BI 2004: Population and Community Ecology
Lecture: MWF 9 - 10, KH 203
Laboratory: W 12:30 – 2:20 or 2:30 – 4:20, KH 125
Dr. Amy Arnett, KH 126
Office Hours: M,F 10:00 – 11:00, T 10:00 – 11:00
Phone: x204
This course will provide an overview of modern ecology: the patterns and processes operating in populations and communities. Students will also learn quantitative methods, field techniques, and practice the scientific method.
Lecture Portion of Course: Some of the “lecture” portion of the course will be spent working in both formal and informal small groups. Work in groups allows for greater participation, discussion, and involvement with the course material. Consistent attendance in class is necessary to take full advantage of these learning opportunities. In addition, some of the in-class work contributes to the exam scores. The “lecture” time will focus on understanding and appreciating various sub-disciplines in ecology, primarily population and community ecology.
Laboratory Portion of Course: Laboratory work is a very important part of this course. Labs are designed to provide first-hand study of some of the concepts being presented and to illustrate other material. Data will be collected and analyzed in many exercises. Careful recording of data and accurate presentation of data will be essential. Lab handouts will be provided for some exercises and must be thoroughly read before the lab period. Concepts illustrated and major results obtained from lab activities are “fair game” on quizzes and tests! Lab reports (when required) need to be well-organized, neat, and complete.
The objective of the lab is for you to “do” ecology, i.e., understanding the process of ecological inquiry which is the scientific method. Since ecology is an inherently field-oriented science, the lab will mostly involve field work, designing experiments, and collecting and analyzing your data. You will not have “done” science until you have presented your data and interpretations in a way that is usable by your colleagues. Thus, you will have ample opportunity to present your research results to your peers, and in turn evaluate and constructively criticize their research. This will involve your working in teams on multi-week project. Through this activity you will experience the process of ecological inquiry, which is critical to constructing your own understanding of ecological inquiry.
The primary text we will be using is Ecology, by Cain, Bowman and Hacker. There is an online “companion website” associated with this book that has practice quizzes, interactive activities, case studies and links to interesting web sites (www.sinauer.com/ecology).
1) To gain an appreciation, interest and general understanding of the science of
ecology.
2) To improve ecological literacy about how the natural world works.
3) To improve scientific literacy about how ecological knowledge is constructed
using the scientific method.
4) To improve mathematical literacy through using mathematics to “do” science.
Course Goals:
Content:
1. An understanding of the different “ecologies” and the types of questions and approaches that ecologists would use if they were a population or community ecologist.
2. An understanding that ecology is an inherently interdisciplinary science, and often is done when using skills from natural science, chemistry, social science, political science, mathematics, etc.
3. An understanding of the basic vocabulary for the discipline and what the terms mean (e.g., density-dependence).
Skills:
1. Improve data interpretation and analysis skills (statistics) by collecting and analyzing your own data.
2. Improve self-reliance through the realization that you can figure things out on your own.
3. Improve reading skills through reading and understanding the text book, articles, web sites and class handouts.
4. Improve speaking skills through oral presentations and participating in class discussions.
5. Improve writing skills through writing class papers and all that entails (good writing, knowing how to use primary references, clear data description and presentation, good interpretation).
6. Improve ability to see patterns in nature and to develop ideas for why those patterns may exist.
7. Improve ability to design appropriate experiments (i.e., asking questions based on your observations, designing an experiment or sampling regime that will address those questions).
Disposition:
1. To appreciate and enjoy ecology as a science.
2. To appreciate and feel comfortable with the role of mathematics in ecology.
Course Evaluation:
Your course grade will be based on your performance on three exams, lab work, independent field projects, and discussion sessions, according to the following approximation (I reserve the right to change points and assignments at any point in the semester):
Lecture Portion: Points
Exam 1 50
Exam 2 50
Exam 3 & comprehensive 100
Attendance/Participation 25
Laboratory Portion:
Each Lab exercise 10
(participation/product)
Project Labs =
Design 10
Data Collection 10
Oral Presentation 15
Paper 30
Poster 15
Total Course Points: ~410
Deadlines are real; 10% of the possible points for an assignment may be deducted for each day it is late.
The final is cumulative and mandatory. Two exams are in-class. I will only give make-up exams to students who provide a reason backed-up by the nurse or registrar.
Plagiarism is not acceptable. If you plagiarize the assignment, at minimum, you will receive a zero. (Please carefully read the Student Handbook on this topic).