BIOL 209 General Ecology

This course is designed for Biology majors.  Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and with the physical environment, which encompasses the levels of populations, communities and ecosystems.  The course will cover the major concepts, theories and techniques of ecological science with an emphasis on understanding the functional adapations of species in their natural habitats.  The lab section will involve outdoor field biology activities, basic biostatistics and computer applications.  The goal is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for those entering careers in ecological fields.

 

Credits

4 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

45

Prerequisite

BIOL 201; BIOL 202 highly recommended; MATH 153 highly recommended

Corequisite

BIOL 209L

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

Department

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement|{D7A8FC71-978F-4003-9933-512C476323B2}

Credit Hours Narrative

4 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

45

Prerequisite Narrative

BIOL 201; BIOL 202 highly recommended; MATH 153 highly recommended

Corequisite Narrative

BIOL 209L

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is designed for Biology majors.  Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and with the physical environment, which encompasses the levels of populations, communities and ecosystems.  The course will cover the major concepts, theories and techniques of ecological science with an emphasis on understanding the functional adapations of species in their natural habitats.  The lab section will involve outdoor field biology activities, basic biostatistics and computer applications.  The goal is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for those entering careers in ecological fields.

 

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)

A.   Aquatic and terrestrial biomes

B.   Ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycles

C.   Community ecology, succession, and diversity

D.   Species interactions and food webs

E.   Population ecology: distribution and population growth

F.    Biological invasions

G.   Natural selection and ecological genetics

H.   Competition: intraspecific and interspecific

I.     Predator-prey interactions

J.    Herbivory and pollination

K.   Disease interactions and epidemiology

L.    Symbiosis and mutualism

M.  Human population growth

N.   Climate science and global change

O.   Basic biostatistics and hypothesis testing

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Required assignments: 

a. weekly homework assignments

b. lab reports (scientific papers)

c. research paper

d presentation of final project

 

Required Exams:

a. Midterm exams (3)

b. Final exam

 

Required Activities:

Participation in outdoor field activities. Use of common computer software such as spreadsheet, word processing, web browsers, etc.