BIOL303 POPULATION ECOLOGY Gonzaga University Fall 2014 Course Time: MWF 8:00 – 850AM Course Room: Hughes Hall 335
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEVEN WHITFIELD Phone: x5607
email:
[email protected] Office: Hughes Hall 008 Office Hours: M 9:00am-‐10:00am W 9:00am-‐10:00am W 11:00am-‐12:00am
COURSE DESCRIPTION: _ BIOL303: Population Ecology is an in-‐depth look at the interactions that control the distribution and abundance of organisms at the population level. Topics such as life-‐history strategies, population dynamics, competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism will be explored through the research literature, field observations, and computer simulations. Course Prerequisites: BIOL 102 Minimum Grade: D and BIOL 202 Minimum Grade: D or BIOL 102 Minimum Grade: D and BIOL 106 Minimum Grade: C-‐ or BIOL 206 Minimum Grade: C-‐ Course Overview: Population Ecology explores the structure and dynamics of ecological populations – interbreeding groups of organisms of a given species. We will address topics such as population growth, competition between species, predation and parasitism, life history strategies, and metapopulations. We will explore in detail the mathematical models used in population ecology, and in general explore how mathematical models are used as powerful tools in science. We will read current and classical scientific articles in population ecology so that students understand the development of the field in a historical perspective. Throughout the course, students will be posed with real-‐world problems in population ecology and asked to resolve these problems using skills developed in the course. Methods of Instruction: Lectures: Course activities will include regular lectures to present new information to students. All lectures will be posted on BlackBoard after they are presented in class. These posted lectures are designed as outlines of material presented in class on a given day. Lectures posted on BlackBoard are designed to supplement – but not replace – class attendance and note-‐taking. Students are encouraged to ask questions during lectures.
Reading and Interpretation of Primary Scientific Literature: During the semester, we will read and discuss classic and contemporary scientific literature in population ecology. All primary literature will be posted on BlackBoard.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES: _ This course is designed specifically around several learning outcomes. All class activities (lectures, class discussions, problem sets, exams, group work, etc.) are designed to help students achieve these learning outcomes or evaluate student performance in light of these specific outcomes. Learning Outcome 1. Explain how population ecology is used to address problems in evolution, conservation, epidemiology, and resource management Learning Outcome 2. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for how mathematical models can be used as powerful scientific tools Learning Outcome 3. Demonstrate an understanding of common mathematical models used in population ecology Learning Outcome 4. Demonstrate an ability to read and evaluate primary scientific literature in population ecology Learning Outcome 5. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of how populations interact with the biotic and abiotic environment Learning Outcome 6. Demonstrate an understanding of current and historical topics of theoretical and empirical research interest in population ecology
MATERIALS: _ Textbook: The required textbook for this course is Introduction to Population Ecology by Larry L. Rockwood. There will be weekly readings from this text. Primary literature: Your instructor will select classical and contemporary articles from the primary scientific literature that we will read regularly through the semester. These will be provided on the class page on BlackBoard. Software: We will use computer software to explore mathematical models in population ecology. Populus: Simulations in Population Biology is a powerful tool for exploring a broad range of models and simulations in population ecology. Populus runs on both PC and Macintosh computers, and is free to download and use. Populus will be used in problem sets and on take-‐home exams. Populus can be downloaded here: http://www.cbs.umn.edu/research/resources/populus/download-‐populus
REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS: _ Exams: There will be two exams during the semester and one final exam, for a total of three exams in this course. The final exam for this course will be held Tuesday, 16 December from 8:00am to 10:00am. The two exams held during the semester will be take-‐home exams, and will be open book. The final exam will be an in-‐class exam, and will be closed book. Problem Sets: Through the course, there will be four problem sets assigned to students. Problem sets will pose to students real-‐world questions in population ecology, and will require the use of Populus as well as understanding of the literature we have covered in the class. Scientific Literature Group Discussion: During the semester, we will read classic and contemporary scientific literature in population ecology. Each student will be assigned scientific
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articles and will be asked to lead discussions in class on these articles. All students will be expected to actively participate in class discussions. POLICIES: _ Grading: For Gonzaga University general policies regarding grading, see: http://www.gonzaga.edu/Academics/Undergraduate/General-‐Degree-‐Requirements-‐and-‐ Procedures/Grading-‐Policies.asp % > 92 90-‐ 88-‐ 83-‐ 80-‐ 78-‐ 73-‐ 69-‐ 67-‐ 62-‐ < 60 91 89 87 82 79 77 72 68 66 Grade A A-‐ B+ B B-‐ C+ C C-‐ D+ D F Assessment..…………….Percentage of Grade Problem Sets………………………………..………..25 Literature Discussion…………………………….25 Exam 1………………………………………………….15 Exam 2………………………………………………….15 Final Exam…………………………………………….20 Late Policy: Any assignments turned in after the due date will endure a penalty of 10% loss of the total possible grade for each day they are late. No work will be accepted more than five days after the due date. Class Participation Policy: Learning requires the active participation of both the students and the instructor. Your contributions to the class and your interactions with the class are an essential component of your learning experience and of the learning experience of your classmates. I expect you to ask and answer questions, share observations with the class and listen respectfully to your classmates questions and observations. I expect everyone to respect the rights of others to express their views, and to be able to participate in civil discourse. Disagreement is encouraged; disrespect and disruption will not be tolerated. Missed Exams Policy: Any exams that are missed will only be excused with documentation of a legitimate excuse (note from a doctor, note from athletic coach, etc). Any exam that is missed without appropriate documentation will receive a grade of zero. Make-‐up Exams Policy: There will be no make-‐up exams. Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected of all Gonzaga University students. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and theft. Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action against a student found guilty of academic dishonesty may include but is not limited to: (1) a failing grade for the test or assignment in question; (2) a failing grade for the course; or (3) a recommendation for dismissal from the University.
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A student may appeal the disciplinary action taken. The appeal shall be made in writing to the Chair of the department, or Dean if there is no Chair, of the appropriate school within 14 days of receipt of written notification of the disciplinary action taken. Following an appeal, a final report shall be submitted to the Academic Vice President for review and possible further disciplinary action taken by the University. The Academic Vice President may direct an intermediate appeal to the Chair’s Dean. Final appeal by the student may be made to the Academic Vice President. Sexual Misconduct: Gonzaga University recognizes the inherent dignity of all individuals and promotes respect for all people. Sexual misconduct will NOT be tolerated at Gonzaga. If you have been the victim of sexual misconduct we encourage you to report this matter promptly. As a faculty member, I am interested in promoting a safe and healthy environment, and should I learn of any sexual misconduct I must report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator. Should you want to report to a confidential source you may contact the following: · Gonzaga Health Center | 509.313.4052 | 704 E Sharp Avenue · Gonzaga Counseling Center | 509.313.4054 | 324 E Sharp Avenue · Any priest serving as a sacramental confessor or any ordained religious leader serving in the sacred confidence role. | 509.313.4242 · University Lutheran Community Services and SAFeT | 509.624.RAPE* Diversity and Inclusivity: Gonzaga University supports an inclusive learning environment and recognizes that our individual differences can strengthen our understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live. I strive to create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel respected and welcomed into a learning community. In this class, I encourage students of all ethnicities, religions, ages, disability statuses, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders and gender identities, and sexual orientations to share their perspectives and experiences. I ask that all students be actively aware that their experiences may differ from others in the classroom, but that all human perspectives and experiences are valid and that exposure to others different from themselves is a rewarding opportunity for personal growth. If any student feels that their differences isolate them from the learning community, I encourage you to speak with your professor early in the semester about your concerns. DREAM Office: Please contact the Disability Resources, Education & Access Management Office located in Foley Library, 2nd floor, East Wing (extension 4134), to investigate special accommodations you may require. Please see http://www.gonzaga.edu/disabilityresources for more information. Classroom Technology Policy: Personal technology (laptop computers, tablets, smartphones) may have either positive or negative impacts on individual student success in learning, yet personal technology is often distracting to other students in the classroom. If you wish to use personal technology such as laptop computers or tablet computers for note-‐taking, please consult with your instructor.
PROVISIONAL COURSE SCHEDULE: _ This schedule should provide an approximate outline of class activities, but is likely to change over the course of the semester. Exam dates and dates for group presentations will not change.
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Week Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Topic 3-‐Sep Introduction to Population Ecology
5-‐Sep 8-‐Sep 10-‐Sep 12-‐Sep 15-‐Sep 17-‐Sep 19-‐Sep 22-‐Sep 24-‐Sep 26-‐Sep 29-‐Sep 1-‐Oct 3-‐Oct 6-‐Oct 8-‐Oct 10-‐Oct 13-‐Oct 15-‐Oct 17-‐Oct 20-‐Oct 22-‐Oct 24-‐Oct 27-‐Oct 29-‐Oct 31-‐Oct 3-‐Nov 5-‐Nov 7-‐Nov 10-‐Nov 12-‐Nov 14-‐Nov 17-‐Nov 19-‐Nov 21-‐Nov 24-‐Nov 26-‐Nov 28-‐Nov 1-‐Dec 3-‐Dec 5-‐Dec 8-‐Dec 10-‐Dec 12-‐Dec
Models and Modeling in Population Ecology Population Growth: Density Independent Models Population Growth: Density Independent Models Literature Discussion Population Growth: Density Dependent Models Population Growth: Density Dependent Models Literature Discussion Population Regulation Population Regulation Labor Day Observed -‐ NO CLASS Literature Discussion Stage Structured Populations Stage Structured Populations Literature Discussion Life History Strategies Life History Strategies Literature Discussion Dispersion and Spatial Ecology Dispersion and Spatial Ecology Founders Day -‐ NO CLASS Literature Discussion Metapopulations Metapopulations Literature Discussion Interspecific Competition Interspecific Competition Literature Discussion Mutualisms Mutualisms Literature Discussion Host-‐Parasite Interactions Host-‐Parasite Interactions Literature Discussion Predator-‐Prey Interactions Predator-‐Prey Interactions Thanksgiving Holiday -‐ NO CLASS Thanksgiving Holiday -‐ NO CLASS Literature Discussion Plant-‐Herbivore Interactions Plant-‐Herbivore Interactions Literature Discussion TBA Course Review
Readings Rockwood: Preface Rockwood: Introduction to Part 1 Rockwood: Ch. 1 Rockwood: Ch. 1 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 2 Rockwood: Ch. 2 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 3 Rockwood: Ch. 3 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 4 Rockwood: Ch. 4 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 6 Rockwood: Ch. 6 TBA TBA Rockwood: Ch. 5 Rockwood: Ch. 5 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 7 Rockwood: Ch. 7 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 8 Rockwood: Ch. 8 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 9 Rockwood: Ch. 9 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 10 Rockwood: Ch. 10 TBA Rockwood: Ch. 11 Rockwood: Ch. 11 TBA
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