Bio 133
Laboratory in Introductory Ecology
Spring 2002
Instructor: Dr. Barbara Nicholson
Email:
Web address:www.biology.ccsu.edu/Nicholson
Course Objectives: To introduce students to a field and laboratory study of ecology, Ecology is the study of interactions among organisms, and between organisms and their physical environment. We will investigate basic ecological theories through laboratory exercises conducted both in class and in the field. Topics that may be covered could include: population growth, competition, species interaction, habitat description, animal behavior and community analysis. As this course is also intended to complement Bio 132, part of the laboratory exercises will focus on environmental issues and the measurement of environmental data. Note that Biology 132 should either be taken concurrently or prior to Biology 133. However, the sequence of information in the two courses is not intended to be coordinated.
Class Policies: Attendance in this laboratory course is mandatory. In accordance with departmental policy, more than one unexcused absence from the lab will result in a failure from the course. In order for an absence to be excused, you must have a note from a medical professional or notification of a valid reason from the Office of Student Affairs (Rm. 103, Administration Building, phone 832-1602). If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain class handouts from the instructor and notes from other students. The instructor will not permit students to make up any missed labs. Due to this Departmental Policy attendance will be taken in every lab.
Field trips: Some labs will involve field trips to local areas. Participation in the field trips is essential. Always bring a notebook and pencil to record field observations and data. Dress appropriately for the weather (including rain gear on rainy days). Always wear good walking shoes. The instructor will notify students at a later date if conditions are muddy and waterproof boots are required.
Grading: Examinations will include weekly assignments, three laboratory reports, and an exam. Date of the exam are given in the schedule below.
Exam Tues. May 7
Grade points will be allocated as follows:
Assignments 20%
Exam 20%
Lab Report #1-Decomposition 20%
Lab Report #2-Plant Competition 20%
Lab Report #3-Shade Swamp 20%
Lab reports that are submitted for grading must be independently written. Working with another student is encouraged, however you must provide a independently written report. Any two lab reports which are found to have similar wording will receive a zero grade. You are reminded that when writing anything in this or any other course to give credit where credit is due and not to present another person's work without acknowledgment. Do not plagiarize. Direct quotes, summaries and all interpretations of another person's work should be formally or informally acknowledged in your lab report. Penalties for failing to do so are outlined in the student handbook, page 30-32, and will be adhered to during this course. Students that participate in academic dishonesty will be reported to University Officials.
Please make any appointment with me as soon as possible if:
Tentative Laboratory Schedule- Subject to change if required.
Week 1-Jan. 22 Orientation, Safety
Week 2 –Jan.29 Decomposition lab
Week 3 – Feb. 5 Set up plant competition lab
Week 4 – Feb. 12 Ecology Lab – computer simulations.
Week 5 – Feb 19 Trip to Connecticut Resource Recovery Plant
Week 6 –Feb. 26 Trip to sewage treatment plant- Hartford
Week 7 –Mar. 5 Energy Efficiency lab
Week 8 –Mar. 12 Pollution Lab
Week 9 –Mar. 19 Stream biodiversity and food chain construction
Week 10 – Mar. 26 Midterm week, no lab.
Week 11 – April 2 Shade Swamp study
Week 12 -April 9 Shade Swamp study
Week 13 –April 16 Wind up of Shade Swamp/Plant competition
Week 14 –April 23 Invasive Plants of Connecticut
Week 15 –April 27 Saturday trip to Long Island Sound
Week 16 -May 7 Exam
Other possibilities: Fish census in Farmington River, and primary succession in streams.