09 Nov Water Science- Biotic Index
A macroinvertebrate survey was recently completed on the North Branch and Middle Branch of the Chopawamsic Creek and the data are provided as part of this assignment. Included is a photo of the sampling team in the creek. This photo shows the depth of the creek and how the macroinvertebrate community was sampled using a kick seine. Your task in this case study is to use the attached data and complete a Rapid Bioassessment Sheet separately for each site. Note that some files are attached to the assignment to help you work through the data given or to provide further reading on biological assessment.
For the Case Study 2 assignment you are to complete the attached template. Grading will focus on appropriate supporting scholarly research, presenting the correct values for each site using the Total Index, reasoning in the responses, and depth of understanding of the application of a biotic index. Your target audience for this paper is a professional scientific audience. Each of the five questions will be equally weighted at 20% of the case study.
Case Study 2 Grading Criteria
|
Question |
Points |
|
1 Library Research |
20 |
|
2 Scholarly Explanation of the Biotic Index |
20 |
|
3 Methods |
20 |
|
4 Stacked Column Chart |
20 |
|
5 Class Data Interpretation |
20 |
|
TOTAL |
100 |
Points are awarded according to the following scaling:
Exemplary – 10/10 points
Accomplished – 8.5/10 points
Developing – 7.5/10 points
Beginning – 6.5/10 points
Did not attempt – 0/10 points
This is *not* a full lab report, and it should cover exactly and specifically what is asked in the template.
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In our undergraduate program in Environmental Science, we have adopted citation style from the American Psychological Association (APA), 7th edition. You will want to take some time to review the available resources on APA and consider having a copy of the manual on hand during your writing. There are many web based resources available as well, including the links below. Sometimes these links move on the web, so if you find a broken link, please email your instructor so we can correct these.
APUS Trefry Library: APA Style (apus.edu) https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/apa-style-guide-info.html
APA Style Blog: APA Style Blog https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): APA Overview and Workshop // Purdue Writing Lab https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_overview_and_workshop.html
There are also lots of YouTube videos covering APA 7th edition, if you prefer video format. The bottom line is it is your responsibility to learn proper citation style. This is critical in your professional writing, and manuscripts can be rejected in your professional endeavors simply because citations are incorrect or incomplete.
If you have questions on why citations are needed, please review this section of our student handbook: Academic Dishonesty (apus.edu) https://www.apus.edu/student-handbook/university-policies-and-honor-code/academic-dishonesty.html
