BIOL 3500 - Ecology
Course Syllabus - Fall 2009

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 770-961-3719, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description

Number and Title:

BIOL 3500 Ecology

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

BIOL 3500 Ecology (3-0-3)

The environment is made of both living and non-living components. This course examines the relationships between these various components in the biosphere. Students will learn how complex natural cycles and chains can be perturbed by small disturbances, and conversely, how life adapts to these changes.

Prerequisites:

BIOL 1112 (D or better required) or BIOL 1108 (C or better required) and 1108L
MATH 1231

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CCSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CCSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system.
• Able to use a the Microsoft Word^TM word processing program.
• Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM program.
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will occasionally be used in this class. Outside of class, computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Overall Course Learning Objectives:

    After completing this course, a student should be able to:

• Cite evidence for the ecological principles presented in class.
• Identify the steps of the scientific method in ecological literature, with particular emphasis on hypotheses and predictions.

Student Learning Outcomes:

    General Education Outcomes:

•     Communication:  Acquisition of ecological vocabulary as it pertains to environmental issues.
•     Critical Thinking: 1) Identify the independent variable(s), dependent variables(s), and the subjects of an experiment.   2) Identify ways to improve the design of scientific experiments.

    Applied Biology Outcomes:

• Students will learn to effectively communicate scientific ideas using oral, written and digital arts.

Instructor Information:

Christopher Kodani, Ph.D.
Office: Arts and Science Building, Room A-31-A
Phone: (678) 466-4782
e-mail: ChristopherKodani@mail.clayton.edu
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/kodani/index.htm
Fall office hours: TBA

Textbook Information:

Text:       

Elements of Ecology, 7/E
Robert Leo Smith & Thomas M. Smith
ISBN: 0-3215-5957-6
Publisher: Benjamin Cummings
Copyright: 2009

We will be using Smith and Smith's Elements of Ecology, 7th Edition.  This is a new edition, and is different from the one used in the past.  Look for the elephants!!

Evaluation:

Quizzes:

Quizzes can be given at the discretion of the instructor, and they can be used to assess, but are not limited to: ecologically pertinent skills to be learned, knowledge of required outside reading, and level of class participation.

Grading:

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Tentative Lecture Schedule

Course Policies:

Absences from QUIZZES and EXAMS must also be accompanied by a signed physician's or judge's excuse (there are no exceptions). Without an excuse provided within one week, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed assessment.  If the student does have a valid excuse the next quiz or exam will be doubled to make up for the missed one, unless it is a final exam, in which case a makeup will be administered.

Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Students may not play video games during lecture.

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority.  Without excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  If a valid excuse is provided:

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at
http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/judicial_affairs.htm.

Changes or additions to this syllabus, including reading, exam schedule, grading, and course policies can be made at the discretion of the instructor at any time.

Last update: November 04, 2009