Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - BISC 420 D100

Community Ecology (3)

Class Number: 2001

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2023
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 204 or GEOG 215, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Community ecologists study large-scale patterns in biodiversity and the processes that influence the structure and function of communities. This course introduces concepts and theories central to community ecology, with a focus on observations, hypotheses, experiments and quantitative models, and explores applications of community ecology to emerging problems in human-dominated ecosystems.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DETAILS

How are ecological communities constructed, does biodiversity influence how communities function, and how do human activities alter community structure and ecosystem function? In this course, we will explore patterns of biodiversity, examine interactions between species that provide the building blocks for complex ecological networks, and investigate how species loss and community change impact ecosystem function.

The course covers:
the Big Picture: communities and patterns of biological diversity

the Fine Details: species interactions and community theory, food chains and foodwebs, complexity and ecosystem function/stability, succession and community assembly rules

the Changing Environment: changes to landscapes, the loss of species and reassembly/restoration of communities.

Grading

  • Midterm 15%
  • Final 35%
  • Presentation (3 x 9%) 27%
  • Paper Summaries (3 x 3%) 12%
  • Tutorial Participation 6%
  • In class questions 5%

NOTES:

EXAM TIMES

Midterm Th Oct 14 830-1020 – 830-1020, WMC 2202, Burnaby

Final – in person - TBD

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of Teaching:

Lectures and tutorials will be conducted in person.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required - Community Ecology 2nd Edition (2019). Gary G. Mittelbach and Brian J. McGill. Oxford

 

Available electronically through the library. The book can be read online and chapters can be downloaded as pdfs.

 


ISBN: 9780198835851

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 semester 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.