Course objectives:

1. To learn basic ecological principles of organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

2. To learn about the relationships between organisms, and their biotic and abiotic environment.

3. To learn about the relationships among organisms in the same and in different populations.

4. To learn how ecosystems function as integrated units.
 

Method of Evaluation:
Examinations:

In the lecture portion of this course, there will be three (3) exams and a final exam.  In addition, there will be a series of quizzes and short written assignments.  The details for these quizzes and assignments will be given in class.
In the laboratory portion of this course, there will be two (2) exams.  The grades you receive in the lecture and lab component will be added to determine your final grade in this course.

The point break up for this course is as follows:
 Lecture Exams (100 points each)  -       300 points
 Lecture Final Exam (200 points)  -        200 points
 Quizzes and other exercises   -              100 points
Lab Exams (100 points each)   -             200 points
   TOTAL   -                                        800 points

Grading:
 The following scale will determine your grade in the course:
  A = 90% and above
  B = 80 – 89%
  C = 70 – 79%
  D = 60 – 69%
  F = 59% and below

Mid-Term Grade:
You may calculate your mid-term grade by making the following calculations: The average percentage of the scores in the first two lecture exams plus the score from your first lab exam (total of 300 possible points) should be equated to the letter grade distribution given above.

Labs:
The labs in this course will emphasize methodology to do ecological evaluations.  Many of the labs will be held outdoors (see lab schedule) and will require appropriate field clothing, rain gear, clipboard, pencil, and a GOOD ATTITUDE.  Labs will be held rain or shine!  Please make sure you attend all field trips since they cannot be made up.  Transportation will be provided for all off-campus trips.  Bring paper and pencil (ink smears if it gets wet) because you will be taking notes, observing, and recording data.  I suggest using a three-ring binder to keep your lab direction sheets, data, and written notes.
 

Expectation of students – some ground rules: 
 
Just as you have expectations of this course, I also have some expectations of you.  These include:

Academic Dishonesty – Science cannot exist without honesty.  Therefore, I require you, as scientists-in-the-making, to hold the highest standards of scientific and academic conduct.  Any form of cheating in this course is unacceptable, and will be dealt with as outlined in the University Handbook for Students.

Class Attendance - I expect students to attend lectures and labs.  If you miss any session, it will be your responsibility to get the material that was covered in that class session.  Further, the Department of Biological Sciences policy states that “Credit for the course will not be allowed when a recorded absence of twenty percent (6 absences) has been accumulated in either the lecture and/or laboratory portion of the course”.
 

Exams - If you miss an exam without a valid excuse, you will not be allowed to make it up, and will receive a 0.  Make-up or compensation for missed exams will be given only upon presentaion of an official absence excuse that meets EKU and the Department of Biological Sciences guidelines for excused absences.

Assignments and Exercises – Assignments will be due on the date posted, and late submissions will result in a 10% penalty per day late.  These assignments will not be accepted beyond three (3) days late, and will result in no credit for that assignment.

Questions - If you have a question about anything from lecture, readings, or the lab, please ask it!  I like to have interactive classes.  If something is not clear, I will do what ever I can to clarify it for you, but you have to ask first.  Chances are, if you have a question about something, there likely are several others with the same question - so do not hesitate to ask!

Consumerism - As students, you basically are consumers purchasing a product, in this case some knowledge about a particular topic, General Ecology.  You are paying several dollars for this opportunity.  Thus, you should strive to get your money’s worth.  If you do not think you are, please let me know.