BIOLOGY 1094	          FRESHMAN SEMINAR	            FALL 2006

INSTRUCTOR:

Randall E. Hicks
Swenson Science Bldg. 153C
726-8439
rhicks@d.umn.edu (Note: this is often the easiest way to reach me)

OFFICE HOURS:

Tuesday               2:00 - 3:30 pm
Thursday             2:00 - 3:30 pm

or By appointment

CLASS PERIODS:

Tuesday & Thursday 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm (SSB 115)

CLASS WEB PAGE:

http://www.d.umn.edu/~rhicks1/angler/index.html

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:

Grover, J. Z.  1999.  Northern Waters.  Graywolf Press.  St. Paul, MN.

OPTIONAL TEXTBOOKS (Study Aids):

Perich, S.  1995.  Fly-Fishing the North Country.  Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers.  
          Duluth, MN.

Waters, T. S.  2000.  Wildstream, A Natural History of the Free Flowing River.  Riparian 
          Press, St. Paul, MN. [OUT OF PRINT]

Wulff, J.  1997.  Joan Wulff's Fly-Casting Accuracy.  The Lyons Press.  New York, NY.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The UMD Bulletin describes this course as:

Fundamental concepts of nature and history of stream ecosystems, their inhabitants, and ecological concepts of stream organization in addition to appreciation of stream conservation and angling. Acquisition of skills and techniques for participation in the sport of fly fishing.

This course meets the goals and objectives of Category 5 of the UMD Liberal Education program requirements.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This seminar will explore the nature and value of streams from different perspectives, introduce the natural history of streams, and study ecological concepts of stream organization in addition to increasing student appreciation of angling as a leisure pursuit. Ecological concepts like the river continuum concept, ecotones, and riparian zones will be used as organizational tools to examine classic examples of streams. In addition to these concepts, students will be introduced to the organisms found in streams, the rich scientific and popular literature about the nature, value, and essence of streams, historical uses of northern streams, stream modifications, and modern restoration methods. A portion of this seminar is modeled after an angling course which has been extremely successful for over 50 years at Pennsylvania State University. To be a successful stream angler, however, requires intimate knowledge of stream processes, stream inhabitants, and animal behavior in addition to mastering different aspects of angling. Thus, this course provides biological and ecological background in addition to introducing basic technical aspects of fly fishing. Classic examples of streams are locally abundant including the spring-fed, world-renown, Bois Brule River in northern Wisconsin and freestone streams along the north shore of Lake Superior. Each class meeting will use a combination of activities and lecture/discussions to introduce scientific, conservation, and angling concepts but the class will also include meetings with regional stream experts in government and academia, and culminate in field trips to a stream in northern Wisconsin.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS 

+ = papers that class members are REQUIRED TO READ for class discussions. These papers
are available to UMD students through the Internet at the UMD Library Reserve Online Resources. 

[Others papers in this list are available for loan from your instructor]

Cummins, K. W., and M. J. Klug.  1979.  Feeding ecology of stream invertebrates.  
          Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 10:147-172. * 
Ericsson, K. A., and D. J. Schimpf.  1986.  Woody riparian vegetation of a Lake 
          Superior tributary.  Can. J. Bot. 64:769-773. *
Gregory, S. V., F. J. Swanson, W. A. McKee, and K. W. Cummins.  1991.  An ecosystem
          perspective of riparian zones.  BioScience 41: 540-551.  +, * [pdf]
Hunt, R. L.  1993.  Trout Stream Therapy.  University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI.  
McCafferty, W. P.  1998.  Aquatic Entomology, The Fishermen's and Ecologists' 
          Illustrated Guide to Insects and Their Relatives.  Jones and Bartlett Publishers.  
          Sudbury, MA.  
Merrit, R. W., and K. W. Cummins (eds.).  1984.  An introduction to aquatic insects of 
          North America.  Kendal/Hunt Publ. Co., Dubuque, IA. *
Meyer, J. L.  1997.  Stream health:  incorporating the human dimension to advance stream 
          ecology.  J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 16:439-447.  +, * [pdf]
Minshall, G. W.  1978.  Autotrophy in stream ecosystems.  BioScience 28:767-771 +, * [pdf]
Minshall, G. W., K. W. Cummins, R. C. Petersen, C. E. Cushing, D. A. Bruns, J. R. 
          Sedell, and R. L. Vannote.  1985.  Developments in stream ecosystem theory.  
         Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci.  42:1045-1055. *
O'Donnell, D. J.  1944.  A history of fishing in the Brule River.  Trans. Wis. Acad. Sci., 
          Arts, and Letters 36:19-31.  
Power, M. E.  1990.  Effects of fish in river food webs.  Science 250:811-814.  +, * [pdf]
Rosenbauer, T.  1988.  Reading Trout Streams.  Lyons & Buford Publishers, New 
          York, NY.
Schuldt, J. A., and A. E. Hershey.  1995.  Impact of salmon carcass decomposition on 
          Lake Superior tributary streams.  J. North Amer. Benth. Soc. 14:259-268. *
Smith, L. L, and J. B. Moyle.  1944.  A Biological Survey and Fishery Management Plan 
           for the Streams of the Lake Superior North Shore Watershed.  Minnesota Fisheries 
           Research Laboratory.  Technical Bulletin No. 1, Minnesota Department of 
           Conservation. *
Vannote, R. L., G. W. Minshall, K. W. Cummins, J. R. Sedell, and C. E. Cushing.  1980.  
          The river continuum concept.  Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 37:130-137. +, * [pdf]
Waters, T. F.  1987.  The Superior North Shore.  University of Minnesota Press, 
          Minneapolis, MN. *

COURSE FORMAT:

• Grading will be based on the following criteria:

                                                                                                                      Points
Stream Journal (50%; counts as final exam)                                                  100	
Skill Checks (25%) [e.g., stream research techniques, angling skills, etc.]       50
Participation and class discussion (25%)                                                          50

TOTAL POINTS                                                                                            200

• Stream Journal - You are required to maintain a stream journal that describes changes you identify from September through the end of November in a stream you choose to study. Your journal should be a factual record of measurements and your observations when you visit your stream each week. During the course, we will explore different ways to examine, measure, and view streams. In the middle of the semester, I will examine stream journals for organization, completeness of observations, inventive measurements, interpretations of data and observations. If your journal is incomplete or unsatisfactory, then I will note this initial condition and return it with suggestions for improvement. At the end of the semester, you will be asked to give a 5 minute presentation in class about the stream you visited each week. Your grade will be based upon this presentation and your maintenance of an up-to-date stream journal using the criteria listed above. This journal will serve as the final examination.
• Skill checks will test the development of your scientific skills necessary to analyze streams and angling skills required to be a successful fly fisherperson. These skill checks will be announced and occur regularly throughout the semester. There will be no opportunity to make up skill checks you missed. You should make every effort to attend all classes. Practice the assigned skills outside class.
• Participation and class discussion points will be given based on your attendance and discussion in regular class meetings as well as scheduled class outings. Discussion points will be deducted for students who are not present or who do not actively participate in class discussion of assigned readings.
• Students are required to discuss the possibility of missing a class or a skill check with the instructor prior to the absence from class. The policy is that makeup work is only available to students who have a legitimate excuse for missing a class. If you miss a class unexpectedly due to last-minute illness or an accident, then contact Dr. Hicks when you return to campus.
• Letter grades will be assigned at the end of the semester based on the total points you accumulated during the term (200 points possible). Usually, 180-200 = A, 160-179 = B, 140-159 = C, 120-139 = D, 119 or less = F.
• You can see the total points you have accumulated at any time by looking at the class web page. I will be happy to discuss your potential grade anytime during the course, if you make an appointment to see me.
• I will be happy to reply to any concern or answer your questions about lectures, activities, or outings. Usually, I can be reached more easily by e-mail than by telephone. Go to the Information Services Help Desk to find out how to obtain and use the Internet and e-mail (available free to all students).

CLASS OUTINGS:

There will be three class outings during the semester. The outings are free except that students are required to bring their own lunches and a valid fishing license (and required trout stamp) if they intend to fish durin the Brule River Outings. Students are encouraged to attend these class outings and put into practice what they have learned.

• French River Outing (mid to late October) - The purpose of this trip is to watch the fall salmon and steelhead migration into a river along the north shore of Lake Superior. An opportunity for fishing the river mouth for steelhead, Kamloops rainbow trout, and salmon will exist (limit - 14 students). BRING: rain gear, money for dinner, and a valid Minnesota fishing license, trout stamp, and fly fishing equipment if you intend to fish. COST: Free (transportation provided)
• Bois Brule River Outing #1 and #2 (late October) - These trips will focus on wading and fly fishing a section of the lower Bois Brule River for migratory steelhead and brown trout. Students may sign up for one of these outings two weeks before the outing (limit - 10 students per outing). BRING: Wisconsin fishing license and inland trout stamp, fly fishing equipment & waders (if you have your own), warm cloths, gloves and hat, rain gear, lunch and drinks (no cans or glass bottles), and a day pack to carry your personal belongings. COST: Free except for a fishing license and your lunch (transportation & guides provided)
• Fishing Licenses
  • Minnesota - You can obtain Minnesota fishing licenses and trout stamps to fish Minnesota lakes and streams including the French River at Gander Mountain or most convenience stores in Duluth. You can obtain information about these licenses at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html?type=fishing
  • Wisconsin - You will need a Wisconsin fishing license (annual resident or non-resident; or a non-resident 4 day or 15 day license) plus a Wisconsin Inland Trout Stamp to fish for steelhead on the Bois Brule River. You can buy these licenses online (http://www.wildlifelicense.com/wi/) or at sporting goods shops and many convenience stores in Superior, WI.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE:

In order to succeed in this course, you should attend all lectures, take careful notes, and allow ample time to read and study the assigned material in lecture. Reading assignments for the textbook and required papers are listed on the syllabus. Don't fall behind. Keep a pad of paper handy and use it to make notes, sketches, and record concepts and terms you don't know. Stop frequently to ask yourself "What did I just read"?

Some of you will find that attending the lecture, reading the textbook and papers, and practicing skills you are introduced to is all the support that you will need. Others may have difficulty with some of the material or skills. I have developed several forms of support to help overcome difficulties that you may have. Examples include:

• Handouts. I will give handouts in class from time to time on important topics. Spend some time with these materials as soon as you can review them -- don't just put them aside until the night before a skill check.
• Individual Consultations. I am available for individual consultation regarding any aspect of the course. If you have unanswered questions, then please see me! Immediately after class is a good time to contact me. You will often have to seek me out first because it is difficult for an instructor to always know when a particular student is having trouble. Please seek me out when you are confused or having troubles. I promise to be helpful and patient in answering your questions and assisting you in resolving your problems or fears.

ACCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform me at the start of the semester. Adaptation of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.

PROMOTION OF BIAS-FREE INSTRUCTION

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all of its students shall have equal educational opportunities. The University expressly forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran's status, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, or marital status. If you believe that your Biology instructor has not followed this policy, you are invited to bring this to the attention of the Biology Department Head (207 James I. Swenson Science Bldg., 726-7263) or the Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering (140 Engineering, 726-7585). Your conference will be kept confidential.

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