WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
__________ CAMPUS
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS & SCIENCES
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an
academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for professional
success and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NO. & TITLE: BIOLOGY 3407-Section; Ecology
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE PHONE NO. AND WBU EMAIL ADDRESS:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CLASS MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Basic ecological principles and concepts of the components of aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems with emphasis on the nature of populations, communities, and
ecosystems. One weekend field trip may be required in this class. Lecture three hours, laboratory
three hours. Other fees may apply for field trip costs. $45 fee.
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 1402 or school approval
RESOURCES (LIBRARY AND TEXTBOOK): Choose from approved textbook list.
COURSE OUTCOME COMPETENCIES:
To provide an opportunity for the student to become acquainted with basic principles of ecology, and
to allow him to see the ecosystem as an integrated whole rather than a number of vaguely related
parts. At a time when atomic energy and synthetic chemicals are both a promise and a threat, the
human population explosion is imminent, and our natural resources are being used up or destroyed at
an alarming rate, it seems imperative that every educated man must become aware of the physical
factors and biological interrelationships that are essential to the preservation of life on this planet.
A local pond is studied to illustrate an ecosystem. A weekend field trip is taken to the mountains of
New Mexico to give students an opportunity to study vegetation zonation insitu.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Instructor's Policy:
An absence will be recorded when a student fails to return after an allowed breaktime during the
process of an extended session class (i.e., lab-lecture combos). Any student absent during an
announced quiz has seven (7) calendar days (one week) in which to make the exam, otherwise it
becomes a zero and will be averaged into the semester grade as such.
STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty. Per
university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic dishonesty will be
reported and second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of Wayland
Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in
the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a
disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 2913765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA:
Laboratory time will be devoted to learning techniques and procedures for measuring energy flow and
mineral cycling in ecosystems. Considerable time will be spentin the application of these techniques.
Data will be obtained from local ponds and terrestrial communities, evaluated and written up in journal
form.
Course Evaluation:
University Grading System:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = BELOW 60
I = INCOMPLETE +
W = WITHDRAWAL
+
A grade of incomplete is changed if the deficiency is made up by midterm of the next regular
semester, otherwise, it becomes a "F". This grade is given only if circumstances beyond the
student's control prevented completion of work during the
semester enrolled and attendance requirements have been met.
POINTS
Hour exams (5)
Laboratory
Field trip or Library research
Final exam
TOTAL POINTS
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious academic
evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic academic standards,
just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course by
using the student grade appeal process described in the Academic Catalog. Appeals may not be
made for advanced placement examinations or course bypass examinations. Appeals are limited
to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised, or lowered at any stage of the appeal
process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must be submitted through the Executive Vice
President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee for review and approval. The
Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or
lowered to a more proper evaluation.
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Introduction
A. Terminology
B. Scope of Ecology
II. The Ecosystem
A. The Component Parts
B. The Pond as an Ecosystem
C. The Terrestrial Ecosystem
D. Other Ecosystems
E. Taxonomic Components
1. The ecological niche
2. Species structure
III. Energy Flow and Nature's Metabolism
IV. Biochemical Cycles
V.
Limiting Factors
VI. Ecological Succession
VII. Major Ecosystems
A. Sea
B. Estuaries and seashores
C. Streams and rivers
D. Lakes and ponds
E. Fresh-water marshes
F. Deserts
G. Tundras
H. Grasslands
I. Forests
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: optional
Revised 03/17/15