BIOL 208 - Principles of Ecology - Lecture 1 - Sep 04, 2024 PDF

BIOL 208 – Principles of Ecology Lecture 1 - Sep 04, 2024 Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon Introduction and Course Logistics Lecture 1 - Sep 04, 2024 Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon  We are in ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Amiskwacîwâskahikan The University of Alberta acknowle...

BIOL 208 – Principles of Ecology Lecture 1 - Sep 04, 2024 Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon Introduction and Course Logistics Lecture 1 - Sep 04, 2024 Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon  We are in ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Amiskwacîwâskahikan The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. About me, academic history Originally from Ecuador. BSc in Agriculture, Zamorano University (Honduras). PhD in Ecology from the University of Alberta. About me, as person Originally from Ecuador. The plan today: 1. Why are we here? Learning objectives. 2. Go over the syllabus. Course format and materials Intro to the lab. Exams and important dates. 3. Course schedule. 4. Expectations. 5. Entrance survey. We are here to learn about ecology! Definition in the textbook: “Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and among organisms and the physical environment.” (page 1) Etymology: We are here to learn about ecology! Definition of the course in BearTracks: “Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment in a hierarchy of levels of organization: individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Fig. 1.1 Living entities that are genetically and physically discrete. Group of interbreeding individuals of a single species inhabiting a defined area in space and time. Population of species that occur together in the same space and time. (= association of interacting species) Biological community together with its associated physical and chemical environment. Exchange of materials, energy and organisms among ecosystems. Portions of the Earth that supports life, including land, waters and atmosphere. Ecobreak! Ecobreak! Why study ecology? (besides that nature is cool) In ecology we ask questions about nature and collect data and evidence to help explain what we see. 1. Why is there more biodiversity at the tropics than at the poles? 2. Why are there more plants than animal wildlife? 3. How will a changing climate influence the number and distributions of various species. 4. How do healthy ecosystems help economies? Ecologists need lots of different skills... Ecology is a very interdisciplinary field and it’s not possible to be an expert in everything. This is why we collaborate so much! If you think ecology is not “your thing” that’s okay! But there might be ecological studies that need your skills! - Molecular biology - Geology - Chemistry - Statistics - Physics/Engineering - Social sciences - Math - Psychology - Computer Science - Archaeology - Physical sciences - Paleobiology - Soil sciences - Ethnobotany - Geography - Paleoethnobotany - Social networks - Indigenous studies BIOL 208 Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: 1. Describe and explain the basic concepts and principles related to interactions between organisms and their environment 2. Interpret and discuss key components of individual, population, community, and ecosystem ecology 3. Interpret and apply the scientific method to ecological questions 4. Critically evaluate various forms of scientific communication 5. Appraise the complexity of ecological interactions and the interconnectedness of ecological processes “Soft” skills Notetaking Collaboration and cooperation Problem solving Asking questions Asking for help when appropriate Course etiquette Be respectful of other participants. Use “They” if you don’t know someone’s gender. Keep your questions & comments constructive and respectful. Keep volume down during lectures, if you must leave early, please sit towards the back of the theatre and pack up quietly. The Syllabus The full syllabus can be viewed and downloaded from eClass. Please read the WHOLE syllabus to ensure you don’t miss any important information. Course Logistics Lectures, labs, and exams are Any changes in format will all in person. be announced in eClass announcements. The format of lectures may be changed to remote to accommodate guest lecturers or if the instructor is sick. Course Schedule A table of the schedule and assigned readings is attached to the Syllabus Many in-person and online services are available to you! Accessibility Library Skills For 2nd Year Biology Students https://openeducationalberta.ca/libraryskills200/  Check The Syllabus There are even more resources in the syllabus. Please post questions to the forum on eClass (after reviewing the syllabus of course!) If you have a question, others in the class might have the same question, the forum allows us to get everyone on the same page. Question break! Getting in touch Dr. Ronald Batallas Huacon CW-217 BioSci Building [email protected] **Put Biol 208 in subject line! Office hours: Mondays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm Fridays, 10:00 – 11:30 am → Post questions regarding lecture and exam content to the Lecture/Exam forum. I will monitor the forum regularly! BIOL 208 Lab Coordinator Dr. Melissa Roach [email protected] Contact Melissa regarding: - allergies/medical concerns - missed labs/excused absences - excused assignments - accommodations through AR Office - grade appeals / assignment re-grading Lab Info Labs start the week of Sep. 9 Required PPE is: Full-length pants or skirt Full coverage shoes Other supplies you need: BIOL208 2024-2025 lab manual Regular writing materials Check Lab eClass page for info. Required Course Materials Textbook Molles and Laursen. “Ecology: Concepts & Applications” 5 th Canadian Edition NOTE: Readings are from this edition Available at Bookstore (purchase) Online (purchase or rental) Copies at Cameron Library Course Materials section (2-hour loans)  Readings Lectures loosely based on the textbook and contain additional info and resources. All assigned readings are examinable. Lecture slides might have a minimalist format. Why should we take notes? Taking notes is active learning and enhances understanding! How do I take notes? Only make notes on important points; sketches & diagrams are helpful Rewrite (or type) notes after lecture if messy Use a tablet or computer Share notes with other students to ensure accuracy and completeness Ask for clarification as soon as you are stuck; do Clueless (1995) not wait until the night prior to the exam! When you are stuck Use course resources (notes, textbook, online supporting material) Talk to your classmates Ask questions during question breaks in lecture After a lecture: post question on eClass forum Lecture content-based questions will not be answered via email (430 of you and one of me) Come to office hours (see syllabus) → Email Melissa for lab issues or questions How to prepare for exams Attend lectures, study slides, and read assigned chapters. Participate actively in the labs and forums. Go through practice questions and textbook review questions. Grade Evaluation Grade Evaluation However, a student will only receive a passing grade (D or higher) if they obtain a final mark of at least 45% in the lecture and the lab components, respectively. Conversion of total marks to letter grades is based upon current performance and natural breakpoints in distribution. Biol 208 does NOT use an absolute numerical scale (e.g) total mark in the course is 95% or greater = A+), nor on a strict curve (e.g. the top 5% of students = A+ regardless of actual marks)  Lecture Review Assignments Instead of quizzes, we have opted for “Review Assignments” Variety of questions including multiple choice, matching, calculations etc. Open for 1 week (see schedule) and you have unlimited attempts. Your highest score is recorded. 8 in total worth 0.25% each, 2% of total grade. No deferrals, extensions, or excused absences since they are open for 1 week. Regrade Policy You can request a re-grade after at least 24 hours have passed and up to 4 days since the exam answer key was made available. After that, regrade requests will not be accepted. If a re-grade request is considered appropriate, the respective question will be re-graded for all students (not just the requester). Student grades may increase, decrease, or stay the same. Don’t be a grade grubber... We can only assess you on what you wrote, NOT what you intended to write If you write more than one answer only the first answer will be assessed. Wait until you see the answer key and grade before you ask for a re-grade  Another perspective Grades are not given, but rather earned. If you’re unhappy with the grade you earned, you can work to improve your skills (studying, reading comprehension, writing) to improve on future assessments. Learning how to learn is a huge part of post- secondary and likely all the future grades you earn will improve, not just the ones in this course! Missed Term Work If you miss a lab: Contact Melissa to attend another lab section If you miss a midterm test With excused absence = email me within 48h of the midterm test and apply for deferral of the weight to the final exam weight Without excused absence = 0% If you miss the final exam With excused absence = apply for deferred exam with the faculty office of your program Without excused absence = 0% Sick for a midterm? You don’t need a doctors note, I trust you. Fill out the Student Declaration Form and send it my way. Email within 48 hours of the missed midterm and I may defer the weight to the final exam (see syllabus for full details) Expectation of the course instructor(s) To provide course content in an accessible, equitable manner To provide fair opportunities for assessment and evaluation To respond to emails and requests to meet in a timely fashion Expectations of the student (you) Actively participate in the learning process Ask questions Look up concepts/words you don’t understand Take your own notes Participate in our course activities Supplement lecture material with textbook readings, as necessary Expectations of the student (you) Exhibit academic honesty No cheating on exams or quizzes. Ever. Ever. Avoid plagiarism on assignments, and seek out help with paraphrasing/citations before assignments are handed in Ask for deferrals when required for honest reasons Entrance Survey! Help us understand where you’re at so we can best meet your learning needs. https://www.ualberta.ca/sustainability/study/certificate/index.html Next Lecture What is an ecosystem? How do scientists ask (and try to answer) questions? Who are you? Introduce yourself to your neighbor: - Name - Your program - Enrollment year - Favorite plant, animal? - Coffee or tea person?