Syllabus Fall 2009
BIO 456
W 12:00 - 5:20pm
Friday Hall Room 3020

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*NOTE* This schedule undoubtedly with change due to weather conditions or other factors. In addition, on occasion the lab may include lecture material when not going in the field.

Required Texts:

*National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 6th edition, or 
            equivalent field guide
*Proctor, N. S. and P. J. Lynch. 1993. Manual of Ornithology. Yale Univ. Press
            (for lab).

Optional Text:

*Ornithology (2007), 3rd edition, by F. Gill (W. H. Freeman and Company, NY). 
This text is also on reserve in the library.

Additional readings will be placed on reserve in the library as needed.
This schedule is subject to change due to class cancellations or other circumstances.

Literature Project: 

Each student will be asked to read one paper in the scientific literature and write a 2-page evaluation/interpretation of the paper. The scientific paper must be relevant to ornithology and from the primary literature; do not select notes or short communications in the journals, only full-length articles. Relevant journals to consult in the library include Auk, Condor, Wilson Bulletin, Ecology, Journal of Animal Ecology and Journal of Wildlife Management. The paper should be typed, double-spaced, in 11 or 12 point font size. Give the complete citation of the article, using the standard format found in these journals, at the beginning of your paper. The first half of the paper should summarize its contents in your own words. Do not repeat what is already written or use extensive quotes. Be sure to not plagiarize the paper as this is a serious academic offense (see link at: http://people.uncw.edu/emslies/ecology/plagiarism.htm).  The second half of the paper should discuss your perceptions of the research, its strong and weak points, and any other relevant information. This paper will be due in class on 26 Aug.

Paper: 

Each student will be required to write a paper on a relevant topic in ornithology. The subject of the paper must be approved in advance. A paper on a species or family of birds is acceptable, but should be comprehensive. Independent field projects also can be reported for this paper, but need to cleared with me in advance. Species discussed in detail in class cannot be used for these papers. All papers must be at least 10 pages in length, include at least 10 references to the primary literature using standard journal format. Citations from Web sites are acceptable in addition to the 10 from the primary literature. The papers will be due in class on 18 Nov. DO NOT put off your research for this paper until the last moment as you may have difficulty in locating appropriate literature. 

*NOTE*: Plagiarism will not be tolerated!

Grades: 

Grades:  Grades will be based on two lecture exams (100 pts. each), a final exam (140 pts.), the paper (100 pts.), the literature project (20 pts.), for a total of 460 points.  All exams will be largely essay, short answer, or definitions.  I do not grade on a curve.  Additional details on exams will be provided in class.

Class Policies: 

Students are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time, and participate in class discussions.  My philosophy is that you are here to learn as much as possible about birds.  Thus, my job is to provide you with as much information as possible on this topic including identification of birds in the field.  If you miss a class, expect to lose up to 10 points (one letter grade) on exam questions.  I will keep roll in the class and expect you to demonstrate responsibility in your attendance.  Students missing more than two classes or one lab without valid excuse (e.g., illness, death in family) will be docked 10 points from their total grade per absence thereafter.  If you do have to miss a class, be sure to borrow notes from another student and/or see me to obtain missed class material.  Please feel free to see me at any time during or outside of my scheduled office hours.  Call to make an appointment or send me e-mail with your questions.  All students are expected to have e-mail accounts.  If not, open an account during the first week of class.  There is no reason why you can’t reach me by one of the above methods.

Class Home Web Page: 

Besides this web site, there is a SeaPort web site for this class. Please refer to the SeaPort web site for posted readings, PowerPoint lectures, announcements, and other information.

Field Trips:

This class is very field oriented with one required weekend fieldtrip as follows: 

8-11 or 15-18 October                                  Kiptopeke State Park, VA

Kiptopeke State Park is an ideal site as it has a banding and hawk watch station and is worth visiting after storm fronts pass through in the fall.  Typically, you can expect to see over 100 species of birds on this trip.  A second fieldtrip is tentatively scheduled on 20-22 November to visit Lake Mattamuskeet, NC.  This large natural lake in northeastern North Carolina is the wintering site for thousands of migratory waterfowl.  All expenses for these trips (food, transportation) will be paid by the biology department.  Additional details on these trips will be provided in class. 

Field Preparation:

For lab field trips, you should come prepared for a variety of weather conditions. It is recommended that you bring a hat, sunscreen, rain gear, water bottle, and a daypack or fanny pack; your field guide and field notebook as required. Binoculars and bug spray will be provided. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, expect to walk in areas where it may be wet or muddy.  Sandals and shorts are NOT recommended!

Field Notebook: 

Students are encouraged to maintain a field notebook recording all birds sighted on field trips, but will not be graded on this section. The notebook should have waterproof paper; use permanent ink or pencil for your entries. For each trip the following entries should be made: Date, Time, Weather, Location(s), Habitat(s). Species lists should be recorded for each habitat visited. Quantitative estimates should be made for each species seen in each habitat when possible. Any unusual behavior or sightings should be described in detail. This notebook will help you study and learn birds in the lab.