Fall 2020 - BISC 440W D100

Biodiversity (3)

Class Number: 6699

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 300, STAT 201 or equivalent, both with C or better, plus 75 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The production and organization of biodiversity (investigations of species, and an in-depth look at taxonomy, systematics and phylogenetics). Evolutionary and ecological theories behind the patterns of biodiversity (the current and future geographic distribution of species, and how biodiversity is related to ecosystem function). The values society gives biodiversity (how our values are reflected in law and regulation). Students with credit for BISC 440 may not repeat this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Biodiversity is grist for many mills. We will explore topics in four broad areas: the production and organization of biodiversity (species, taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics); evolutionary and ecological theories behind the patterns of biodiversity (why we think it all is where it is, and where it may be in the future); what’s happening to it now (going away); and the values society gives it (many, most vague).   

We will consider both the technical side of biodiversity studies (molecular phylogenetics and the use of simple statistics) and the rhetorical side (as this is a ‘writing-intensive’ course). This means there will be varied literature to digest, from Darwin to the Globe and Mail, and there will be a focus on your scientific writing and verbal expression. Expect to participate in class and to dip into ‘R’ scripts too.

Our discussions will be based in part on a few draft chapters from a textbook still being written by colleagues in Australia, and in part on the primary literature.

Lab: Wednesdays 2:30pm -5:20pm 

Grading

  • Computer Lab 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Weekly Quizzes 20%
  • Two papers (on the same topic) 50%

NOTES:

Grading and mode of evaluation are subject to change.  This course will include both synchronous and asynchronous components.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).