Evolution & Ecology Syllabus Fall 2024

Evolution & Ecology Syllabus (1) Course Prefix and Number: BI163 (2) Course Title: Evolution & Ecology (3) Catalog Description: An introduction to principles of evolution and ecology of organisms through application of the scientific metho...

Evolution & Ecology Syllabus (1) Course Prefix and Number: BI163 (2) Course Title: Evolution & Ecology (3) Catalog Description: An introduction to principles of evolution and ecology of organisms through application of the scientific method (4) Prerequisites: NA (5) Co-requisites: Pre- or Co-requisites: MA115; MA 116 or MA 137 or MA 139 or MA 140; you must also be enrolled in BI063 the laboratory for this course (6) Credit Hours: 4 credits (7) Semester: Fall 2024 (8) Class Meeting Time(s), location and format: MF 12:00-1:15 Rhodes 121 (9) Instructor: Dr. Kelley Fritz (10) Instructor Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Office: Rhodes Hall 202 Office Phone: (573) 651-2366 Office hours: M 8:00-9:00 & F 9:00-11:00 (11) Concerns: Questions, comments or request regarding this course should be taken to the instructor. Unanswered questions or unresolved issues about this class can be directed to the Department Chairperson Dr. Timothy Judd. (12) Course Learning Outcomes: Course Description: Principles of evolution and ecology of organisms through application of the scientific method. This course will provide a strong foundation in the unifying concepts and theories that best explain the evolutionary origin and diversity of living organisms, their interactions with each other, and with their environment. Three lecture hours and one 2-hour lab (4 credits total). Student Learning Outcomes: This course has several objectives that should result in specific student learning outcomes. Exams and assignments in this course are designed to evaluate your progress on these objectives and learning outcomes. Objectives 1. Formulate and test scientific hypotheses. 2. Explain the unity and diversity of life. 3. Explain evolution by natural selection and by genetic drift. 4. Calculate strength of selection and heritability. Use the results to diagram how quickly a population might evolve. 5. Describe evidence for transitional forms in the fossil record. Describe how radiometric dating is used to calculate the age of fossils. 6. Evaluate and revise evolutionary hypotheses using anatomical, fossil, and genetic evidence. 7. Describe how new species evolve by allopatric isolation. Page 1 of 7  8. Describe and differentiate basic experimental and observational approaches to ecology. 9. Calculate basic descriptive statistics with ecological data. 10. Identify and summarize the hierarchical levels of ecological systems (population, community, ecosystem, biosphere). 11. Evaluate what factors can influence population distribution and growth (e.g., births, deaths, immigration, emigration). 12. Explain what species interactions are and how they affect community dynamics. 13. Explain the movement of energy and cycling of certain elements and molecules (e.g., carbon, water) through ecosystems. 14. Describe the greenhouse effect and why it is important. Student Learning Outcomes A. Demonstrate ability to apply the scientific method by developing a hypothesis, locating and gathering the information to test the hypothesis, and then communicating the results. B. Demonstrate ability to interpret evidence for relatedness among organisms, evaluate hypotheses using that evidence, and communicate the results. C. Apply statistical techniques to test ecological hypotheses, and interpret and communicate the results. (13) Course-specific Required Materials: Textbook: Campbell Biology, 12th ed. (Reece et al., 2020). Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor (requires webcam access) (14) Course Content: See attached schedule. (15) Grading Scale and Policies: Grades: I do not give grades; you earn them. Each student begins on the first day of class with a grade of zero. You add to your grade through the following opportunities: Evaluation % of grade 4 exams 60% Laboratory grade 20% In-class and homework assignments 20% Four exams: The four exams account for 60% of your grade. Lecture exams may consist of concept matching, true or false, multiple choice, and short answer conceptual questions to explore the breadth and depth of your knowledge. You will be required to synthesize and apply material from lecture and lab. Make-Up Exams: You are expected to take all exams on their scheduled dates. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero for the exam, unless you have a valid and verifiable excuse. If I cannot verify your excuse, you will not be allowed to take a make -up exam. You will need to provide documentation. The make-up exam may be different from the missed exam, including format, length and types of questions asked. Page 2 of 7 Laboratory Grades: Late assignments will not be accepted for the lab unless you have a valid and verifiable excuse. This policy will be strictly enforced by your laboratory instructor. The laboratory exercises and final laboratory grade are determined by the instructor of your laboratory section. Your questions about laboratory assignments and grades must be directed to your laboratory instructor. Homework Assignments, Quizzes, & Exams: Assignments may be given at various times throughout the semester. Assignments, quizzes, and exams may be given online through Canvas. Most will require Respondus LockDown Browser (this will require the use of a webcam). Some assignments, quizzes, and exams may be in-person. Due dates are due dates: You have the responsibility of completing all assignments by the scheduled date and time. Late assignments will not be accepted except for a valid and verifiable excuse (late assignments will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor; a penalty of 5% of the graded score per day late may be assessed on all late assignments). Forgetting is not an excuse. Manage your time wisely; do not wait until the last minute. A note about participation: Successful learning is a dynamic process that requires interaction between students and instructor, and among students. Never hesitate to ask a question. Final grades will be determined according to the following table. Grade Undergraduate (%) Quality A ≥90.00 Outstanding B 80.00-89.99 Above average C 70.00-79.99 Average D 60.00-69.99 Below average F ≤59.99 Failure Extra credit is not available (do not email me and ask for extra credit you will not receive any). Study the assigned course material. Grades will not be rounded in favor of a higher course grade! A cutoff point has to exist somewhere in the scale. All grades will be posted to Canvas, students will be able to keep track of their grade from that website. My grading policy is clear, as stated above. Students should not contact me regarding rounding their grade —especially at the end of the semester. If I do curve, then be pleasantly surprised. Any cheating on quizzes, exams, assignments, or plagiarism will result in a zero for that assignment (including the first offense). Talking during an exam will be considered cheating and may result in a zero for that exam. For online assignments, talking, obscuring your webcam, using materials that are not allowed on exams (books, notes, phones etc.), and similar prohibited behavior will be considered cheating. If you have questions about your performance in this course, it will be much more beneficial to you to attend office hours rather than simply emailing me. Page 3 of 7  When there is credible evidence of cheating on an assignment or test or plagiarism, the student will receive a grade of zero on that assignment. Egregious or multiple instances of cheating, promoting academic dishonesty by others, or plagiarism will result in a Student Conduct Referral which may have more far-reaching consequences. (16) Additional Course Information: Final Exam: Noon, Monday, Dec. 9 Most course material is available on the course Canvas website. You can also check the status of your grades. You will be required to complete online assignments. Lecture notes are available on Canvas generally before that day’s lecture. The notes will serve as a topical guide and reminder of key points, but they do not substitute for regular attendance. Course guidelines: Come to class ready to learn; be engaged in what we are doing! Practice respect and maturity in your verbal and written interactions with Dr. Fritz. I understand that life happens while you are in school and that many of you are quite busy. Come in late if you need to do, just do so quietly. Not every topic will be your favorite but try to pay attention anyway. Give me the chance to teach you something and give yourself the chance to enjoy it. Know that professors also have lives, and I won’t always be on my top game. Email policy: Email is the quickest and often best way to reach me. Please remember that I have other obligations and though I generally respond quickly, that may not always be possible. Generally, you can expect an email response in 24-48 hours during the regular work week (this does not include weekends). For questions about upcoming topics, exam dates and general course topics, please check the syllabus and course Canvas page first. Email/Canvas is the only way I will contact YOU outside of class. You are expected to check your campus email and Canvas announcements regularly for class updates, changes, etc. Failure to check your campus email or Canvas on a regular basis will likely cause you to miss important course information. Attendance: Attendance may be recorded each lecture. If you are feeling sick, please stay home and do not attend class. All lecture notes and recordings of lectures are posted on Canvas. Cell phone and Technology Policy: Please turn cell phones to silent or vibrate during class. There will be a zero tolerance policy for ringing/text alerts on cell phones. Further, please do not use class to surf the web unless instructed to. The instructor reserves the right to penalize students with reductions to grades and/or request you leave the classroom. (17) Academic Support – Southeast provides ALL students free tutorial support for writing, mathematics, and many specific courses. Students are encouraged to work with their faculty when you have questions regarding your coursework and to utilize the support services available. The Center for Writing Excellence, Learning Assistance Programs/Tutorial Services, the Mathematics Learning Center, Advising and many departmental support services are in place to assist. You can find more information on the website at https://semo.edu/student-support/academic-support/learning-assistance/ (18) Student Success – This course uses SupportNET, Southeast’s student success network, to improve communication between students, faculty, and staff on campus. You will get emails through SupportNET with information about resources or concerns. Please read these emails—they are sent to help you Page 4 of 7 succeed! You can access SupportNET through your portal, Canvas or directly at supportnet.semo.edu to see any academic alerts, ask for help and to access resources to support your success at Southeast. (19) Academic Honesty – Southeast Missouri State University expects all students, faculty and staff to operate in an honest and ethical manner. Academic dishonesty is a very serious offense because it undermines the value of your education and the education of others. Students who engage in academic dishonesty face significant penalties. Forms of academic dishonesty include , but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, contract cheating, misrepresentation, and other actions you take. Some of these are defined below: Plagiarism means passing off someone else’s work as your own, whether it is intentional or unintentional. Cheating includes copying from another person or source of information to meet the requirements of a task. Contract cheating is paying someone else or a company to do your work. Misrepresentation means you are posing as someone else or someone else is posing as you to complete a task. Collusion means working with one or more people to cheat. If you help someone cheat or plagiarize you will face the same penalties. For more information, visit the Student Code of Conduct Guide Office of Student Conduct | SEMO or the Faculty Handbook (See Chapter 5, Section (D) on Academic Honesty). When there is credible evidence of cheating on an assignment or test or plagiarism, the student will receive a grade of zero on that assignment. Egregious or multiple instances of cheating, promoting academic dishonesty by others, or plagiarism will result in a Student Conduct Referral which may have more far-reaching consequences. Artificial Intelligence (AI): All work submitted in this course must be your own, completed in accordance with Southeast’s academic honesty policy and the class syllabus. You may not engage in use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software or Machine Learning (ML) for the completion of any course assignments. (20) Accessibility – Southeast Missouri State University and the Office of Accessibility Services are committed to making every reasonable educational accommodation for students who identify as people with disabilities. Many services and accommodations which aid a student’s educational experience are available for students with various disabilities. Students are responsible for contacting The Office of Accessibility Services to register and access accommodations. Accommodations are implemented on a case-by-case basis. For more information, visit the Accessibility Services page or contact Accessibility Services by phone at 573-651-5927. (21) Civility – Your university experience is purposely designed to introduce you to new ideas, help you think effectively, develop good communication skills, evaluate information successfully, distinguish among values and make sound judgements. Doing this well requires respectful and courteous discussion among and between students and the instructor. Together, we must create a space where we acknowledge and respect others that have different experiences, perspectives, and points of view. Disagreements are likely. Mutual respect for one another and a willingness to listen are important. Remember, you are responsible for your behavior and actions. There is a no tolerance policy on bullying Page 5 of 7 or harassment of any kind. Additional information on student conduct may be found in the Student Code of Conduct Guide on the Office of Student Conduct | SEMO page. (22) Title IX: Mandated Reporting - In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Southeast Missouri State University is committed to creating a safe learning environment for all members of our community, free from gender and sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Southeast Missouri State University Policies and Procedures for Defining and Adjudicating Sexual Harassment based on Title IX federal law designates all faculty members, including teaching assistants/graduate assistants, as Mandated Reporters. Under University policies and procedures, all Mandated Reporters must report all disclosures of sex or gender-based discrimination or violence to Southeast Missouri State University’s Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to provide resources, support, and information after receiving a report. Reported information will remain private. If you, or someone you know, has experienced any form of sex or gender-based discrimination or violence and wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact the Office of Equity Initiatives at 573-651-2524. For more information regarding Southeast Missouri State University’s Title IX procedures, reporting, or supportive measures, please visit https://semo.edu/titleix/ Pregnancy and Parenting: Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status in educational programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Students may visit https://semo.edu/titleix/pregnantandparenting for more information. SEMO offers several spaces on campus dedicated to supporting student parents with their breastfeeding needs. If you have questions about accessing these spaces or need additional accommodations, please contact the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equity Initiatives at [email protected] or 573-651-2524. Page 6 of 7 This is a tentative schedule. I will update this schedule as needed throughout the semester. Exam dates are unlikely to change. Week of: Topics August 19 Introduction/Syllabus 2 – Evolution – history August 26 3 – descent with modification & natural selection 4 – modes of natural selection September 2 NO CLASS MONDAY – LABOR DAY 5 – role of natural selection in adaptive evolution September 9 6 – sexual selection, genetic drift, gene flow 7 – Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium September 16 8 – what is a species Exam 1 – Lectures 1-7 – Friday, Sept 20 September 23 9 – speciation & hybrids 10 – using phylogenetic trees to understand evolutionary relationships September 30 11 – Interpreting phylogenetic trees 12 – What can fossils tell us October 7 1 – intro to ecology Exam 2 – Lectures 8-12 – Friday, Oct 11 October 14 2 – population growth NO CLASS FRIDAY – FALL BREAK October 21 3 – what factors regulate population size 4 – metapopulations October 28 5 – intro to community ecology 6 – herbivory & predation 7 – abundance, species richness, biomass (mini lecture) November 4 8 – symbiosis Exam 3 – Lectures 1-8 – Friday, Nov 8 November 11 9 – trophic dynamics 10 – otter case study 11 – disturbance & succession November 18 12 – ecosystem ecology 13 – conservation biology 16 – Gulf of Mexico case study November 25 14 – conservation biology 2 NOT CLASS WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY – THANKSGIVING BREAK December 2 15 – conservation biology 3 December 9 Final exam - Lectures 9-16: Noon Monday, December 9 Page 7 of 7