Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BISC 204 D100

Introduction to Ecology (3)

Class Number: 2360

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2021
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to biotic-environmental relationships and dynamics; ecological concepts; population dynamics, variation, adaptation and evolution.

COURSE DETAILS:

BISC 204 (Introduction to Ecology) emphasizes understanding species interactions in biological communities and the relationships between communities and the environment. This course serves as a prerequisite to many 400-level BISC courses in ecology, evolution and conservation biology. Grades for this course will be based on student performance on a variety of activities/homework assignments, exams and participation in tutorial sessions.

Grading

  • Tutorial Presentation 5%
  • Tutorial Participation 5%
  • Paper Reviews (Draft/Final) 10%
  • Case Studies/Problem Sets 30%
  • Midterm 15%
  • Final 35%

NOTES:

Mode of Teaching:
Lecture:  
      Monday -asynchronous (recorded) + synchronous hour for review (1 hour review/week recommended but not mandatory)
      Thursday - asynchronous (recorded) + synchronous hour for review (1 hour review/week recommended but not mandatory)
Tutorial: synchronous (mandatory)
Midterm: synchronous (open book) - Thursday Feb 25 - 1430-1630 PST 
Final: synchronous (open book) – TBA

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Access to high-speed internet
  • Computer/notebook/tablet with webcam
  • Headset/earbuds with microphone
  • A textbook is required for this course. There is a recommended book that can be obtained as an ebook from the SFU bookstore. However, since it has a cost, any undergraduate textbook in Ecology can be used instead.
  • Students will be required to sign up for three SimBio online education modules as part of this course, approximate cost $20

REQUIRED READING:

Any undergraduate textbook in Ecology

Students will be required to sign up for three SimBio online education modules as part of this course, approximate cost $20

RECOMMENDED READING:

The Economy of Nature by Robert E. Ricklefs and Rick Relyea, W. H. Freeman (8h Edition). This text is available digitally via VitalSource: https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/ecology-the-economy-of-nature-rick-relyea-v9781319188955?term=9781319060411

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).