Biology 315 : Syllabus and
Introduction
|
In order to pass this class you
must read the syllabus and submit the form on the bottom of this page. |
Ecology is
an integrative and holistic science that embraces aspects of the biological and
physical sciences; some branches also involve mathematics, philosophy,
engineering, or economics. In this course we will focus on the physical and
biological aspects of ecology. Initially we will examine a general approach to
interpreting the complex environmental systems surrounding us. Next we will
study the physical factors that structure our global ecosystem. We will attempt
to place this within a historical context because it is a philosophical
assumption of this course that history matters. This course also assumes that
context matters and that causation exists.
We will approach the study of ecology in a hierarchical fashion. After studying
systems we will study global physical factors. Next we will study ecosystems.
To begin our study of community ecology we will study interactions of
communities of organisms. In our study of interactions we will not only study
different types of direct interactions such as predation, we will also study
properties conferred by complex networks of interactions. We will continue our
study of community ecology by examining species distributions and diversity. We
will also move away from a static view of community ecology and try to give our
study a dynamic perspective within spatial and temporal contexts.
Our next topic will involve population biology. After examining the dynamics of
simple populations, we will examine interacting populations within a complex
landscape. In a brief overview of evolution, speciation, and population
genetics, we will learn how populations evolve in a dynamic world. Finally, we
will study how behavior and physiology help individual organisms cope with and
sometimes structure their environment.
I will attempt to highlight important principles through lecture and study
questions. You are, however, responsible for all materials covered in the
assigned readings.
Optional Texts: Ecology:
Concepts and Applications by M.C. Molles
Ecology by Ricklefs and Miller
Some test material will come from http://www.gingerbooth.com/ These materials require a donation of $7.00 to Ginger Booth.
Course
Requirements:
The lab will
follow an investigative format. Each student will be responsible for writing a
minimum of 8 pages of text with at least 12 refereed journal references during
the semester. Format of reports should follow that of the journal Ecology. I
will deduct points from the % of the grade based on writing at the end of the
semester for students who fail to meet the page requirements. Students will be
expected to dress appropriately for working in the field.
Weekend field trips will be
scheduled during the semester. You will have to pay some of your costs. Each
student will be expected to attend a minimum of one major field trip or perform
an alternative project. The alternative project will in no way substitute for
other assignments made during the semester. Field trip performance will be
evaluated on the basis of promptness, preparedness, participation, and a quiz
or assignment. Trips are subject to change in the case of severe weather. If
you cannot attend a trip, see me and I will assign your alternative project.
This
semester one field trip will go to the Gulf Coast from Friday, 25 September
through Monday, 28 September and one field trip will go to the Southern
Appalachians from Friday, 23 October through Sunday, 25 October. Another trip will go to the Green River from Friday,
xxx through Sunday, xxx. Additional field trip
opportunities may arise. These dates are subject to change due to weather.
Course
Hours:
Lecture: 11:10-12:30 TR, Lab 003 and
005: 12:45-5:00 PM TR, Lab 004: 12:30-5:00 PM W
Office
Hours:
Tuesday,
Thursday 10:00-10:30
or by
appointment. If
there are any questions regarding the lecture or lab for this course please see
me. I will be happy to help you understand.
Room 219 , Phone: 745:3696, Email:
Albert.Meier@wku.edu. Place the word student at the start of the subject line.
Warning: There is a potential time delay in this system. I do not necessarily check my e-mail daily.
I will
remind you that because history matters and causation exists, behaviors have
consequences.
Grading Policy:
A: 91-100 Represents excellent and creative work
B: 81-90 Represents good disciplined work
C: 71-80 Represents competent and acceptable work
D: 65-70 Represents passable work
F: 0-64
Represents failing work
Course
Grade:
|
Task |
% Grade |
Date Due |
|
Test 1 |
= 22% |
Lab 3&4: 13 Oct. Lab 5 & 6 15 Oct. |
|
Test 2 |
= 22% |
Lab 3 & 4: 17 Nov. Lab 5 & 6: 19 Nov. |
|
Final |
= 22% |
15 Dec. 8am till 10 am |
|
Paper 1 |
= 21% |
10 Nov. then 1 Dec. |
|
Notebook |
=1% |
10 Dec. |
|
Quizzes |
= 1% |
Surprise! |
|
Facebook |
=1% |
|
|
Extra Ecological Experience |
= 10% |
|
Paper Breakdown
Abstract: Joint 5%, Intro:-1
50%, Methods-1 30% Results: -2 30%, Discussion -2 50%, Lit. Cit.: Joint 5%,
Overall: Joint 10%.
Readings:
The trophic dynamic aspect of ecology.
Ecology 23:399-418.
The influence of interspecific
competition and other factors on the distribution of the barnacle.
Ecology 42:710-723.
Homage to
Santa Rosalia;or, why are
there so many kinds of animals? Am Nat. 93:145-559.
A unified theory of biogeography and relative species abundance and
its application to tropical rain forests and coral reefs. Coral Reefs
16, Suppl: S9-S21
Ecology is an integrative holistic subject. All tests and the final will be comprehensive.
Please note that the grades represent my evaluation of your work and not of you.
Absences: If you miss lecture, get the notes from another student. If you are going to miss an exam you should notify me before the exam is given. If you have a documented, acceptable reason for being absent you will be allowed a make-up. If chronic absenteeism develops I will initiate a system of in class quizzes.
You are allowed one lab absence. Additional lab absences will result in a 10% deduction from the total lab grade per absence.
"Academic Dishonesty - Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the course work in which the act is detected or a failing grade in a course without possibility of withdrawal. The faculty member may also present the case to the Office of the Dean of Student Life for disciplinary sanctions. A student who believes a faculty member has dealt unfairly with him/her in a course involving academic dishonesty may seek relief through the Student Complaint Procedure.” – WKU Student Handbook
"Students
with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or
auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student
Disability Services, Room 445, Potter Hall.
The OFSDS
telephone number is (270) 745-5004 V/TDD. Please DO NOT request accommodations
directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation
from the Office for Student Disability Services."
Assignments are due prior to lecture on the assignment due date. There will be a 10% deduction per each day thereafter. I will not accept papers that are more than 5 days late.
The material
presented here is provided for your information. It is subject to change as
needed.
Ecology 315 Course Schedule:
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Introduction: What is Ecology and why do we care?
What is the environment? What is a system?
Hierarchies of scale and control.
Models, cognition, and epistemology
Hypothesis Testing, Ecological Experiments
Cosmology, The History of the Earth
Climate, Climate History, Quaternary Studies
Biomes
Terrestrial
Aquatic
Biogeochemistry
Ecosystems
Ecosystem function and Energy Flow
Ecosystem Dynamics including Succession
Community Ecology
Species Interactions
Food Webs and other webs of interaction
Text Readings for: 1-251
Test 1
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Community Properties
Species Distributions
Coexistence and Species Diversity
Complex Interactions
Island Biogeography
Population Ecology
Demography
Human Population Growth
Population Regulation
Life Histories
Landscape Ecology
Text Readings: 269-588, 640-658
Test 2
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Natural Selection and Evolution
Species and Speciation
Physiological Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
Applications of Ecology
Text Readings: 619-699.
Final Exam is 15 Dec. 8am till 10 am
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