter Marchand. 2000.
University Press of New England.
Note there are
readings assigned for both days of the first weekend
(see Week 1
readings)
| “The instruction we
find in books is like fire. We fetch it from
our neighbours, kindle it at home, communicate
it to others, and it becomes the property of
all.”
- Voltaire
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Getting There:
Directions to
the MRS from Boulder:  Map
– pdf file
(60k)
Winter
trek - 1950/60's?. Photo source: Jim
Snow. Source
& copyright notice
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Course Format
MRS field courses –
- MRS field
courses are designed to provide students a hands on
field research experience.
- Each course
emphasizes informal interaction with the instructors
and fellow students.
- Course
credit is readily transferable to other
institutions.
Winter Ecology
–
- Format:
Lectures, Field/Lab work, and Evening Programs with
Guest Speakers, with an emphasis on hands-on
experience
- Course
meets:
- CU's
ENVS's Field Course & Application
requirements
- CU's
EBIO's 4000 requirement
- Prerequisite:
- 1 year of
college general biology, physical geography, or
environmental science
- Class size:
10-15 students
Grading
Evaluation is
based on: Field exercises,
Individual project, Lab & field final exam,
Participation, and Field journal.
Grading
breakdown:
- Field
exercises 30%
- Individual
project 30%
- Guidelines
for Proposals, Draft Reports, Presentations
- Previous
Years' Projects
- Grading
Criteria for Projects
- Project
Deadlines
Quick Reference
| Deadline |
2012
Due Date |
Due Date Relative to
Weekly Schedule |
Guidelines, Resources |
| Initial Idea |
Sun 22 Jan |
1st Sun |
- Weekly
Schedules and Readings
|
| Proposal and
Key Refs due |
Weds 1 Feb |
3nd midweek
lecture |
|
| Draft
Write-up due |
Fri 17 Feb |
Friday
following 5rd midweek lecture |
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| Oral
Presentations |
Sat
25 Feb |
6th
Sat (last day of class) |
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- Exam 30%
- Field notebook
5% - including project & exercise observations,
data
- Overall class
participation 5%
Due to
scheduling constraints, there'll be no opportunity to
make-up parts of the course including the exam
Final grades
assigned as follows: A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C
70-79%, D 50-69%, F <50%
(photo:
Alan Rosacker, Winter Ecology 2005)
Other Logistics:
See information
on Health matters and
Personal equipment
in preparation for the class's field work. Also see
other sections in 'What to bring'
for information on what's needed for staying at the
Lodge, food, and computer facilities.
CU
Winter Ecology with John Marr, 1946. Photo
source: Joyce Gelhorn. Source
& copyright notice
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For
more information email Tim Kittel at kittel@colorado.edu
Download course flyer – pdf file (160k)
Download mini-slideshow – ppt file (7M)
Instructor's
Goal
“A personal
goal for me, as an instructor, [is] to foster
familiarity with the nature of science. There
are many facets to understanding the world of
science. One is experiencing the process of
accumulation and evaluation of scientific
understanding – how do new ideas arise and how are
they tested? Another is developing the ability
for independent thought, to be able to generate
innovative ideas and [to] critically assess the
results of others. And finally, gaining what
is often called a ‘sense of place,’ which is to say
in this context, to start on the road to develop an
intuitive, personal sense of how natural systems
work.”
– T. Kittel (Center for Environmental
Research & Conservation Notes, Fall
2000, Columbia University, NY)
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Words from
Previous Years' Students to Incoming Students
– from Student Course
Evaluations
Limnological
field
data
collection,
Gold Lake, CO. Winter
Ecology 2005 (photo: Alan Rosacker)
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- “Hands down
the best class ever taken at CU.” (Sp 2011)
- “The Winter
Ecology Field Course at CU Boulder's Mountain
Research Station is like no other ecology course.
Covering a wide range of topics, from climate to
small mammals’ winter ways to plant distribution, it
was a wonderful way to experience winter research
conditions and a great introduction to ecology, from
a winter perspective. I would say prepare to
work hard, and say ‘I didn't know that!’ a
lot.” (Spring 2005)
- “There are few ways to get the hands on experiences a
field course provides.” (Sp 2005)
- “The field
exercises were great! Everyone should take a
course like this.” (Sp 2006)
- “Outside time was fantastic. Being able to talk
about a subject and then go study/observe was
crucial. ¶ Field courses are great and should
be required for all physical geography students.”
(Spring 2005)
- “Expect to
learn new things with fun people. I thought
this class was great. Out of [my field
courses], this was definitely my favorite field
class. ... A really great
experience!” (Spring 2005)
- “The format was great – mixing lecture,
field, guest lectures, etc.” (Spring 2005)
- “Guest field instructors
were all awesome. The 'expert of the day' made
the class great. ¶ Do it Do it
Do it!” (Spring 2010)
- “Tim is an excellent prof. He will excite your
interest and encourage you to learn immense amounts
about winter ecology.” (Spring 2005)
- “Be ready for snow & cold, 10-20 other friends,
and a beautiful environment” (Spring 2010)
- “It kinda sucks giving
up your weekends, but it is completely
worth it.” (Spring 2010)
- “It is a great course, pay attention, and put the
effort in.” (Spring 2010)
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Snowpit
field day, Winter
Ecology 2009. Student Ryan Provencher
(right) &
Instructor T Kittel (photo:
Drew Habig)
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Health
Matters
Most fieldwork
will be in high elevation, snow-covered, and/or wind-blown
areas. Students must come prepared to do wintertime
fieldwork under such conditions (see Required Equipment).
Participants need to be in good health and physical condition
and aware of the physical stress of being out in
high-elevation wintertime environments, including low
oxygen, high exertion, and cold temperatures –
those with respiratory or heart conditions are advised to
consult their physician before enrolling.
Required
Personal Equipment
 |
Equipment required
for field work includes, in the minimum:
- Backcountry
skis
(telemark
or touring) with climbing skins, or snowshoes
(with sufficient floatation on unpacked
snow and grip on packed/icy surfaces)
- Extreme
cold weather clothing and boots - sufficient to
stay warm while standing about for substantial
periods (e.g. 1 hr),
- Ski
goggles, skiing face mask or balaclava, day pack,
...
Go to WHAT
TO
BRING! for
a full listing of required and suggested equipment --
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Schedule –
Related
CU
Academic Links –
- Related
EBIO courses -
- EBIO 3170 (3-4). Arctic and
Alpine Ecology. Lect. and field trips. Focuses on the
biology of arctic and alpine environments, limiting
physical factors (such as geomorphology and climatic
history), and human interaction with cold-stressed
environments, especially the arctic.
- CU
Environmental
Center
- Earth
Education 6-8th grade Winter
Ecology curriculum (pdf)
- Outdoor
Classroom: Snow
Wonder session
University Course Policies –
In and
Out of Classroom Behavior
Students and
faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an
appropriate learning environment. Students who fail
to adhere to behavioral standards may be subject to
discipline. Faculty have the professional
responsibility to treat students with understanding,
dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to
set reasonable limits on the manner in which students
express opinions. See policies at <http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html>
and at <http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code>.
Professional
courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with
respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences
of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation,
gender, gender variance, and nationalities. Class
rosters are provided to the instructor with the
student's legal
name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by
an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of
this preference early in the semester so that I may make
appropriate changes to my records.
Discrimination
and Harassment
The
University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination
and Harassment, the University of Colorado policy on
Sexual Harassment, and the University of Colorado policy
on Amorous Relationships apply to all students, staff and
faculty. Any student, staff or faculty member who
believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or
harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex,
age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran
status should contact the Office of Discrimination and
Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial
Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH,
the above referenced policies and the campus resources
available to assist individuals regarding discrimination
or harassment can be obtained at: <http://www.colorado.edu/odh>.
Academic
Integrity (Honor Code)
All students
of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible
for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy
of this institution. Violations of this policy may
include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty,
fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening
behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall
be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu;
303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in
violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject
to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and
non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to
university probation, suspension, or expulsion).
Additional information on the Honor Code can be found at
<http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html>
and at <http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/>.
Students
should note that their work may be evaluated through
TurnItIn.com, a plagiarism service provided to all faculty
at CU-Boulder; and that this service retains a copy of the
submitted work for future comparisons.
Accommodation
for Religious Obligations
Campus policy
regarding religious observances requires that faculty make
every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all
students who, because of religious obligations, have
conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required
attendance. In this class, please notify me of
anticipated conflicts before the start of the course or as
early as possible so that there is adequate time to make
necessary arrangements. See policy details at <http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html>.
Course Description
| Course Specifics | Instructor's Goals
Words from Last Year's Students|
Health Matters | Required Personal
Equipment | Schedule
DETAILED WEEKLY SCHEDULES
AND READINGS - WEEK
1 | WEEK2
| WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 | WEEK 5
Course website including all internal links
© 2011 T. Kittel. All rights reserved. All
copyrighted material on this website is made available for
limited educational use only (commerical use strictly
prohibited).
Photographs
property
of
sources as credited. Unless otherwise noted, photos
courtesy of http://instaar.colorado.edu/research/mrs.html,
http://www.colorado.edu/mrs/,
and http://culter.colorado.edu/Niwot/Niwot_Ridge_LTER_vegetation.html
(some of these sourced from: Burke Museum of Natural History
and Culture webpage
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/mammalogy/orders.html)
Please
email
website
problems
to: kittel@colorado.edu
this
page URL:
http://culter.colorado.edu/~kittel/WinterEcology.html
