Course Number: BIOL 3550

Course Title:  Tropical Ecology (Study abroad in San Salvador, Bahamas)

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor Info:          Dr. Paul Melvin

G210P

Office hours TBA

466-4789

PaulMelvin@clayton.edu

Catalog Description:  This study abroad course covers major tropical ecotypes and encompasses the ecology of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine tropical organisms.  Emphasis will be on coral reef ecosystems, including taxonomy and identification of common invertebrates and vertebrates found in the Caribbean basin.  Issues pertaining to coral reef conservation will be discussed.  The majority of the course will take place at the Gerace Research Centre on the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas. 

Notebook Computer Requirement:  Each CSU 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 CSU'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 not be used in this class. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Biology Program Outcomes

    1.  Effectively demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology

    4.  Communicate scientific information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.

    5.  Demonstrate the ability to collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data, and employ critical thinking to solve problems in biological science and supporting fields.

    7.  Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe the impact of biological and physical sciences on the environment and society. 

Course Objectives: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of tropical island ecology
• Demonstrate an understanding of ecology of tropical fish

• Demonstrate an understanding of the ecology of tropical herpetofauna
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ecology of birds
• Demonstrate an understanding of the biology, ecology and conservation issues of coral reefs

Class Meetings:  TBA

Textbook Information: 

Haumann, P and DeLoach, N.  Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. 1995.   New World Publications.  Jacksonville, FL. 

ISBN:  978-1878348104

Evaluation:

• Lecture examination = 30%
• Student project written report = 20%
• Field notebook = 40%
• Student participation = 10%

Grading:

• 90 to 100% = A
• 80 to 89% = B
• 70 to 79% = C
• 60 to 69% = D
• Below 60% = F

Course Policies:

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

Detailed instructions concerning late assignments will be included with assignment descriptions.

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 use laptop computers for anything other than note taking during class.  Students using laptop computers for anything else (including, but not limited to, instant messaging, sending or receiving email, playing games, or surfing the internet) will be asked to leave the class.

Cell phone use during class is disrespectful and distracting to the instructor and other students.  Any student using their cell phone during class (ringing, talking, or sending/receiving text messages) will have the phone confiscated and must come see the instructor at the end of class to get it back.  It is suggested you switch your phone to the off position before class begins.

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.  Please refer to http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm for more information.

Regular and punctual attendance is highly recommended.  Since there is no textbook, we will be covering material in class that you may not have easy access to.  Announcements concerning changes in test dates, quiz dates, and assignment due dates will be made during class.  If you must be absent due to illness or other unforeseeable event, you are still responsible for any and all information given during class.  This may include changes in test dates, quiz dates, assignment due dates, and the syllabus.

No form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated in this class.  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/judicial/.

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.