BIOL 200 Principles of Ecology provides an introduction to the major principles of ecology. Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment and how these interactions determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Interactions between biotic and abiotic systems are discussed as they apply to individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include patterns in the physical environment, behavioural ecology, population dynamics, interactions between species, ecosystem energetics and global biodiversity. In the laboratory, basic statistical methods for ecology are used to analyse data gathered in field and laboratory experiments.
Prerequisites: BIOL 106 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 67.5 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 1.5 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Explain how the distribution of biomes is affected by global climate patterns
- Explain how individuals interact with their environment to maximize fitness
- Describe the structure of biological systems at the organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels
- Explain the complex and dynamic interactions among individuals, populations, and the environment including successional change
- Assess the effect of human activity on the structure and function of biological systems
- Conduct library research, and write a term paper on an ecological problem of interest
- Interpret ecological data derived from field and laboratory experiments
- Apply the scientific method by conducting an ecological research project; collect and analyze data, write a formal scientific report
- Think critically, problem solve, and use scientific reasoning skills
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
Teaching and Learning Approach
Class meetings will focus on the principles of ecology through lectures, case studies, videos, and discussions.
Labs will aim to develop critical thinking skills and the application of ecological theory through the scientific
method. Students are expected to effectively utilize the resources associated with the textbook, independent of
class meetings. Laboratory learning includes collecting data in the field and analyzing it; this will include one
formal written scientific report. Students will also give an oral presentation reviewing a current scientific research
article of their choice from the field of ecology.Learning Resources
Required:
Sher A. & Molles Jr. M. 2022. Ecology: Concepts & Applications (9th edition). New York: McGraw Hill.
Recommended:
McMillan VE. 2021. Writing papers in the biological sciences (7th edition). New York: Macmillan Learning.
(optional; copies of earlier editions will be available in the lab and the college library).
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Introduction to Ecology
2. 2. Earth Processes
3. 3. Physiological Ecology
4. 4. Evolutionary Ecology
5. 5. Distribution & Abundance
6. 6. Population Growth
7. 7. Population Dynamics
8.
8. Non-Trophic Interactions
9.
9. Trophic Interactions
10. 10. Community Assembly
11. 11. Fall Break - No Classes or Labs
12.
12. Nutrient Cycling
13. 13. Biogeography
14. 14. Human Impacts & Review
15. 15. Final exam The college registrar sets the date and time of the final exam.
Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Midterm exam | 1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10 | 20% |
| Final exam | 1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10 | 25% |
| Weekly Quizzes | 1,2,3,4,5,9 | 20% |
| Term Paper | 6,7,8,9,10 | 15% |
| Oral presentation | 6,10 | 5% |
| Lab Assignments | 7,8,9,10 | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.