| In order to pass this class you must read the syllabus and submit the form on the bottom of this page. |
Ecology is an integrative and holistic science that embraces aspects
of the biological and physical sciences; some branches also involve
mathematics, philosophy, engineering, or economics. In this course we
will focus on
the physical and biological aspects of ecology. Initially we will
examine
a general approach to interpreting the complex environmental systems
surrounding us. Next we will study the physical factors that structure
our global
ecosystem. We will attempt to place this within a historical context
because
it is a philosophical assumption of this course that history matters.
This course also assumes that context matters and that causation
exists.
We will
approach the study of ecology in a hierarchical fashion. After studying
systems we will study global physical factors. Next we will study
ecosystems.
To begin
our study of community ecology we will study interactions of
communities of organisms. In our study of interactions we will not only
study different types of direct interactions such as predation, we will
also study properties conferred by complex networks of interactions. We
will continue our study of community ecology by examining species
distributions and diversity. We will also move away from a static view
of community ecology and try to give our study a dynamic perspective
within spatial and temporal contexts.
Our next
topic will involve population biology. After examining the dynamics of
simple populations, we will examine interacting populations within a
complex
landscape. In a brief overview of evolution, speciation, and population
genetics, we will learn how populations evolve in a dynamic world.
Finally,
we will study how behavior and physiology help individual organisms
cope
with and sometimes structure their environment.
I will attempt to highlight important principles through lecture and study questions. You are, however, responsible for all materials covered in the assigned readings.
Course
Requirements:
Additional
Readings: Announced in class and available on reserve
The lab will
follow an investigative format. Each student will be responsible for
writing a minimum of 5 pages of text during the semester. Format of
reports should follow that of the journal Ecology. I will deduct points
from the % of the grade based on writing at the end of the semester for
students who fail to
meet the page requirements. Students will be expected to dress
appropriately for working in the field.
This semester one field trip will
go to the Gulf Coast from Friday, 10 October through Monday 13 October and
one
field trip will go to the Southern Appalachians from Friday, 24 October
through Sunday 26 October. Another trip
will go
to the
Green River. Additional field trip opportunities may arise. These
dates
are subject to change due to weather.
Course Hours:
Office Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-10:30
or by appointment. If there are any
questions regarding the lecture or lab for this course please see me. I
will be happy to help you understand.
Room 219 , Phone: 745:3696, Email: Albert.Meier@wku.edu. Place the word
student at the start of the subject line.
Warning: There is a potential time delay in this system. I do not necessarily check my e-mail daily.
I will remind you that because
history matters and causation exists, behaviors have consequences.
Grading Policy:
A: 91-100 Represents excellent and creative work
B: 81-90 Represents good disciplined work
C: 71-80 Represents competent and acceptable work
D: 65-70 Represents passable work
F: 0-64 Represents failing work
Course Grade:
| Task | % Grade | Date Due |
| Test 1 | = 20% | lab1: 14 Oct. lab2: 15 Oct. lab3: 16 Oct. |
| Test 2 | = 20% | lab1: 18 Nov. lab2: 19 Nov. lab3: 20 Nov. |
| Final | = 25% | 12 December |
| Paper 1 |
= 20% | 6 November |
| Notebook | =1% | 2 December |
| Quizzes | = 1% | Surprise! |
| Facebook |
=1% |
|
| Extra Ecological Experience | = 12% |
The
trophic dynamic aspect of ecology. Ecology 23:399-418.
The
grinnellian niche of the wood thrush. Am. Nat. 124:17-47.
The
influence of interspecific competition and other factors on the
distribution of the barnacle. Ecology 42:710-723.
Homage
to Santa Rosalia;or, why are there so many kinds of animals? Am Nat.
93:145-559.
A
unified theory of biogeography and relative
species abundance and its application to tropical rain forests and
coral reefs.
Coral Reefs 16, Suppl: S9-S21
The
spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian paradigm: a critique of the
adaptationist programme. Proc. Royal Soc.. London B 205:581-598.
Ecology is an integrative holistic subject. All tests and the final will be comprehensive.
Please note that the grades represent my evaluation of your work and not of you.
Absences: If you miss lecture, get the notes from another student. If you are going to miss an exam you should notify me before the exam is given. If you have a documented, acceptable reason for being absent you will be allowed a make-up. If chronic absenteeism develops I will initiate a system of in class quizzes.
You are allowed one lab absence. Additional lab absences will result in a 10% deduction from the total lab grade per absence.
"Academic Dishonesty - Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the course work in which the act is detected or a failing grade in a course without possibility of withdrawal. The faculty member may also present the case to the Office of the Dean of Student Life for disciplinary sanctions. A student who believes a faculty member has dealt unfairly with him/her in a course involving academic dishonesty may seek relief through the Student Complaint Procedure.” – WKU Student Handbook
"Students with
disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or
auxiliary aids
or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student
Disability Services, Room 445, Potter Hall.
The OFSDS telephone
number is (270) 745-5004 V/TDD. Please DO NOT request accommodations
directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of
accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services."
Assignments are due prior to lecture on the assignment due date. There will be a 10% deduction per each day thereafter. I will not accept papers that are more than 5 days late.
The material presented
here is provided for your information. It is subject to change as
needed.
Ecology 315 Course Schedule:
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Introduction: What is Ecology and why do we care?
What is the environment? What is a system?
Hierarchies of scale and control.
Models, cognition, and epistemology
Hypothesis Testing, Ecological Experiments
Cosmology, The History of the Earth
Climate, Climate History, Quaternary Studies
Biomes
Terrestrial
Aquatic
Biogeochemistry
Ecosystems
Ecosystem function and Energy Flow
Ecosystem Dynamics including Succession
Community Ecology
Species Interactions
Food Webs and other webs of interaction
Text Readings for: 1-251
Test 1
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Community Properties
Species Distributions
Coexistence and Species Diversity
Complex Interactions
Island Biogeography
Population Ecology
Demography
Human Population Growth
Population Regulation
Life Histories
Landscape Ecology
Text Readings: 269-588, 640-658
Test 2
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Natural Selection and Evolution
Species and Speciation
Physiological Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
Applications of Ecology
Text Readings: 619-699.
Final Exam is 8 am-10am, Thurs. 8 May
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