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GENERAL
ECOLOGY
COURSE
OUTLINE
First Semester
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
COURSE CREDITS
FIRST SEMESTER
2014-2015
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The course will consist of two weekly lecture sessions (75 minutes each) lasting
twelve weeks and one 3-hour lab for a total of ten. Some labs will be in the field.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
The course fulfils one compulsory requirement for the Biology degree. The
ecological information contributes significantly to the livelihood of organisms,
especially humans. The operation of the ecosystems, the energy flow, the increase
and decrease of populations are just a few of the aspects which impact upon the
existence of living organisms. This course is designed to acquaint the students with
knowledge and tools for future application of ecological information in research and
conservation efforts.
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Dear Students,
You have opted to be a member of the General Ecology class. Congratulations.
Since education is not merely the imparting of knowledge, but leading the seeker of
knowledge to know where it is found and how to access it, you will be guided
through a course of study of General Ecology. It is my hope that it would be an
educational as well as enjoyable experience, and the goals and aims of this class
would be achieved.
Blessings to you
Andrea Scobie (Instructor)
GOALS/AIMS
1. To encourage
environment.
students
in
the
in-depth
observation
of
their
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COURSE CONTENT
Research Design
Models
Historical Ecology
Biogeochemical Cycles
Energy flow
Ecosystems
Populations
Community
Developmental Ecology
Landscape
Regulatory factors
Regional
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Global
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RESOURCES
1.
Text: Odum, Eugene P., Gary W. Barrett. Fundamentals of Ecology. 5th ed.
Brooks/Col Companion Website: www.brookscole.com
2.
Reference text: Stiling, Peter D. Ecology: Theories and Applications. 2nd ed.
Prentice Hall.Companion Website: www.prenhall.com/stiling/
3.
ASSIGNMENTS
JOURNAL REPORTS
Read 2 periodical (journal) articles dealing with current Ecological research.
Reports are to be sent via email to scoband@gmail.com . Use articles posted on
Moodle. A reporting template is also posted on Moodle.
RESEARCH PAPER
A topic for the research paper will be given in class and all the details will be
communicated then.
OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
These may involve quizzes, games, oral presentation/participation, and any
innovative approach. Bonus marks are attached to some of these.
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Examinations
Examinations will consist of three (3) unit assessments and one (1) final examination.
Exam questions are a mixture of objective, Calculations, Multiple Choice and/or True
and False, and short essay type questions. All students are expected to take
examinations at the scheduled times. If a student is sick and cannot take a unit exam, he/she
must call the Faculty Office at 662-2241/2, ext. 2701 during office hours, prior to the start of the
exam. Students are required to bring a medical certificate from the student health office or a
medical doctor in order to be allowed to take a makeup exam. Makeup exams will be
administered at the end of the semester, upon the request of the student.
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COURSE CALENDAR
*LOR = Learning Outcome Reference as listed in the section bearing the
same name.
Labs are listed in the table below
Due date for all lab reports is the next lab day/as announced
Week
1
Sept 4
2
Sept 9
Chapte
r
12.1
12.6
Sept 11
1.1 1.7
Sept
16
Sept 18
4
Sept
23,
5 Sep
30
5
Oct 7
*LO
R
Readi L
ngs
ab
Ch 12 - Text
1, 2,
Ch18 Ref
text
2.1
2.13
Submission
3,
of Research
paper
outline
and
8.1 8.5
Journal1
report
Oct 2
Topic
5.1 5.8
Ecosystem Development:
Strategy of development,
climax, evolution micro and
macro, relevance to Human
Ecology.
Limiting and Regulatory Factors:
laws, factor compensation and
ecotypes, soil, fire, physical
limiting factors, Biological
Magnification and Anthropogenic
stress.
3, 4,
5
Ch
text
17-Ref 5
Due
7
Oct 14
3.1
3.12
ASSESSMENT:
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3, 4,
Section 5
4.1
4.12
Oct 23
4.1
4.12
9
Oct 28
6.1
6.13
Oct 30
6.1
6.13
10
Nov 4,6
7.1
7.10
11
Nov 11
11
Nov 13
ASSESSMENT:
12
Nov 18
10.1
10.4
12
Nov 20
11.1
11.5
Oct
21
9.1 9.9
Journal2
report
2, 3
Ch 2, 5
2, 3
Section 3
1, 3
Submit
Research
paper
3, 4,
Ch 19
5
3, 4,
5
3, 4,
5
Ch 15
ASSESSMENT:
November 25
13
Nov 27
Make up exams
14
Dec 2
Review
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UNIT FOUR
LABORATORY EXERCISES
Week
LAB #
TOPIC
Extinction
4.
Microhabitat Analysis I
5.
6.
Predation
7.
8.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Undergraduate Course Outline:Revised April 2012
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2.
Laboratory exercises will include field trips. Times will be announced. Late
attendance to labs will cost you a significant percentage of the marks allotted
to each lab report, except where accompanied by a valid medical certificate.
3.
Absences exceeding 20% of the total class hours for the semester can lead
to the 'F' grade. (Refer to Handbook/Bulletin)
4.
All cases of dishonesty or suspected dishonesty will be dealt with as
outlined in the U.S C.
Handbook.
GRADING SYSTEM
Evaluation
Grading Scale
Laboratory Reports
20% A
90-100% C+
65-69%
30% A-
85-89% C
60-64%
Final Examination
20% B+
80-84% C-
55-59%
Oral Participation/Assignments
10% B
75-79% D
50-54%
10% B-
70-74% F
0-49%
Reading Reports
Research Paper
TOTAL
10%
100%
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Mid-Semester Break: October 15 - 17
Last Day to Add a Course/Change from Audit to Credit: September 17
Public Holidays: September 24 (Republic Day), October 22 (Divali)
Last day of Class: December 03
Final Examinations: December 08 18
Second Semester Classes begin: January 07