Aquatic Field Lab I |
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| I. Introduction to Chemical Field and Lab Methods | ||
| A. Field notebooks and journals B. Biometrics C. Ecological sampling methods D. Ecological research E. Seminars F. Learning community outcomes G. Research reports and oral presentations H. Self evaluations I. Portfolios |
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| II. General Considerations in Sampling | ||
| A. Objectives of a sampling program B. Preparation of sampling equipment C. Sample preservation D. Field quality control |
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| III. Field Tests and Sample Collection | ||
| A. Calibration of field instruments B. Maintenance of field instruments C. The most common field tests, instrumentation, and calibration procedures D. Surface water sampling |
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| IV. Introduction to Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) | ||
| A. Quality assurance program B. Responsibilities of the QA/QC technician C. Sample custody |
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| 1. Field custody 2. Laboratory custody |
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| V. Analytical Methods and References, Analytical System Calibration, and Performance Checks | ||
| A. EPA - approved methods and references for
analyzing water samples B. Calibration of instruments |
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| 1. Field instruments 2. Laboratory instruments |
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| C. Standardization of titrating solutions D. Performance checks of laboratory instruments |
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| VI. Laboratory Safety | ||
| VII. Quality Management of Laboratory Instruments
and Supplies; Quality Control Requirements |
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| A. Maintenance of laboratory instruments B. Quality requirements for laboratory supplies C. Lab and field quality control checks D. Detection limits E. Precision, accuracy and bias F. Quality control charts |
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| VIII. Raw Data Conversion into Reportable
Results; Approval of Analytical Data |
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| A. Responsibilities of the analyst B. Calculations for final results C. Significant figures D. Validation of the analytical QC checks |
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| IX. Reporting Analytical Data; Introduction to Physical Properties | ||
| A. Confidence intervals B. Units used to express analytical results C. Report format D. Solids, salinity, temperature and turbidity |
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| X. Introduction to Metals; Inorganic Non-Metallic Constituents | ||
| A. Acidity, pH, alkalinity and hardness B. Nitrogen compounds C. Dissolved oxygen D. Phosphorous |
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| XI. Organic Pollutants; Microbiological Parameters | ||
| A. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) B. Coliform bacteria groups |
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| 1. Total coliform 2. Fecal coliform |
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| XII. Regulations and Standards | ||
| A. Introduction to environmental laws B. Drinking water standards C. Surface waters D. Industrial waters |
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| XIII. Case Study: The Rogue River Education Program | ||
| XIV. Project Planning | ||
| A. Team building I B. Defining and developing scope-of-work |
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| 1. Mission 2. Goals, objectives, tasks and time lines 3. Prioritization 4. Team selection |
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| C. Continuous quality improvement | ||
| 1. Brainstorming 2. Affinity and tree diagrams 3. Flow and fish bone diagrams 4. Nominal group technique |
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| XV. Project Management | ||
| A. Team building II B. Leadership and supervision C. How to conduct meetings |
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| XVI. Project Outcomes | ||
| A. Research report B. Oral presentations |
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| 1. General audience 2. Professional audience |
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| C. Field notebooks and journals D. Student and self-evaluations E. Peer evaluation F. Portfolios |
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Updated January 2008.
Copyright 2007 Northwest Center for Sustainable Resources,Salem,Oregon.