Ecology (BIO 366)
Course Syllabus--Fall 2009
T-TH, 09:30 - 10:45 am; Dobo 103

                                                                                                    Dr. Steve Emslie                                                                                  Office:  Dobo 207
                                                                                                    Phone:   962-3357                                                                               Office Hrs: open,
                                                                                                    E-mail:  emslies@uncw.edu                                                                       or by appointment

Date Topic Chapter Readings
  Abiotic Factors in Ecology  

20 Aug.

Introduction

Ch. 1

25 Aug.

The physical world

Ch. 2, Ch. 3: 43-48

27 Aug.

Photosynthesis and light energy

Ch. 6

  1 Sept. 

Physiological ecology of plants

Ch. 7

  3 Sept.

Physiological ecology of animals

Ch. 3: 48-50; Ch. 5, 8

  8 Sept.

Soils and weathering

Ch. 4
10 Sept. Exam I  
15 Sept. Nutrients and biogeochemical cycles Ch. 25: 514-522

17 Sept.

Terrestrial biomes

Ch. 28: 584-589; Ch. 29: 609-613

22 Sept.

Aquatic systems

Ch. 30: 630-653

24 Sept.

Marine systems and El Niño

Ch. 31: 666-676

 

Biotic Factors in Ecology

 

29 Sept.

Populations

Ch. 10: 161-172

  1 Oct.

Exam II

 

  6 Oct.

Fall Break

 

  8 Oct.

Population growth and regulation

Ch. 10: 172-180; Ch. 11

13 Oct.

Population growth and regulation

Ch. 10: 172-180; Ch. 11

15 Oct.

Intraspecific competition

Ch. 12

20 Oct.

Life history patterns

Ch. 13

22 Oct. 

Interspecific competition

Ch. 14

27 Oct.

Predation

Ch. 15; Ch. 16: 293-304

29 Oct.

Herbivory

Ch. 16: 285-293

  3 Nov.

Parasitism and mutualism

Ch. 17

  5 Nov. 

Exam III

 

 

Communities and Ecosystems

 

10 Nov.

Communities    

Ch. 20; Ch. 22: 428-431; Ch. 27: 544-548

12 Nov.

Community development and structure

Ch. 21; Ch. 23: 450-463

17 Nov.

Ecosystems and energy flow

Ch. 24: 479-482; Ch. 25: 505-512

19 Nov.

Trophic levels and food webs

Ch. 24: 481-502

24 Nov.

Introduced species

Ch. 18: 357-362; Reserve readings

26 Nov.

Thanksgiving Break

 

  1 Dec.

Paleoecology

Reserve readings

  8 Dec.

Final Exam: 8-11 am

 

 

Optional Text:  Ecology & Field Biology, 6th Edition, 2001, by R. L. Smith and T. M. Smith, Benjamin Cummings. One copy of this text also is on reserve in the library.

Additional readings may be placed on reserve in the library as needed. 

**This schedule is subject to change due to class cancellations or other circumstances.**

Grades:  Grades will be based on three lecture exams (100 pts. each), and a semi-comprehensive final exam (140 pts.), for a total of 440 points. Final grades will include a “+” or “–” for borderline cases (+/- 2% from cutoff).  All exams will be largely essay, short answer, or definitions.  I do not grade on a curve and no makeup exams will be given.  DO NOT come to me and say you already have a plane ticket for such and such a date--if you don’t take the exam on the assigned date, you fail the exam.  Additional details on exams will be provided in class. 

Class policies:  Students are expected to attend all classes and arrive on time.  My philosophy is that you are here to learn as much as possible about ecology.  Thus, my job is to provide you with as much information as possible on this topic.  If you miss a class, expect to lose 5-10 points (one letter grade) on each exam.  Students who miss more than three classes tend to fail this course!  I also do not tolerate talking, using phones for text messaging, or laptops for browsing the internet in class or any other disruptive behavior.  I will deduct 5 points from your total grade for each infraction of this nature.  Repeated offenses or excessive absences could result in disenrollment from the class or an F.  I recognize that most students are serious, mature individuals, but I state these policies here for those few that can ruin the class for the others.  I have open office hours so please feel free to see me at any time when I’m there, or arrange for an appointment if you want to come by at a specific time.  You can also send me an e-mail with any questions.   

Ecology Web Page:  Besides the SeaPort web site, this course has a web page at: http://people.uncw.edu/emslies/ecology/
On this page, you will find a copy of this syllabus, course updates, a study guide to terms and topics covered in class, and information on assignments and announcements.  Take advantage of this resource—it will help you considerably in studying for exams and doing well in the course. In addition, PowerPoint lectures, extra readings, and other material will be placed on the SeaPort web site for this class.