Biology
207: Ecology
Fall 2001
Dr. Renee Godard MWF 9:10-10:10
Dana 211, x6457 Dana 201
Office Hours: MW 10:30-11:30, TTh 10:00-10:30
Text
Ecology, Charles J. Krebs. 2001. Benjamin Cummings Press, 5th edition.
There are many possible ecology texts from which to chose. Each varies slightly in its approach to ecology and in the subject material covered; and none are perfect. I chose this text because it approaches ecology as a dyanmic subject while grounding it firmly in its rich and varied past. Field and laboratory research as well as mathematical models are well presented in this text and leave one with the appropriate impression that the study of ecology has more questions than answers.
Course description
In this required core course for biology majors, we will explore ecology, a broad, integrative field of biology that examines the workings of the natural world. One of the primary goals of ecologists is to understand the patterns and processes of life that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms in their environment. This understanding, though incomplete, provides the foundation for examining environmental problems and for developing sound policies as we move into this age of climate change, pollution, dwindling resources and growing concern for a sustainable future.
The course will begin with an exploration of evolutionary theory, which provides the basis for all of modern biology. We will then examine a variety of topics including - the impacts of disease, competition and predation on populations; physiological adaptations of species to their environment; plant and animal defenses; pest control (from biological management to genetic engineering); the role of disturbance in communities; and conservation biology to name a few.
By the end of the semester, students should have a basic understanding of the breadth and nature of ecology. Students should also have an understanding of how ecological research is designed and implemented as well as an appreciation for the many unanswered questions each research project uncovers.
Course structure
Material in the course will be examined using both lecture and discussion format. Lectures will utilize powerpoint which provides an integrative visual format for exploring a variety of ecological topics and allows for review of material (slides) on the Hollins intranet. (Powerpoint slides can be accessed on the Hollins intranet - click on "Other On-Line Courses", then on Division III, then on Biology). However, powerpoint slides provide only an outline of the topics covered and as such attendance in class in important if you are to gain a full appreciation of the material. Moreover, discussions and question/answer sessions will be intertwined with lectures and your participation will be evaluated as a component of your grade. You are expected to read the material and prepare any assigned discussion questions before coming to class.
The course grade will be based on your attendance, participation and preparation of discussion questions (12.5%) as well as three written exams. The first and second exams are each worth 25% of your grade while the final third exam is worth 37.5%. Though not comprehensive, the third exam covers more material than the first two exams and will be taken during independently scheduled finals week. Exams must be taken on the scheduled date. If you are unavoidably absent from class (serious illness, death in family, sanctioned Hollins sport event, etc…) you should discuss your situation with me as soon as it arises.
I have not assigned any additional written work in this lecture course, as you have multiple opportunites for writing in the ecology laboratory (Biol 207E).
Course grade
|
Exams 1 & 2 (100 points each) |
200 points |
|
Final Exam |
150 points |
|
Participation, Attendance & Preparation of Discussion Questions |
50 points |
|
TOTAL |
400 points |
Syllabus for
Biology 207 - Ecology
|
Date |
Topic |
Reading Assignment |
|
8-29 |
Introduction to Course |
|
|
8-31 |
Introduction to Ecology |
Chapter 1 |
|
9-3 |
Darwin & Evolution |
Chapter 2 |
|
9-5 |
Patterns of evolution - adaptation, fitness, kin selection,… |
Chapter 2 |
|
9-7 |
Evolution Lab - bring your text! |
Evolution Lab (meet in computer lab - Pleasants 204) |
|
9-10 |
Introduction to Excel |
Computer Lab (meet in computer lab - Pleasants 204) |
|
9-12 |
Distribution of Species: How do species move? |
Chapters 3&4 |
|
9-14 |
Distribution of Species: Choosing a suitable home. |
Chapter 5 |
|
9-17 |
Distribution of Species: Disease, Competitors & Predation |
Chapter 6 |
|
9-19 |
Distribution of Species: Limiting physical factors |
Chapter 7 |
|
9-21 |
Does distribution impact Abundance? |
Chapter 8 |
|
9-24 |
Review and
synthesis |
|
|
9-26 |
EXAM 1 |
|
|
9-28 |
Introduction to population ecology |
Chapter 9 |
|
10-1 |
Population Growth |
Chapter 11 (157-171) Chapter 28 (583-590) |
|
10-3 |
Competition between species |
Chapter 12 |
|
10-5 |
Predation |
Chapter 13 |
|
10-8 |
Herbivory - Grazing and Plant Defense |
Chapter 14 |
|
10-10 |
Disease and Parasitism |
Chapter 15 |
|
10-12 |
Fall Break |
|
|
10-15 |
Harvesting Populations - Fishing with a future! |
Chapter 17 |
|
Date |
Topic |
Reading Assignment |
|
10-17 |
Pest Control - Biological Control & Pesticides |
Chapter 18 |
|
10-19 |
Pest Control - Genetic engineering |
Chapter 18 |
|
10-22 |
Review and synthesis |
|
|
10-24 |
Exam 2 |
|
|
10-26 |
Conservation Biology - Species on the Brink of Extinction |
Chapter 19 |
|
10-29 |
Conservation Biology - Reserve Design, the Ideal meets Reality |
Chapter 19 |
|
10-31 |
Community Ecology |
Chapter 20 |
|
11-2 |
Change in Communities: Succession |
Chapter 21 |
|
11-5 |
Factors that Influence Community Biodiversity |
Chapter 22 |
|
11-7 |
Keystone Species & Community Equilibrium |
Chapter 23 |
|
11-9 |
Fire, Flood & Hurricanes: The role of disturbance in communities |
Chapter 24 |
|
11-12 |
Fire, Flood & Hurricanes: The role of disturbance in communities |
Chapter 24 |
|
11-14 |
Making energy from the Sun - Primary productivity |
Chapter 25 |
|
11-16 |
The fate of the sun's energy - Food Webs and Secondary productivity |
Chapters 26 |
|
|
Thanksgiving |
|
|
11-26 |
Nutrients in the Ecosystem |
Chapter 27 |
|
11-28 |
Acid Rain & the Sulfur Cycle. |
Chapter 27 |
|
11-30 |
Nitrogen & Phosphorous - Eutrophication and Pollution |
Chapter 27 |
|
12-3 |
Climate Change and the Ecosystem |
Chapter 28 (590-608) |
|
12-5 |
Review and
synthesis |
|
|
12-7 |
Reading Day |
|
|
12-8 -12-13 |
EXAM 3 Independently scheduled. May not be taken on reading day. |
|