Biology 22800, Ecology and Evolution

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Laboratory: Section 1GW: Monday, 6:10–10:00 p.m., Rooms MR-822/MR-819

                 Section 3EG: Wednesday, 2:00–5:50 p.m., Rooms MR-822/MR-819

Course objectives (overview and philosophy): Ecology and Evolution examines a spectrum of biological processes, with emphasis on their application to the population and community levels of organization.  The course combines conceptual and quantitative approaches to topics including ecology, ecosystems, biogeography, genetics, evolution, and systematics, as these areas apply to populations and communities of organisms.  The laboratory is a series of exercises and experiments designed to introduce students to data collection and analysis, including interpretation of laboratory and field experiences.  This course will also cover current environmental issues critical to modern society.  Major topics to be covered include: Niche, population growth, species interactions, community structure/succession, global climate and biomes, species richness and diversity, fitness and selection, genetic drift, phylogeny, speciation, and comparative biology.

Attendance Policy: Lectures and laboratories begin promptly, and you are required to be on time.  Attendance in the laboratory, including field trips, is required.  Absence from more than 2 lectures or 2 laboratory periods (including field trips) can result in your being dropped from the course for excessive absences (WU).

Grading: Grades will be assigned based on the lecture (50 %) and laboratory (50 %).  If you know that you will miss an exam, contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can take the exam in advance.  Make-up exams will be allowed only for documented excused absences (e.g., death in the family, extreme sickness).  Plagiarism will dealt with subject to CCNY policies.

The final grade will be calculated as follows:
Lecture, based on:
3 equally weighted exams  (Exam 1, Exam 2, and Final exam)	30 %
Quizzes	10 %
Class participation (in lecture; including presentations)	10 %
Laboratory, based on:
Laboratory exercises and reports	25 %
Laboratory exams	20 %
Class participation (in laboratory)	5 %

 

Grammar, spelling, and composition: Because scientists must be able to express themselves in written prose, students must use proper spelling, grammar (including punctuation), and composition.  Minor errors in spelling and grammar will be marked 10% off, major grammatical errors will lead to a reduction of 30%, and unintelligible sentences will be given no credit.  Illegible answers will be given no credit.  Paragraphs must be composed of organized, coherent thoughts and include a lead sentence (proper composition).  The instructors are available during office hours or by appointment to answer questions regarding grammar and composition.

 

Lecture: There will be 2 examinations during the semester plus a comprehensive final exam. Each exam will test material covered in lecture, the textbook, and handouts.  Lecture will often begin with a quiz, generally on the reading for that week’s topic.  The lowest quiz will be dropped.  Lecture will also include group discussions and presentations by students.

Laboratory: Each student will be required to hand in 9 short exercises (lab reports).  The lowest report will be dropped.  Reports are due promptly at the beginning of the next lab (a 10 minute grace period will be given).  Late reports turned in during the first hour of lab will have a grade reduction of 10 %.  Any report turned in after the first hour of lab will receive an automatic zero.  All lab reports must be typed.  No reports will be accepted by e-mail.  Students who miss lab due to an unexcused absence will receive an automatic zero for that lab report.  While some laboratory data will be collected by team efforts, each student is required to write and submit his or her own reports.  There are also 3 field trips, 1 of which is a self-guided tour of selected exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History.  The other 2 are to Inwood Hill Park and to Van Cortlandt Park with the laboratory instructor; because we cannot go on outdoor fieldtrips in the dark, field trips for the evening laboratory section will be during the day on Saturday in lieu of the regular lab period.  Before each lab, students should read the particular pages of the lab manual assigned for that week.

 

Support Facilities: The Departmental Resource Center is in Room MR-502, and the Computer Facility is in Room MR-819.

 

 

Lecture schedule:

Laboratory schedule:

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