Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - BISC 204 D100

Introduction to Ecology (3)

Class Number: 1785

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2023
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.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 Exam 35%

NOTES:

Mode of Teaching:
Lecture:  
      Tues - in person (recorded)
      Thursday – in person (recorded)

Tutorial: in person (mandatory)
Midterm: in person (TBD)
Final: in person (TBD)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • 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.
  • Simbio modules require access to high-speed internet and a Computer/notebook/tablet.

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 (Canadian Edition) 7h Edition. This text is available digitally via VitalSource: https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/ecology-the-economy-of-nature-canadian-edition-ricklefs-robert-e-v9781319028725


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