SYLLABUS
Principles of Ecology
Fall, 2008
(Revised 8/24/08)
806-282-001/002/003
Course Type: Lecture, Laboratory, Fieldwork
Credits:
4 credits
Instructor:
Robert Lovely
Office Phone: 246-6720 (email preferred)
Office: 335A Office Hours: M 8:30-9:20; W 8:30-9:20
and by appointment
Email: rlovely@matcmadison.edu
Course Description: This course examines the science of ecology while focusing on ecosystem types and processes.
Note that only incidental attention will be directed toward the public-affairs issues sometimes associated with the
word "ecology" and more appropriate to a course in environmental issues. Lectures, labs, and field trips are designed
to help students explore plant and animal diversity and adaptations to various aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The
course is organized around the four basic levels of ecology: ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms.
We will examine fundamental processes at each of these levels.
Because no ecology course is complete without fieldwork, laboratories incorporate a weekly field component that
directs students to translate ideas encountered in the lectures and readings to a variety of plant and animal
communities in and around Dane County. Methods of field study will include observation, data sampling, and data
analysis.
Prerequisites: Environmental Issues (806-280) and/or Environmental Science (806-286) are the most appropriate
prerequisites for this course, however other science courses will be accepted. Please see the instructor if you are in
doubt about your qualifications. No prerequisites will substitute for a keen interest in the fundamentals of ecology.
Successful completion of this course, in turn, prepares students for the methods employed in more advanced ecology
courses commonly offered by a variety of college and university departments, such as Botany, Environmental
Science, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, and Zoology.
Class Format: Weekly schedule: three one-hour lecture/discussions (Mon./Wed./Fri.) and one 3-hour laboratory on
Tuesday or Thursday, depending on your section. There will be three unit-exams covering the lecture and laboratory
material and three quizzes on specific Wisconsin taxa. One full lab report and regular shorter laboratory reports are
required, along with an independent field research project (a rapid ecological assessment of an ecosystem of your
choice—see next page). These requirements will be described more fully in class and in subsequent handouts.
Extensive walking is required on the field trips, and students will need to dress appropriately for cold and wet
weather conditions. Arriving on time will be especially important. Attendance is required for all lectures, labs, and
field trips. Because of the additional time commitment per meeting, lab/field attendance is valued at about twice that
of the lectures. Campus-based laboratories will be held in the Ecology Lab (room 344). Field trips will depart
directly from the Center Court lobby area (by the vending machines and tables) on the main floor. We will travel in
College vans.
Official Text: Michael Begon, Colin Townsend and John Harper, Ecology, From Individuals to Ecosystems, 4th
edition (Blackwell Publishing, 2005)
Alternate Required Text: Robert Lovely, Ecosystems and Communities. (2008 edition only)
Required Lab Manual: Robert Lovely, Principles of Ecology, A Field and Laboratory Manual, (Fall 2008)
Required Field Guide: National Geographic, Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 5th Edition.
Required Course Tools: Clipboard, scientific calculator (cell phone calculators will not be permitted)
Course Objectives: Introduce the process of collecting and analyzing data from natural communities. Introduce the
principal concepts, methods and nomenclature employed in the discipline of ecology. Promote the development of
self-reliance as well as teamwork and problem solving skills through ecological investigations.
Field Research Project—Independent Rapid Ecological Assessment of an Ecosystem. View this ecosystem
investigation as an excuse to spend some pleasant hours in a natural area or ecosystem of your choice. The project
requires some effort (it represents a significant portion of your grade), nonetheless you should make it a fun exercise.
The requirements of the assignment are as follows:
 Select an ecosystem in a natural area that is accessible and convenient for you to visit often.
 Visit that ecosystem on at least four different days during your investigation, and spend a minimum of eight
hours total during your combined visits (most students will spend considerably more time at their sites).
2


Principles of Ecology Syllabus—Fall 2008
Conduct an ecological survey of the ecosystem, recording your observations and methodically describing the
landscape (see below). The final product may include scanned maps, your original photographs, and other
pertinent artifacts. Include no pictures photographed by anyone other than yourself.
Your ecosystem assessment should contain the following elements:
Identify the more prominent abiotic and biotic components of the system, with attention to factors such as
microclimate (e.g., exposure to sun and wind), drainage patterns, significant geological features, organisms,
human impact, and other factors that seem important.
Include your reflections, analysis, and conclusions. Ask yourself how the various components interact, and
elaborate on some of these interactions. Also discuss your own impressions, concerns, and ideas about the site.
Landscape history—Speculate about the history of the landscape at your site (succession or disturbance, such as
fires, floods, logging, development, etc.) and, based on your observations, offer evidence for your historical
conjectures. If you draw upon published literature for your site, be sure to cite your sources explicitly (including
page numbers), using the APA citation format. Plagiarism—specifically, three or more words in a row stolen
from another author and used without proper citation—will result in a grade of “F” on the assignment.
You will give a ten-minute class presentation summarizing your ecosystem study during week 14, 15, or 16 of
the semester (11/24-28, 12/1-5, or 12/8, depending on your sign-up date), but the final written project itself is
due on December 12th at 9:30AM. Students often deliver their presentations with the assistance of PowerPoint,
so this is one option available to you. But PowerPoint is not required, and other techniques (such as a handout)
can be just as effective if you are well prepared.
In general, your objective is to design a sophisticated ecological survey and assessment of a specific natural area,
using the concepts and nomenclature you have learned in the course. Since this exercise is intended to model a
professional study (as opposed to a personal journal), do not write in the first person. There are different ways to
approach the task and different formats that could be applied. You may use “How to Write a Lab Report” in
your Lab Manual as one model. I especially urge you to examine “Analyzing Community Structure” in chapter
Eleven of your text as a second potential model. The following is a third approach you may wish to consider:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
I. Introduction
A. Location of your site (map) & some discussion
B. Dates of site visits w/ some discussion
II. Methods
A. Brief description of methods used
B. General discussion of sources of existing
information you used
III. Results and Discussion
A. Detailed description of the site
1. Topography
2. Plant communities
3. Soils
4. Hydrology, including streams and wetlands
B. Findings
1. Types of communities identified
a. Description
b. locations
c. Area
d. How you selected your boundaries
2. Types of other communities identified
a. Description
b. Locations
c. Area
d. How you selected your boundaries
IV. Conclusion
A. Brief summary of total area and types of
communities
V. Literature Cited
VI. Appendix A (data sheets)
VII. Appendix B (relevant maps)
Principles of Ecology Syllabus—Fall 2008
2
Schedule of Lectures1
Reading:
Week
Week 1
M. Aug. 25
W. Aug. 27
F. Aug. 29
Week 2
M. Sep. 1
W. Sep. 3
F. Sep. 5
Week 3
M. Sep. 8
W. Sep. 10
F. Sep. 12
Week 4
M. Sep. 15
W. Sep. 17
F. Sep. 19
Week 5
M. Sep. 22
W. Sep. 24
F. Sep. 26
Week 6
M. Sep. 29
W. Oct. 1
F. Oct. 3
Topic
Begon, Townsend, Harper
Robert Lovely
Course Introduction
None
None
Reading: Field Guide to Birds, pp. 6-8 (Intro, Species, Families, & Scientific Names)
Methods in Ecology
Reading: Field Guide to Birds, pp.9-19 (Intro continued; How to I.D. Birds, Parts, etc.)
Methods in Ecology (in-class exercise; bring text)
Reading: Paul Ehrlich, et. al., The Birder’s Handbook,
on reserve in the College Library, read the following:
1. “Introduction” pp. ix – x
2. “American Robin,” p. 462
3. “How to Use This Book,” pp. xi – xxx
4. Reread “American Robin,” p. 462
5. One essay of your choice from the book.
Holiday
(No Class)
None
None
Methods in Ecology (in-class exercise continued; bring text)
Preface & Ch. 1
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 20-27 (Geese & Swans)
Origins of Ecology and Evolution
Ch. 2
“Introduction” and “The Use of Keys” pp. viii – xx,
in Preston, North American.Trees, on reserve in the College Library
Origins of Ecology and Evolution
Instructor’s Handout: Wisconsin Trees
Learn the identity of all the Wisconsin trees exhibited on the handout
Natural Selection & Microevolution
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Natural Selection & Microevolution
Instructor’s Handout: Wisconsin Fishing
Learn the identity of all the Wisconsin fishes exhibited on the handout
Natural Selection and Macroevolution
Ch. 1
Ch 2
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 28-37 (Perching & Dabbling Ducks)
Taxonomy Exercise
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp.38-41 (Pochards)
Laboratory Data Compilation and Analysis
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 44-47 (Sea Ducks)
The Biological Structure of Communities
Ch. 16
Ch. 11
The Biological Structure of Communities
Ch. 16
Ch. 11
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp.48-55 (Mergansers, Stiff-tailed Ducks, Ducks in Flight)
Laboratory Data Compilation and Analysis
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 56-69 ((Partridges, Grouse, Pheasants, Turkeys, & Quails)
Quiz: Wisconsin Trees
Site Declaration Due (type-written & oral description in class)
Community Dynamics
Ch. 16
Community Development & Disturbance
Ch. 16
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 70-77 (Loons & Grebes)
Ch. 12
Ch. 12
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, however, will take precedence over the syllabus.
3
Principles of Ecology Syllabus—Fall 2008
Reading:
Week
Week 7
M. Oct. 6
W. Oct. 8
F. Oct. 10
Week 8
M. Oct. 13
W. Oct. 15
F. Oct. 17
Week 9
M. Oct. 20
W. Oct. 22
F. Oct. 24
Week 10
M. Oct. 27
W. Oct. 29
F. Oct. 31
Week 11
M. Nov. 3
W. Nov. 5
F. Nov. 7
Week 12
M. Nov. 10
W. Nov. 12
F. Nov. 14
Topic
Begon, Townsend, Harper
Robert Lovely
EXAM I
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 102-107 (Pelicans & Cormorants)
Topic TBA
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 108-117 (Herons, Bitterns, Allies, Ibises, Spoonbills)
Line Intercept Due
Fire Ecology
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 118-145 (Vultures, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons)
Ecosystem Energetics
Trophic Structure
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 256-265 (Owls)
The Cycling of Matter
Ch. 17
Ch. 20
Ch. 3
Ch. 3
Ch. 18
Ch. 4
Quiz: Wisconsin Fishes (from Instructor’s Handout)
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 146-151 (Rails, Gallinules, & Coots)
Freshwater Ecosystems
Ch. 7
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 152-159 (Cranes, & Plovers)
No Classes, Campus wide
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 162-191 (Peruse the Sandpipers)
Freshwater and Lotic Ecosystems
Ch. 7
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 198-227 (Peruse the Gulls and Terns)
Lotic Systems
pp.500-503
Ch. 8
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 242-247 (Pigeons & Doves)
Wetland Habitats
Ch. 9
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 266-271 (Nighthawks, Nightjars, & Swifts)
Marine Ecology
Ch. 10
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 272-281 (Hummingbirds & Kingfishers)
Analysis of Populations
Ch. 4, 5 & 10 Ch. 14
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 282-293 (Woodpeckers)
Biodiversity & Invasive Species
Ch. 7.2.2
Ch. 23
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 294-311 (Peruse the Flycatchers)
EXAM II
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 312-319 (Peruse the Shrikes and Vireos)
Climate
Ch. 2
Ch. 5
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 320-327 (Crows & Jays)
Soils
Ch. 2.5
Ch. 6
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 328-341 (Larks, Swallows, Chickadees, Creepers, & Nuthatches)
Principles of Ecology Syllabus—Fall 2008
4
Reading:
Week
Week 13
M. Nov. 17
W. Nov. 19
Topic
Begon, Townsend, Harper
Robert Lovely
Plant & Animal Adaptations to Biomes
Ch. 1.5
Ch. 13
View “Tundra Biome” DVD, on reserve in the College Library
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp.342-361 (Peruse the Wrens, Kinglets, Warblers, & Thrushes)
Species Interactions: Competition & Niche Theory
Ch. 8
Ch.15
View “Rainforest Biome” DVD, on reserve in the College Library
Reading: Field Guide to Birds pp. 372-465 (Peruse the Waxwings and Wood-Warblers,
Tanagers, Towhees, Sparrows, Juncos, Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Buntings, Blackbirds, & Finches)
F. Nov. 21
Week 14
M. Nov. 24
W. Nov. 26
F. Nov. 28
Week 15
M. Dec. 1
W. Dec. 3
F. Dec. 5
Week 16
M. Dec. 8
W. Dec. 10
F. Dec. 12
Quiz: Bird Songs and Calls (from audio CD)
Student Presentations
View “Grasslands Biome” DVD, on reserve in the College Library
Student Presentations
View “Desert Biome” DVD, on reserve in the College Library
Thanksgiving Break; No classes
Student Presentations
Read: Life History Patterns
Ch. 8
Student Presentations
Student Presentations
Competition Lab Report Due Beginning of Class, 9:30 AM
Ch 16
Student Presentations
EXAM III
Field Research Project Due in Final Written Form, Beginning of Class
Week 17
NO FINAL EXAM
Evaluation:
The evaluation consists of a typical sampling method used to assess the extent to which you’ve mastered all the
material presented in this course (it will not be practical to test you over all the content you’ll learn, thus the
exams will merely sample your knowledge). Your final grade will be determined as follows: First, a tentative
course grade will be calculated by averaging your exam scores with your average on the three quizzes and the lab
assignments. This tentative grade will be raised or lowered a maximum of one full letter grade depending upon
the quality of the written portion of the research project and your oral presentation, along with the character of
your participation, conduct, professionalism and attendance record during the course. The following point
distribution is included just to provide a sense of the approximate weight of each of the assessments.
Evaluation:
(Approximate point distribution):
Lecture/lab Attendance
120
Field Research Project
120
Lab assignments
135
3 Exams
300
3 Quizzes
150
Field Research Presentation
25
TOTAL
850
Grading Scale:
92-100% = A
90-91% = AB
82-89% = B
79-81% = BC
71-78% = C
61-70% = D
 60% = F
5
Principles of Ecology Syllabus—Fall 2008
Principles of Ecology
Tentative Schedule of Field and Laboratory Work
Fall 2008
DATE
8-26/8-28
LOCATION
Campus, Rm. 344
INVESTIGATION
Laboratory Introduction
Examine Prior Field Research Projects
9-2/4
UW Arboretum
Wisconsin Plant Communities
(Read “Restoration Ecology, Arboretum” ch.23 in your text, pp. 202-203)
9-9/11
Indian Lake
Ecological Observations
9-16/18
Indian Lake
Sampling Terrestrial Populations:
The Quadrat Method
9-23/25
Indian Lake
Sampling Terrestrial Populations:
Line Intercept Analysis
9-30/10-2
Lake Monona
Physical & Biological Parameters of Aquatic Ecosystems
10-7/9
Ferry Bluff
Upland & Bottomland Hardwood Communities
10-14/16
Parfrey’s Glen
Northern Mesic Vegetation; Bryophytes
10-21/23
Black Earth Creek
Stream Sampling: Benthic Macroinvertebrates
10-28/30
Forest Hill Cemetery
Population Study
11-4/6
Campus, Rm 344
Mathematical Analyses in Population Ecology
11-11/13
Campus Rm 344
Computer Modeling in Ecology
11-18/20
Campus, Rm. 344
1). Setup Plant Competition Study
2). Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
11-25/27
Thanksgiving Recess
No Lab
12-2/4
Campus Rm 344
Measure Biomass, Plant Competition Study
12-9/11
Olbrich Gardens
Epiphytes & Carnivorous Plants (Bring $1 to lab)