BIOL220 Principles of Ecology
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Biology
- I. Course Number and Title
- BIOL220 Principles of Ecology
- II. Number of Credits
- 4 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 4500
- IV. Prerequisites
- BIOL101 (C or better) or BIOL121 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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Format is lecture-laboratory and includes in-class and/or online presentation of content and laboratory material. Field trips are required.
Topics are presented in various modes which may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following: traditional and/or online lectures, group and/or individual or activities, small group discussions, computer simulations and library research.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This lecture and laboratory course provides an overview of ecology from the individual organism to populations, communities, and ecosystems. It examines the physical, chemical, and biological components of ecological interactions, and includes a comparative treatment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Laboratory exercises require field trips.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- assess the major biotic and abiotic ecological characteristics that identify a given ecosystem;
- describe the biogeochemistry of an ecosystem; and
- collect ecological data and apply basic statistical skills for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to formulate conclusions.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:
- ecology and the ecosystem concepts
- evolution and classification of earth’s biodiversity
- biochemical processes in living organisms
- ecosystem ecology and biogeochemical cycles
- climate and terrestrial biomes
- aquatic ecosystems and life zones
- soil environment; formation and composition
- organismal and population ecology
- community ecology
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
The evaluative tools may include any or all of the following as specified by the individual instructor's course format: objective examinations, class participation, field trip and research reports, online activities and discussion, quizzes, projects and papers. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as approved by the department and specified in the individual instructor’s format.
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Approval/Revision Date: 7/2010; 5/2013; New Core 8/2015