BIOL 208 – Principles of Ecology Lecture 1

Questions and Answers

What is ecology primarily concerned with?

Study of chemicals in the environment

Study of climate patterns over time

Study of relationships between organisms and their environment (correct)

Study of fossil records

Which level of organization is NOT mentioned in the definition of ecology?

Individuals

Ecosystems

Microorganisms (correct)

Communities

What degree did the lecturer obtain from Zamorano University?

MSc in Biology

PhD in Ecology

BSc in Environmental Science

BSc in Agriculture (correct)

What is the significance of the location mentioned in the introduction?

It acknowledges Indigenous territories Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following courses does the lecturer NOT teach?

BIOL 201 – Cellular Biology Signup and view all the answers

What are the two components of a population definition mentioned?

Species and defined area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics is specifically included in the course outline?

Expectations from the course Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the environment does ecology focus on?

Interactions between living organisms and their physical environment Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if they miss a midterm without an excused absence?

Receive a score of 0%. Signup and view all the answers

How can students improve their future grades if they are unhappy with their current grades?

Work on improving their skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is one expectation of students in this course?

Exhibit academic honesty. Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if they missed a lab?

Contact Melissa to attend another lab section. Signup and view all the answers

What does the expectation of the course instructor include?

To provide course content in an accessible manner. Signup and view all the answers

What should students do if they have a question after reviewing the syllabus?

Post the question to the forum on eClass. Signup and view all the answers

What is required personal protective equipment (PPE) for labs?

Full-length pants or skirt and full coverage shoes. Signup and view all the answers

Where can students find additional resources apart from the syllabus?

On eClass and at the library. Signup and view all the answers

When do labs start for the course?

The week of September 9. Signup and view all the answers

Who should students contact regarding medical concerns related to the lab?

Dr. Melissa Roach. Signup and view all the answers

What format might the lectures change to accommodate guest lecturers?

Remote format. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended practice during lectures?

Active note-taking for better understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main textbook used for the course?

Ecology: Concepts & Applications. Signup and view all the answers

Where can the schedule and assigned readings be found?

Attached to the syllabus. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the subject line when emailing Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon?

Biol 208. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the number and distribution of various species in an ecosystem?

Climate change Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why we study ecology?

To find mineral resources Signup and view all the answers

Which field is least likely to be involved in ecological studies?

Actuarial science Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant component of ecological interaction that students are expected to understand?

Individual, population, and community ecology Signup and view all the answers

How does a healthy ecosystem contribute to economies?

By maintaining biodiversity that supports resources Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the 'soft' skills highlighted in ecology studies?

Collaboration and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What principle should be applied when communicating scientifically in ecology?

Critically evaluate different forms of communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of studying ecology?

Interaction between organisms and their environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception about the ecological field?

Ecology is solely about plants. Signup and view all the answers

What should participants prioritize during lectures for effective course etiquette?

Respecting others in the classroom Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for ensuring the quality of notes after a lecture?

Share notes with other students Signup and view all the answers

What should a student do if they are confused during a lecture?

Ask for clarification right away Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum final mark required to pass the course in both lecture and lab components?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Review Assignments' designed to replace in this course format?

Quizzes Signup and view all the answers

What is the policy regarding re-grade requests after an exam?

Requests are accepted up to 4 days after the answer key is available Signup and view all the answers

How does the grading system evaluate student performance?

Based on natural breakpoints in distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended study method to prepare for exams?

Attend lectures and read assigned chapters Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the Review Assignments in terms of attempts?

Unlimited attempts are allowed and the highest score counts Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a recommended action for when students are confused during a lecture?

Wait until the exam Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a student submits more than one answer to a question?

Only the first answer will be assessed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Logistics and Introduction

BIOL 208 - Principles of Ecology, taught by Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon.
Acknowledges Treaty 6 territory and respects First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures.
Dr. Batallas has a BSc in Agriculture and a PhD in Ecology.

Course Overview

Ecology examines interactions between organisms and their environment, structured hierarchically from individuals to ecosystems.
Key ecological concepts include populations (interbreeding individuals), communities (interacting species), and ecosystems (living entities plus their physical environment).

Importance of Studying Ecology

Addresses critical questions like biodiversity distribution (why tropics have more than poles) and climate change impacts on species.
Emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of ecology, requiring skills from diverse fields such as molecular biology, geology, social sciences, and more.

Learning Outcomes

Skills to describe ecological concepts, interpret ecological data, apply scientific methods, evaluate scientific communication, and understand ecological interconnectedness.

Soft Skills Development

Focus on collaboration, problem-solving, asking insightful questions, and helping when needed.

Course Etiquette

Maintain respect among participants, utilize inclusive language, and ensure constructive communication.

Syllabus and Course Resources

Comprehensive syllabus available on eClass; essential to read for important information.
In-person lectures, labs, and exams; changes may occur as announced.

Communication and Office Hours

Dr. Batallas available for contact via email (subject: BIOL 208) and during office hours twice a week.
Dr. Melissa Roach is the lab coordinator for specific inquiries about labs and assignments.

Lab Requirements

Labs begin September 9; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
Lab materials include the BIOL 208 lab manual and standard writing supplies.

Required Textbook

"Ecology: Concepts & Applications" by Molles and Laursen, 9th International Student Edition, recommended for purchase or library access.

Exam Preparation

Active note-taking is crucial; utilize sketches, ask questions during lectures, and collaborate with peers.
Engage in practice questions and review textbook materials for comprehension.

Grade Evaluation

Passing requires at least 45% in both lecture and lab components; grades based on performance distribution, not a strict curve.

Review Assignments

Instead of quizzes, eight Review Assignments available for one week with unlimited attempts, each contributing 0.25% to the final grade.

Missed Work Protocols

Excused absences for labs and midterms result in deferrals; communication within specified timeframes vital.
No documentation required for missed midterms; Student Declaration Form suffices.

Expectations from Students

Engage actively in the learning process, participate in activities, and maintain academic honesty by avoiding cheating and plagiarism.
Seek help for understanding concepts and provide honest communication for deferrals when necessary.

Next Lecture Focus

Introduction to ecosystems and the scientific process in ecology.

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Description

This quiz covers the introduction and course logistics for BIOL 208, Principles of Ecology, taught by Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon. Students will learn about foundational concepts in ecology and the course structure, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous histories and cultures in the context of ecological studies.