BL 337 General Ecology
Syllabus
Fall, 2004
Meeting times: Lecture 1330 T and Thu. Lab 1430 to 1730 Tuesday or Thursday. Be prepared
to be out until 1730.
Instructor:
Gregory Zimmerman 213 Crawford Hall. 635-2470. gzimmerman@lssu.edu
Office Hours: 1000 to 1100 MW + 1100 to 1230 T, Th; other hours by appt
Required Text: Dotson et al. 1998. Ecology. Oxford U Press, New York
In addition to the text, you will need a clipboard, engineering pad and non-smudging pen for field
notes.
Course Objectives:
By the time you complete this course, you will be able to:
 Describe appropriate approaches for analyzing specific ecology problems,
 Hypothesize about ecological processes operating at various scales,
 Conduct field measurements of some of those processes,
 Prepare written reports based on that information , and
 Read ecological research reports.
You should also come out of the class with an enhanced desire to know more about the structure
and function of ecosystems and increased comfort in accessing the ecological literature.
Prerequisites: BL131, BL132, MA111
Components of grade:
Exams (3) essay
Final exam
Article reviews (3)*
Other lecture assignments
Lab assignments
40%
10%
10%
10%
30%
*You are to find two semi-technical articles and one technical article related to an aspect of
biological ecology that you are interested in and write an article review (500 words maximum –
that’s 2 double spaced typed pages). Details to follow. You might consider doing all three on the
same topic and using this assignment to get started on your senior thesis lit review.
Format and other details of lab assignments will be provided as we go along.
Grading Scale:
98 -100 A+ ; 92 - 97 A ; 90 - 91 A-; 88 - 89 B+ ; 82 - 87 B ; 80 - 81 B-;
78 - 79 C+ ; 72 - 77 C ; 70 - 71 C-; 60 - 69 D ; LT 60 F
Schedule
Week of
30 Aug
06 Sept
13 Sept
20 Sept
27 Sept
04 Oct
11 Oct
18 Oct
25 Oct
01 Nov
15 Nov
22 Nov
29 Nov
06 Dec
13 Dec
Topic
Reading assign.
Lab (tentative)
Intro and Phys Eco
Chapters 1,5
Ash Ck. recon, traps
Phys Eco, cont.
Chapt 5
no labs
Behav Eco
Chapter 6
Algon. recon, traps
Popln Eco
Chapt 7
AshCk – Q&T
Pop, cont. Landsc Eco Chapt 7, 3
Algon – Q&T
Landsc. Eco, cont
Chapt 3
Laker woods-decomp
* Lab only *
Robts Lk Cliffs ON
Systems Eco
Chapt 4
Monacle Lake
Systems Eco, cont.
Chapt 4
St Marys River
Comm Eco
Chapter 8
data analysis in lab
Comm Eco, cont
data analysis in lab
Historical Eco
Chapt 2
no labs – Tks Brk
Cases
computer exercise
Wrap Up
Lab Final Assignment
Final Exam ------ Consult official exam schedule for time and day
Due*
EXAM 1
Lab Assgn 1
Art 1
EXAM 2
Lab Assn 2
EXAM 3
Art 2
Lab Assn3
Art 3
*Lab data sheets due at conclusion of each field trip
Exams will be on Thu of week indicated.
Notes:
1. This is a field-intensive course and the field experience is an essential component. Be prepared
for extensive hiking in all weather and over rough terrain. Be prepared with rain gear, layered
clothing, adequate footwear, etc. Do not schedule too tightly after the field trips. I try my best to
get us back by 1730 but due to unforseeable circumstances we may not always make it exactly on
time.
2. All assignments must be turned in on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted. All
University policies regarding academic policy apply (e.g., if you cheat, you flunk). Reasonable
accommodations will be made for students with documented special needs for tests, tutoring,
note-taking and similar services. Students must coordinate these accommodations through the
RCSD Office in South Hall.
3. You are expected to take all exams at the scheduled time. If you know you must miss a test,
provide 2 days advance notice and an alternative test will be provided. Unexpected absences
require documentation from appropriate student office. Otherwise, missed exams score zero,
including the final exercise. Personal travel arrangements for breaks are not considered valid
reasons to miss exams.
4. Additional constraints on grade: You must pass the lab portion to pass the class. Lab
attendance is mandatory. If outside activities will require you to miss more than one lab, you are
requested to take this course at another time when you will be able to attend all lab sessions.
Failure to complete any one of the above assignments will result in deduction of a letter grade,
regardless of the point value.