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ENV 462/562 Syllabus
Course
Description An
overview of theory and concepts in ecosystem ecology through a survey of the
literature, including classical papers. Source
materials will be evaluated and critiqued through a combination of lectures,
written assignments and student-led discussions.
Liberal Arts, Prerequisite: General Ecology (ENV/BIO 304) or Permission
of Instructor.
Objectives
This course is an advanced course on ecosystem theory and concepts. An understanding of basic ecological concepts is expected
prior to participating in this course. Student
participation in literature reading and discussions along with lectures on
general principles in ecology will serve as the pedagogical focus of the course.
Grading
Grading will be on a standard scale (A,B,C,D,…).
There will be two take-home written exams, mid-term and final, each worth
approx. 1/3 of the total class grade (100 points each).
The remainder of the grade will be based on writing assignments (six
concept summaries worth 15 points each, one history timeline worth 10 points),
class participation (25 points, including the class project), and unannounced
pop quizzes (up to 10 points each). See
attachments describing concept summaries and exams.
All assignment and exam due dates are final due dates.
Late summaries will lose 1 point per day late, late exam questions will
lose 1 point per day late per exam question.
Class attendance:
Attendance will be taken regularly.
Attendance is required to complete this course and will be considered in
the final grade evaluation. Students
with more than TWO (2) unexcused absences will receive a failing grade for the
participation portion of the course. Makeup
assignments or quizzes will not be given without a written excuse (e.g.,
doctor’s note).
Class Format:
This course will be taught in a discussion/seminar based format.
It is CRITICAL that you read the materials, write your summary, and be
prepared to discuss ecological concepts and ideas during EACH AND EVERY class
period. Your participation grade is
based on whether you come to class prepared, well read, and inclined to discuss
the material. This is NOT a class
you can just attend, sit quietly in the back, memorize information for an exam
every few weeks, and expect to do well. Its
an active learning-based format and that requires that we all are ACTIVE.
So be prepared to take a course that is not a typical style of teaching
and open your mind to engage in an active discussion of ecological ideas,
concepts, and theories.
Did
I mention you need to read the papers BEFORE class…..
Academic Dishonesty
The
college catalog defines academic dishonesty as: “the willful misrepresentation
of any part or all of another’s work as one’s own.
Copying another’s homework or paper or giving or receiving unpermitted
aid during assignments and research reports is cheating.
Plagiarism in all its forms is
cheating. …" The
penalty for plagiarism or cheating on any assignment will be a final grade of E
in the course. A reduced penalty
will be considered at the instructor’s discretion on a case by case basis.
I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU ADHERE
to the academic dishonesty policy, I am very adept at catching those who do not.
Test my abilities at your own risk!
This page last modified on 03/27/06.