SYLLABUS
Fall, 2007
Ecology and Conservation Biology
(Revised 10/19/07)
806-281-001
Credits:
Instructor:
3 credits
Robert Lovely Office: 335A Truax Campus
Office Hours: Mon. 8:30–9:20 AM; Wed. 8:30–9:20 AM
Office Phone: 246-6720
Email: rlovely@matcmadison.edu
(Please use email rather than phone whenever possible)
Course Description:
This course offers a general introduction to the disciplines of ecology and conservation biology. Though
fundamentally grounded on the basic principles of biology and ecology, the course is designed to encourage
interdisciplinary thinking about critical conservation problems. A basic knowledge of ecosystem structure and function
is used as a springboard to grasping the impact of human activities on natural populations. Emphasis is on computer
modeling of endangered species, dwindling populations of endemics, species under threat of overharvesting, and other
groups at risk. Students also examine the effects of habitat degradation, fragmentation, and destruction on plant and
animal communities.
This course requires the background knowledge of an introductory ecology or
environmental studies course. Class attendance is absolutely critical for a full appreciation of the topics considered.
This course is entirely appropriate for nonscience majors with an interest in the fundamental principles of Ecology and
Conservation Biology. Although it is introductory in nature with respect to these two disciplines, the course actually is
taught at the intermediate college level and is most appropriate for second-year students. Therefore students are
encouraged to complete Environmental Science, Environmental Issues, or Principles of Ecology first, even though
these courses are not strictly prerequisite. Successful completion of Ecology and Conservation Biology, in turn,
prepares students for the methods employed in more advanced ecology courses commonly offered by a variety of
standard college and university departments, such as Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife
Ecology, and Zoology.
Class Format and Course Requirements:
Weekly schedule: three 100-minute classes per week (classes will run from 1:30-3:10 PM on MWF). Classes will be
held in room 264 every Monday and Wednesday and in room 377 each Friday throughout the term. There are regular
in-class assignments, three mid-term exams and a final exam covering the course material and readings. Attendance is
required, and participation in discussions and the computer-based activities is expected of all students. Please note that
when this class is offered in the accelerated format, students complete (in a shorter period of time) the same amount of
work outside of class as they would during a traditional semester. This means that students enrolled in the accelerated
(e.g., eight-week) course must adjust their schedules accordingly.
Required Texts:
Richard B. Primack, A Primer of Conservation Biology, Third edition.
Susanne Shultz, et. al., Conservation Biology with RAMAS EcoLab
Bring both books to class every period
Required Equipment: A Scientific Calculator
Evaluation:
In-class assignments
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Final Exam
TOTAL
(Approximate point distribution)
355
100
100
100
100
755
Grading Scale:
92-100% = A
90-91% = AB
82-89% = B
79-81% = BC
71-78% = C
61-70% = D
 60% = F
Ecology & Conservation Biology—Course Syllabus
Schedule of Classes1
Topic
Reading
Week 1
M. Oct. 22
W. Oct. 24
F. Oct. 26
Course Introduction and Biodiversity
Shultz, Ch. 1
FACULTY MEETINGS, NO CLASSES CAMPUS WIDE
Conservation and Biological Diversity
Primack, Ch. 1
Week 2
M. Oct. 29
W. Oct. 31
F. Nov. 2
Population Growth Models
Competition
EXAM 1 (covers Primack, Ch. 1)
Shultz, Ch. 2
Shultz, Ch. 3
Week 3
M. Nov. 5
W. Nov. 7
F. Nov. 9
Estimating Population Size
Estimating Population Size
Threats to Biological Diversity
Shultz, Ch. 4
Shultz, Ch. 4
Primack, Ch. 2
Week 4
M. Nov. 12
W. Nov. 14
F. Nov. 16
Population Viability Analysis
Threats to Endangered Species
EXAM 2 (covers Primack, Ch. 2)
Shultz, Ch. 5
Shultz, Ch. 6
Week 5
M. Nov. 19
W. Nov. 21
F. Nov. 23
Conserving Dwindling Populations
Sustainable Harvesting
Thanksgiving Break; No class
Shultz, Ch. 7
Shultz, Ch. 8
Week 6
M. Nov. 26
W. Nov. 28
F. Nov . 30
Limiting Population Growth
Reintroducing Endangered Species
Conservation at the Population and Species Level
Shultz, Ch. 9
Shultz, Ch. 10
Primack, Ch. 3
Week 7
M. Dec. 3
W. Dec. 5
F. Dec. 7
Reintroducing Endangered Species
Island Biogeography and Park Design
EXAM 3 (covers Primack, Ch. 3)
Shultz, Ch. 10
Shultz, Ch. 11
Threats From Human Population Growth
Threats From Human Population Growth
Conserving Biological Communities
Conservation and Sustainable Development
Shultz, Ch. 12
Shultz, Ch. 13
Primack, Ch. 4
Primack, Ch. 5
Week 8
M. Dec. 10
W. Dec. 12
F. Dec. 14
Week 9
TBA
FINAL EXAM
We will follow the Exam Schedule published by Arts and Sciences.
1 . Please note that this schedule is subject to change. It is intended to provide you with a reasonable sense of the general
course sequence and organization and an idea of what to expect each week. Announcements made in class regarding reading
assignments and schedule changes will take precedence over the syllabus.