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Main
UQU Programs
Environmental Sciences

Fauna

BIOE2201
3 hours English

Fauna

Fauna
BIOE1501 Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
3 hours No requisites
2 Introduction to the Fauna of Saudi Arabia. / - Overview of biodiversity, major ecosystems, and their significance in shaping fauna of KSA
3 Taxonomy, Classification and Biogeography. / - Principles of animal taxonomy with examples from Saudi Arabia’s fauna. / - The role of historical, geological and climatic events, historical and ecological biogeography in shaping the distribution of Saudi Arabia’s fauna and endemism
4 Adaptations to Arid Environments. / - Evolutionary traits enabling survival in deserts and extreme climates. / - Showing examples of animal species within Saudi fauna / - The role of natural selective pressures in speciation, adaptive radiation and the existence of allopatric and sympatric species
5 Endemic and Migratory Species. / - Characteristics, Importance in Saudi Arabia’s biodiversity, and focus on residency status of animal species
6 Biodiversity of Saudi Arabia’s Ecosystems: Desert, Mountain, Coastal, and Aquatic Fauna / - Desert Ecosystem Fauna: Key Species and Their Ecological Roles in Arid Environments / - Mountain and Highland Fauna: Biodiversity of the Asir and Hijaz Mountain Ranges / - Wetland and Coastal Fauna: Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Estuaries, and Their Rich Biodiversity / - Aquatic Fauna: Cartilaginous and Bony Fish, and Freshwater Species of Saudi Arabia
7 Amphibians of Saudi Arabia. / - Diversity, Adaptations, and Ecological Significance / - current threats to amphibian of Saudi Arabia / - Classification method, general characteristics and identification using taxonomic key
8 Reptiles of Saudi Arabia. / - Focusing on lizards, snakes, turtle and tortoises and sea snakes. / - Classification method, general characteristics and identification using taxonomic key
9 Birds of Saudi Arabia. / - Diversity, migratory routes, resident species, and conservation challenges. / - Classification method, general characteristics and identification using taxonomic key
10 Mammals of Saudi Arabia: / - Diversity of Carnivores, Ungulates, Small Mammals, Bats, Marine Mammals, and Insectivores / - Classification method, general characteristics and identification using taxonomic key
11 Invertebrates of Saudi Arabia. / - Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Adaptations / - Classification method, general characteristics and identification using taxonomic key
12 Conservation Biology. (Threats to biodiversity and efforts to mitigate them)
13 Climate Change and Fauna (Impacts on species distribution and behavior). / Wildlife Laws and Policies. (Protection frameworks and conservation strategies in Saudi Arabia)
15 Introduction to Lab Safety and Specimen Preservation Techniques / - Lab Safety and Handling Protocols: Comprehensive guidelines for safe handling of chemicals, animal specimens, and tools used in the lab and field. / - Ethical Considerations: Best practices for working with preserved specimens and live animals (if applicable). / Techniques for Specimen Preservation / - Preparation and storage of animal specimens from Saudi Arabia, including amphibians and reptiles. / - Tools for measuring animal biometrics and documenting species for research purposes
16 Species Identification and Taxonomic Classification / - Identification of Saudi fauna using morphological features and taxonomic keys. / - Hands-on practice with local specimens
17 Field Survey Techniques (focusing on desert reptiles and birds in Saudi Arabia) / - Transects, quadrats, and camera traps for monitoring biodiversity. / Use of tools to measure environmental variables. / - Photography Techniques in the field\lab, documenting species for research and conservation. / - Monograph, creating monograph of the local fauna (group project)
18 Behavioral Observations in Native Species (using models as birds and small mammals from various habitats, including deserts and wetlands) / - Recording and analyzing animal behavior in field settings. / - Using behavioral observations to identify cryptic species
19 Adaptations of Desert Fauna (with examples such as lizards, dessert dwelling mammals, and desert birds) / - Examination of morphological (examination of animal specimens from field/lab or museum examples) and physiological adaptations (lab experiments) in Saudi desert fauna and how they are used to identify these species. / - Comparison of adaptations across reptiles, mammals, and birds
20 Mapping Species Distribution (Endemic species, including mountain reptiles and freshwater fish). / - Using available software and tools to map the distribution of Saudi fauna. / - Identifying biodiversity hotspots and endemic species ranges
21 Birds Diversity and Ecological Census / - Conducting population assessments using ecological census techniques. / - Application of mark-recapture and species abundance estimation. / - With focus on migratory birds and small mammals in wetlands and grasslands
22 Biodiversity Assessment Techniques (Wetland invertebrates, freshwater fish, and coastal fauna) / - Habitat quality evaluation and biodiversity indices. / - Analysis of the relationship between habitat health and species richness. / Conservation Practices in Saudi Arabia / - Field visits to conservation areas or protected sites (e.g., wildlife reserves or marine sanctuaries). / - Developing conservation plans for threatened species or habitats. / - Marine mammals, migratory birds, and endangered amphibians
23 Aquatic Ecosystems and Fauna / - Assessing water quality and documenting aquatic fauna. / - Focusing on Saudi Arabia’s wetland and coastal ecosystems and animals including, freshwater amphibians, bony fish, and estuarine invertebrates. / Invertebrates in Ecosystems / - Sampling and analyzing invertebrates from desert, wetland, and mountain ecosystems. / - Examination of their ecological roles, including pollination and decomposition. With special focus on desert beetles, mangrove crabs, and mountain insects
24 Environmental Relationships and Fauna / - Recording and studying the environmental factors influencing Saudi fauna. / - Exploring the ecological interactions between species and their habitats. / - Amphibians and reptiles in relation to water availability and temperature. / - Synthesizing field data into research outputs. / - The relationship between fauna and public health (negative and positive) group project propose applications
1.1 Mapped to: K2

Explain the taxonomy, distribution, and ecological roles of the fauna of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing key species in various ecosystems.

Teaching Strategy Through lectures and groups discussion
Assessment Methods Written and oral examination
1.2 Mapped to: K2

Describe the adaptations of animals to arid and extreme environments found in Saudi Arabia.

Teaching Strategy Lectures, documentaries and field trips.
Assessment Methods Discussion of key examples of dessert animals. Mid-term and final exams
1.3 Mapped to: K2

Identify current threats to biodiversity and evaluate the conservation efforts and policies implemented in Saudi Arabia.

Teaching Strategy Group discussion of relevant published literature. Lectures
Assessment Methods Evaluation of Report, and group presentations
1.4 Mapped to: K1

Understand the principles of specimen preservation, field data collection, and species documentation as applied in ecological studies.

Teaching Strategy Search in local museum’s collection, and websites of international museums Lab\field sessions
Assessment Methods Evaluation of specimens made by student and lab report
2.1 Mapped to: S1

Employ field survey techniques, including species collection, identification, and documentation using photography and mapping tools.

Teaching Strategy Field trips, creation of monograph of local species using available tools
Assessment Methods Grading of monographs made by students
2.2 Mapped to: S3

Analyze ecological data to assess species distribution, habitat quality, and biodiversity indices.

Teaching Strategy Lectures Computer room Field trips
Assessment Methods Evaluation of lab report
2.3 Mapped to: S3

Demonstrate laboratory skills in specimen preservation, handling, and preparation for scientific study.

Teaching Strategy Lab sessions
Assessment Methods Evaluating specimen preserved/mounted/taxidermy by students
2.4 Mapped to: S3

Communicate findings effectively through scientific writing and presentations, integrating data from fieldwork and laboratory analysis.

Teaching Strategy Preparing and presenting research projects.
Assessment Methods Evaluating group reports and presentations.
3.1 Mapped to: V1

Demonstrate an appreciation for the biodiversity of Saudi Arabia and its ecological, cultural, and economic significance.

Teaching Strategy Museum visits, field trip and lectures
Assessment Methods Evaluating monograph made by students
3.2 Mapped to: V2

Adopt sustainable practices in fieldwork and species documentation, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Teaching Strategy Monograph
Assessment Methods Evaluating monograph
3.3 Mapped to: V2

Recognize the ethical responsibilities involved in wildlife conservation and ecological research.

Teaching Strategy Lectures and lab session
Assessment Methods Oral and written exams
3.4 Mapped to: V2

Work independently and collaboratively in conducting field and laboratory studies, fostering teamwork and scientific integrity.

Teaching Strategy Group project ( presentation, monograph and animal specimens collection, documenting and preserving)
Assessment Methods Preserving specimen, use of taxonomic key and id guide, lab report and presentation.
Assessment
Weight
Quizzes, Project, Problem Sets
10%
Midterm Exam (Lab) or group project
10%
Exam Midterm (Lecture)
20%
Final Exam (Lab)
20%
Final Exam (Lecture)
40%
Total
100%