BIOL 209 General Ecology*
This Course is designed for biology majors. The discipline of ecology addresses the interactions of organisms with other organisms as well as the abiotic environment. It is inherently broad in scope, encompassing everything from microorganisms to the entire biosphere. This course will cover the major concepts and techniques of ecology as well as applications of these concepts to current issues. The goal is to provide the tools and knowledge of concepts necessary for those entering careers in ecological fields. Prerequisite:
BIOL 202.
MATH 153 highly recommended. Corequisite:
BIOL 209L.
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
BIOL 209General Ecology*
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Semester Contact Hours Lab
30
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This Course is designed for biology majors. The discipline of ecology addresses the interactions of organisms with other organisms as well as the abiotic environment. It is inherently broad in scope, encompassing everything from microorganisms to the entire biosphere. This course will cover the major concepts and techniques of ecology as well as applications of these concepts to current issues. The goal is to provide the tools and knowledge of concepts necessary for those entering careers in ecological fields. Prerequisite: BIOL 202. MATH 153 highly recommended. Corequisite: BIOL 209L.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of evolution: the diversity of life evolved over time by processes of mutation, selection, and genetic change.
- Demonstrate an understanding of structure and function: basic units of structure define the function of living things.
- Demonstratean understanding of pathways and transformations of energy and matter: biological systems grow and change by processes based upon chemical transformation pathways and are governed by the laws of thermodynamics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of systems: living systems are interconnected and interacting.
- Demonstrate competence in applying the process of science: biology is evidence-based and grounded in the formal practices of observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of quantitative reasoning: biology relies on an application of quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of modeling and simulation: biology focuses on the study of complex systems.
- Demonstrate competence in communication and collaboration of scientific information: biology is a collaborative scientific discipline.
- Demonstrate competence in understanding the relationship between science and society: biology is conducted in a societal context.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Experimental design and statistics
Climate
Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
Energy flow and nutrient cycling
Evolution, ecological genetics
Plant and animal adaptations
Life history strategies
Population ecology
Competition
Predation
Parasitism and mutualism
Community Ecology
Human ecology
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
Case studies
~5 laboratory write-ups
Semester group research project
Required Exams
3 exams
Final exam
Group research project poster
Required Text
Ecology, by Smith and Smith
Lab handouts available on Canvas
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
Case studies
~5 laboratory write-ups
Semester group research project
3 exams
Final exam
Group research project poster