Course
Description

Introductory study of the natural environment and relations of organisms to one another and their surroundings. Individual, population, and community and global dynamics are considered in natural and human-influenced environments to improve ecological literacy about how the natural world works. Credit not allowed for both 275 and 375.

Methods of Course Instruction

Blackboard course content, lecture notes online, homework assignments, animations online, library reserve, etc.

• Analyze Biological phenomena using scientific approach based on hypothesis testing with evidence and develop  
     logical critical thinking skills

• Explore factors affecting the distribution and abundance of animals.

• Understand the mechanisms and predictions of the evolution of life on earth by the process of natural selection    
      and other factors.

• Explain the concept of ecology and factors of carrying capacity, population, niche, community, and issues
     involving overpopulation.

• Examine aspects of evolutionary and community ecology.

• Discuss individuals in relation to their habitats and to each other.

• Consider populations of animals, how they grow, how they interact, and how they are regulated.

• Discuss status and protection of species and management of these. Students will examine the roles and actions of regulatory agencies such as the EPA and those of international organizations such as GreenPeace, WWF, etc.

• *Understand the purpose of the Endangered Species Act and CITES
  Know how animals and plants are given conservational status of endangered, threatened, etc.

• Understand the value of biodiversity and food webs for a healthy earth habitat.

1. 2 projects, 1 research then the presentation of the research.
   

2. 2 Midterms and a Final exam (format: multiple-choice, short-answer, matching, and labeling diagrams)

Materials

Required

Text(s)

Ecology and Behavior 9th edition 2001 by Starr and Taggart. Brooks/Cole ISBN: 0-534-37944-3

Additional or Optional Materials
Downloads from Blackboard

Note: The books for the course are in stock at College Bookstore, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Exams
Requirements

3 exams - Proctoring required

How are exams to be taken: Online during a 3-4 day period

Dates of Exams

July 11-16  -  Midterm1       

August 1    -   Midterm2                      

August     -      FINAL