BIOL 103: Salmon, Ecosystems and Society

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Class Program

Biology

Credits

Clinical Hours None

Weekly Contact Hours

Course ID

091441

Meets Degree Requirements For

Diversity,

Natural Science

Description

Examines the ecological relationships between pacific salmon, the environment, and people. Students will learn core biological and ecological concepts using salmon as a framework. Students will also learn about the historical and contemporary human dimensions related to pacific salmon biology, ecology, and management with an emphasis on Indigenous People.

Grading Basis

Graded

Course Learning Outcomes

Define ecological terms and describe ecological principals that link individuals at populations, community, landscape, and ecosystem levels.

Program Learning Outcomes

Describe the flow of energy and the cycling of matter within an ecosystem.

Program Learning Outcomes

Analyze and describe the abiotic and biotic components, including humans, of ecosystems and the relationships among these components within selected Pacific Northwest ecosystems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Apply the methods of social science investigation to examine historical controversies that impacted the Pacific Northwest ecosystem and continue to impact present-day politics, the economy, and the environment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Describe the historic and contemporary roles Native Americans have played in ecological stewardship, especially in terms of salmon and current recovery efforts as well as the systemic discrimination and prejudice related to the salmon treaties and loss of ecosystem functions for Indigenous Peoples in the Pacific Northwest.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate scientific skills and competencies and relate those to traditionally non-science ideas:
a) Distinguish between science and non-science.
b) Critically evaluate articles written on environmental topics.
c) Identify and evaluate biological/ecological effects of politics and policy.
d) Constructively discuss controversial concepts with peers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Core Topics

Basic biological, physiological, and life-history characteristics that make salmon unique from other species and imperative for Indigenous ways of life.
Survey of principals of ecology: nutrient cycles, keystone & indicator species, trophic relationships, population regulation and community dynamics in salmon ecosystems.
The gestalt of a salmon ecosystem.
Salmon and PNW ecosystems prior to European arrival and subsequent development including traditional and contemporary resource usage and stewardship by Indigenous Peoples.
Overview and history of salmon treaties, treaty vs. non-treaty tribes, and loss of ecosystem functioning for Indigenous peoples.
Contemporary issues, threats, and management of salmon and their ecosystem, in the context of co-management and tribal commitments and interests as well as histories of discrimination of oppression.