Course Material, Brian Tissot

(1) Marine Biology (Biology 144, Clark College)

Explore the world of marine biology by examining the world's oceans, life in the sea, and their habitats. The major goals of this course are to:
  • Learn the scientific language of marine biology.
  • Understand how the chemistry, geology and physics of the oceans influence living organisms.
  • Develop broad knowledge about the major life forms in the sea.
  • Understand the ecology of major marine habitats.
  • Be able to describe the major human uses and impacts of the marine environment.

 

(2) Biometry (Stat 412, WSU Vancouver)

In Biometry we explore the world of statistics applied to biological problems. I teach a experiential, hands-on course which engages the class in the design, collection, analysis and interpretation of group and individual data-intensive projects. The overall goals of this course are to:

  • Understand univariate statistical methods, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, experimental design.
  • Be able to select an appropriate analysis given a problem, experiment, or data.
  • Be critical of other peoples work

 

(3) Environmental Assessment (ES/RP 444/544, WSU Vancouver)

This course focuses on environmental protection in the United States as implemented through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The major goals of this course are to:

  • Describe the interpretation and implementation of NEPA through various federal agencies.
  • Explore the relationship between NEPA and state and local environmental assessments processes.
  • Go through the process of preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS).
  • Review and critique EISs.
  • Think about the general philosophy of environmental assessment and evaluate its goals.
  • Chart a course for future ways to protect the environment through assessment.

(4) Senior/Graduate Seminar (ES/RP 490 & 593, WSU Vancouver)

Senior seminar focuses on developing skills to understand scientific presentations and to present original research seminars. The major goals of this course are to:
  • Understand and be critical of the scientific method.
  • Be able to critique scientific presentations for content and effectiveness.
  • Develop effective presentation skills.

Graduate seminars generally review research papers in the current literature.

(5) Environmental Ethics (ES/RP 490, ES/RP 594, UH 410 ,WSU Vancouver)

Opposing viewpoints on environmental issues are often underlain by differing ethical relationships with the natural world. The intent of this course is to explore the role of science, society and culture in a variety of modern ethical and environmental challenges. Students will be challenged to identity their own personal values and beliefs, and examine them from a multi- and inter-disciplinary perspective to a wide variety of environmental and ethical issues. The course include team projects on an environmental topic and the ethical issue(s) presented. In most cases the focus is on a project, plan or conceptual issue that presents an ethical dilemma (i.e., there are arguments on both sides of the issue) where a decision needs to be made.  The core report will be based on the multidisciplinary approaches presented in lecture  and a description of the ethical foundations for the groups decision.

(6) Quest (Mare 254/364, University of Hawai'i)

QUEST teaches graduate and undergraduate students how to conduct safe and scientifically rigorous underwater surveys on coral reefs. This course is a gateway to participation in the majority of reef surveys in Hawai'i. The major goals of this course are to:
  • Conduct safe team diving through diver management and planning.
  • Learn a variety of current quantitative survey techniques.
  • Introduction to theory and practice of survey design, analysis and interpretation.

 

(7) Statistical Ecology (Stat 555, WSU Vancouver)

Statistical ecology is a graduate-level course focused on quantitative statistical methods for the design and analysis of ecological experiments. The course is numerically intensive and covers higher-level analysis of variance techniques, linear and multiple regression, and multivariate statistical analyses.

(8) Integral Ecology (Hatfield Marine Science Center, OSU)

The course will introduce the concept of Integral Ecology (IE) as it applies to improving the management of natural resources, particularly fishery management.  IE is a application of Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory applied to ecological problems that allows insights into distinct perspectives which lead to a more holistic understanding of ecological-social systems. IE recognizes that the cultivation of mutual understanding, including one’s own self-awareness and spirituality, is an essential component in addressing our environmental problems.  The course will explore multiple issues associated with the development of integral theory, including the relationships between ecology, economics, management and policy development, environmental conflict, and personal perspectives.  Through examples we will explore resource management practices of native cultures and modern fishery management in Hawaii and Oregon. Students will be involved in multiple field and group exercises and will conduct group projects on an integral analysis on the establishment of an MPA network in Oregon