P. Chase Bernier, CWB, PWS

Soil and Water Conservation

SUNY Cobleskill, AGRN 121

A study of soil erosion, nonpoint water pollution and water depletion problems. Erosion control methods, water conservation practices and water quality protection are discussed for agricultural, recreational, silvicultural and urban land uses. Hands-on laboratory activities involved the design and implementation of erosion control practices. Soil surveys, topographic maps and computer programs were utilized to predict erosion and evaluate land resources.

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Introduction to Soil Science

SUNY Cobleskill, AGSC 111

An introductory course which stressed the function of soil as a medium to support plant life. The biological, chemical and physical aspects of soil development and management were studied.

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Entomology

SUNY Cobleskill, AGSC 186

The anatomy, identification, life cycles, and control of insects detrimental to both plants and humans were studied. Both chemical and biological control methods were discussed. Insect identification was stressed in the laboratory portion of the course. Proper handling and application of insecticides was emphasized. An insect collection was required.

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Biology I

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL111

The first semester of a two-semester university-level biology course covering fundamental principles common to living systems at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels with a taxonomic survey of the major groups of living organisms. Topics covered included basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, reproduction, biodiversity, evolutionary theory, and the interrelationships between living things (especially humans) and their environment (green course designation) with emphasis on current biological problems.

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Botany I

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 116

A study of cell division in plants and tissues, and their structure and function in roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Photosynthesis, respiration, mineral use, food distribution, inheritance and variation, meiosis, taxonomy and evolution were also considered.

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Natural History of the Vertebrates

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 131

Identification, evolution, taxonomy and life history of local vertebrates. General ecological requirements, reproductive habits, distribution and habitat preference wereemphasized for each of the vertebrate classes.

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Introduction to Chemistry

SUNY Cobleskill, CHEM 101

The course introduced students to chemical principles as they relate to real-world applications in society and the environment. The following topics were covered: units and measurement, classification and properties of matter, energy in chemical changes, bonding interactions in physical and chemical processes. Specialized topics included acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry, materials science, and environmental issues.

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General Chemistry

SUNY Cobleskill, CHEM 111

The first semester of a two-semester university-level general chemistry course. This first part focused on understanding the basic principles of chemistry. Topics included: mathematics of chemistry, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure.

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Introduction to Natural Resources Conservation

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 101

A description of conservation movements in the United States with particular emphasis in the areas of fisheries and wildlife conservation. The present and future roles of conservation in development of the resources of our country are covered, in addition to descriptions of job opportunities and responsibilities in various fields of natural resource conversation. Field opportunities for sampling fish and wildlife populations and habitat will be provided in the labs. 

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Wildlife Techniques

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 125

The course covered a wide range of laboratory and field techniques related to the sampling of wildlife. Students were provided first-hand experience with wildlife habitat improvement, developing Power Point presentations, global positional systems, 35 mm photography, and capture, handling, and banding of birds. Field trips were taken to examine deer winter ranges and other wildlife habitats. Each student independently conducted and submitted a scientific report of a field study.

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Geographic Information Systems

SUNY Cobleskill, GIST 130

This course was designed to introduce students to the principles of GIS, and discuss the collection, management, manipulation, analysis and display of geographically referenced data. Students applied GIS in a variety of "hands-on" laboratory exercises and assignments.

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Plant Ecology

SUNY Cobleskill, AGRN 232

A study of global and local plant communities and their development in response to environmental conditions. The impacts of climate, topography, soil conditions, geographic locations and interactive biotic influences on plant community stability and succession were investigated in detail. Plant ecological principles were applied to the management of specific ecosystems including agricultural, silvicultural, recreational and natural systems. College land laboratory, audio-visual materials and field trips were utilized for laboratory activities.

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Terrestrial Ecology

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 211

Terrestrial ecology examines the basic principles of ecology including trophic structure, energy cycling and biogeochemical cycles. A survey of terrestrial ecosystems of North America was conducted with an emphasis on northeastern environments. Interactions between abiotic and biotic elements of ecosystems will be discussed in depth. Labs involved sampling of the flora, fauna and abiotic features of local terrestrial habitats. Students also gained Project Wild certification.

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Wildlife Law Enforcement and Public Relations

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 211

A presentation and interpretation of federal and state rules and regulations as they apply to hunting and fishing in the country. The role of the environmental conservation officer was discussed in relation to the legislation enactment and enforcement of these laws. The importance of public relations in law enforcement activities was emphasized.

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Wildlife Management

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 220

Students were taught the application of wildlife management techniques. The course covered the management of a variety of game and non-game wildlife species. Skills were developed in the use of topographic maps, aging of wildlife species, raptor census and banding, handling and censusing wildlife, radio tracking, habitat analysis and nuisance wildlife management. Each student was required to independently conduct a field study.

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Ornithology

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 316

This course covered anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, distribution, biogeography, ecology and conservation of birds in North America. Lectures provided an introductory review of the study of birds and ornithology as a science. Practical laboratory and field exercises included gross anatomy, preparation of study skins, field identification of birds by sight and sound, research methodology, and analysis and interpretation of field data.

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Herpetology

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 317

This course covered anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, behavior and conservation of amphibians and reptiles of North America. Lectures provide an introductory review to the study of herpetology as a science. Practical laboratory and field exercises involved the identification of North American amphibians and reptiles, recognition of frog and toad calls, sampling populations and habitats of local species, and analysis and interpretation of field data.

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Animal Pathology

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 355

This course covered the alterations and reactions that occur in the living body when its various parts are exposed to injurious agents or deprivations, pathological changes resulting from traumatic injuries, infections and parasitic diseases, nutritional deficits, toxic substances, malignant and benign tumors, and heredity. The prion-caused diseases were also be covered. Emphasis was on wildlife and domestic animals but much of the information was also be relevant to human pathology.

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Ecology and Management of Waterfowl

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 320

An examination of the ecology of ducks, geese and swans of North America from the perspective of annual cycle events. Laboratory exercises concentrate on the application of current field techniques used in the study of waterfowl ecology, and the management of waterfowl populations and habitats. A weekend field trip to the St. Lawrence Valley was required.

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Wetland Assessment and Delineation

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 350

A techniques course dealing with the recognition of hydric soils, hydric vegetation, wetland hydrology and the delineation of jurisdictional wetland boundaries. Hands-on laboratory exercises entailed assessing the functional value of wetlands, collecting and identifying wetland vegetation, interpreting hydrological and biological indicators, and delineating wetland boundaries.

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Wildlife Policy and Regulatory Compliance

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 351

A review of the policies of federal and state agencies that regulate and manage wildlife populations and their habitats. Reviewing environmental impact statements will be emphasized, along with other procedures of regulatory compliance designed to evaluate impacts of land development on threatened and endangered wildlife.

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Agriculture and Environmental Policy

SUNY Cobleskill, AGBU 420

This course constituted a study of the purpose, history, and importance of public policy in agriculture and the environment. Focus was on utilizing economic principles to understand the intent, nature, and consequences of policy in addition to non-policy solutions to contemporary problems in the farm economy and the environment.

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Evolutionary Biology

SUNY Cobleskill, BIOL 400

This course explored various mechanisms of biological evolution of plants and animals. Lecture reviews and class discussions serve as an introduction to concepts of evolutionary processes such as adaptation and speciation, genetics, natural selection, coevolution, extinction, sociality and biodiversity.

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Fisheries Management

SUNY Cobleskill, FWLD 421

This course will followed the principles and techniques used by practicing fisheries managers. Fisheries data and survey techniques essential in fisheries management were examined, including population estimates, standard methods of habitat analysis and development of fisheries management plans. Emphasis was placed on the management of northeastern aquatic environments, particularly environmental conditions, productivity, important species, abiotic and biotic interrelationships and sampling techniques. The biology and management of important northeastern commercial, recreational and aquacultural fisheries was also emphasized.

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