Biology 2227 – Principles of Ecology
Spring 2016
Professor: Dr. Elizabeth Rielly
Class Meetings: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am - 11:50 pm; Beury 160
Course Prerequisites: Biology 1111 and 2112 with a grade of C or better.
E-mail:
Office in Bio-Life:
Office Hours:
elizabeth.rielly@temple.edu
352A; 453B [during exam weeks]
Mon. 1:00 – 2:00; Wed. 12:00 – 1:00
Teaching Assistant:
Undergrad Assistant:
Nicole Mazouchova
Bio-Life 354
tue61612@temple.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 11-1 or by appointment
Clinton Arriola
Bio-Life 453B
aca42@temple.edu
Office Hours: Friday 2-3
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of ecology from the level of individual
organisms to populations, communities, ecosystems and the biosphere. It examines the
physical, chemical, and biological components of ecological interactions, and includes
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Learning Objectives: The primary goals of this class are to have students gain:
(1) A deeper understanding of the subdisciplines in ecology, hierarchical processes, and
emergent ecological patterns.
(2) A deeper understanding of the scientific process and basic ecological methodology.
(3) An ability to interpret and evaluate ecological data.
(4) An ability to understand and evaluate advancements made through past and current
ecological research.
(5) An ability to synthesize course material and apply this knowledge to novel situations.
Course Approach: The course will be primarily lecture-based, with short interactive activities,
videos, and discussions to highlight central themes of the material. Lectures will be presented
as PowerPoint presentations and will be based on material from the textbook, the published
ecological literature, and current faculty research.
Text: Molles, M.C. Jr. 2015. Ecology, Concepts and Applications, 7th Ed. WCB/McGraw-Hill
Grades: Attendance to class meetings is expected. Grades will be calculated based on
four lecture tests (21% each; 84% total), online quizzes (8% total), and in-class
activities and outside assignments (8% total).
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Biology 2227 Principles of Ecology
Assessments:
Tests (21% each; 84% total): There will be four written lecture tests to assess
achievement of the Learning Objectives, stated above. Format of the tests will be multiple
choice and will include data interpretation. Tests will focus on material covered during class.
Quizzes (8% total): Regular quizzes will be given online. Approximate quiz dates are noted
in the syllabus. Students will generally be given several days to complete the quiz, but
quizzes must be completed independently by each student. Quizzes will focus on material
covered during class.
In class activities and outside assignments (8% total): Any in class or outside of class
assignments will be averaged. These assignments will focus on material covered during
class and will be designed to help students review for exams. There will be a minimum of
four assignments.
Final Exam and Extra Credit: There will not be a final exam and no extra credit will be
given.
Missed Quizzes and Tests: There will be no make-up quizzes or tests. Missed quizzes
will receive a zero; students can avoid being penalized for missed tests only if absences
were excused in advance. Day-of absences will require a doctor’s note for approval.
Approved absences will only be granted in advance for activities that are university
sanctioned or that would provide you with a significant opportunity for learning or
professional development. Questions about quiz or test grading will not be accepted more
than 1 week after answers are made available to students.
Certificate in Sustainability: This course counts toward the new 12-credit Certificate of
Sustainability being offered by Temple. For more information, please see:
http://sustainability.temple.edu/academics-and-research/undergraduate-certificatesustainability.
Civility & Temple’s Code of Conduct (COC): Violations of the COC include, but are not limited
to: academic dishonesty and impropriety, such as plagiarism and cheating; interfering or
attempting to interfere with or disrupting the conduct of classes or any other normal
activities of the University. (see http://www.temple.edu/assistance/udc/coc.htm). Please
avoid entering lectures late. If you are late, enter as unobtrusively as possible.
Disability Disclosure: Any student who has need for accommodation based on the impact of
a disability should contact Dr. Rielly to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible.
Also, the student should contact Disability Resources.
Preliminary Schedule: Presence at class meetings is expected. Lecture topics will vary
slightly from this schedule. Updates, including our use of the online textbook, will be
posted on Blackboard. Please check Blackboard and your TU e-mail account regularly
for messages & schedule changes.
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Week
1
2
3
Date
January 11
January 13
January 15
Topic
Introduction to Ecology
Life on Land
Life in Water
Readings in Molles
Chap. 1
Chap. 2
Chap. 3
Assignment
Ecology Survey
January 18
January 20
January 22
MLK Day – no class
Population Genetics and Natural Selection
Population Genetics and Natural Selection
(cont.) Last day to drop
Chap. 4
Quiz 1 due Tuesday
11am
January 25
Chap. 5
Quiz 2
January 29
Temperature Relations; Guest Lecture –
Sarah DeVaul
Temperature Relations (cont.) & Water
Relations;
Water Relations (cont.)
February 1
February 3
February 5
Energy and Nutrient Relations
Energy and Nutrient Relations (cont.)
EXAM # 1
Chap. 7
February 8
February 10
February 12
Social Relations
Social Relations (cont.)
Population Distribution and Abundance
Chap. 8
February 15
February 17
February 19
Population Distribution and Abundance
(cont.)
Population Dynamics
Population Dynamics (cont.)
February 22
February 24
February 26
Population Growth
Life Histories
EXAM # 2
January 27
4
5
6
7
Page 3 of 5
Quiz 1 available
Chap. 6
Online review
module 1
EXAM 1
Quiz 3
Chap. 9
Quiz 4
Chap.10
Chap 11
Chap. 12
Online review
module 2
Biology 2227 Principles of Ecology
EXAM 2
8
February 29 –
March 6
Spring Break
9
March 7
March 9
March 11
Introduction to Species Interactions
Competition Interactions
Competition
Chap. 13
10
March 14
Chap. 14
March 16
Competition; Parasitism
Last day to withdraw (March 15)
Predation
March 18
Predation; Mutualism
Chap. 15
March 21
March 23
March 25
Mutualism; Abundance & Diversity
Abundance & Diversity
Food Webs & Community Structure
Chap. 16
Quiz 6
Chap. 17
Online review
module 3
March 28
March 30
April 1
Food Webs & Community Structure
EXAM # 3
Primary Production & Energy Flow
13
April 4
April 6
April 8
Nutrient Cycling and Retention
Succession & Stability
Succession & Stability cont.
Chap. 19
Chap. 20
14
April 11
April 13
April 15
Landscape Ecology
Landscape Ecology cont.
Geographic Ecology
Chap. 21
April 18
April 20
April 22
Geographic Ecology cont.
Global Ecology
Global Ecology cont.
11
12
15
Quiz 5
EXAM 3
Chap. 18
Quiz 7
Chap. 22
Chap. 23
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Quiz 8
Online review
Module 4
Biology 2227 Principles of Ecology
16
April 25
EXAM # 4
No Final Exam
EXAM 4
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