Spring 2025 - BISC 440W D100
Biodiversity (3)
Class Number: 2740
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 17, 2025
Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Arne Mooers
amooers@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3979
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Prerequisites:
BISC 300 and STAT 201, both with a minimum grade of C+, and (75 units or permission of the instructor).
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Considers the production and organization of biodiversity, the evolutionary and ecological theories behind temporal and spatial patterns of biodiversity, and the values society gives biodiversity. Computer labs introduce students to phylogenetic and comparative analyses using the program R. 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, diversification indices) and the rhetorical side (as this is a ‘writing-intensive’ course). This means there will be varied literature to digest and there will be a focus on your scientific writing and verbal expression. Expect to participate in class and to wrangle ‘R’ scripts too.
Our discussions will be based on chapters from the textbook "Origins of Biodiversity" and on the primary literature. You will be asked to present and critique a primary research paper as part of the course load.
Grading
- Computer Labs 15%
- Presentation 15%
- Quizzes 15%
- Media piece 15%
- Final exam 40%
NOTES:
Grading is subject to change.
Labs: (Wednesdays 1330-1630)
Materials
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.