Welcome to Ecology!  Ecology is the study of how and why organisms live where they live.  In other words, Ecology seeks to understand how life persists on this planet.  Now that we humans have expanded our influence to all corners of the earth, the study of ecology has become crucial for maintaining a livable environment.  This course will provide you with a solid foundation in ecological principles so that you can become a responsible, voting citizen.  In our democratic society, we are all called upon to make political decisions (concerning carbon emissions, ozone depleting chemicals, pesticides, logging, fishing, building etc.) that impact our natural environment and you will need to make informed decisions and be able to see through the rhetoric that often surrounds such issues.  Also, I want you to understand how the science of ecology is done today.  This includes learning about the tools and approaches that ecologists use, and current research questions in the field.  Finally, remember that studying ecology is fun!  A walk in the woods can be many things to many people, but, by beginning to understand the myriad processes and interactions that are going on around you, you may perceive and appreciate more than ever before.

I have structured the class around Jane Lubchenco’s new social contract for science (see J. Lubchenco, Science 1998  279:491-497).  In addition, I am increasing your involvement in the course by using the concept of a learning community.  Instead of the traditional top-down teaching approach, we will walk together through the topic of ecology.  We will use many different means of assessment, make the teaching techniques we use explicit, and together determine the schedule and topics.  Most importantly, we will all learn from each other.

 

Primary:	Ecology:  Concepts and Applications 3rd edition. McGraw Hill.
Supplemental:	Reading the Forested Landscape.  The Countryman Press.
	Shugart, H.H.  How the Earthquake Bird Got its Name and Other Tales of Unbalanced Nature.  Yale.

You will be responsible for all information in the assigned chapters whether I discuss it in lecture or not.  You must read any assigned material prior to class, and come to class prepared to discuss it.

As part of the learning community, we will be partners in determining course assessment.  Your final grade will be based on some combination of class participation, quizzes, short papers, lab reports, and computer exercises (there will be no extra credit assignments).  We will experiment with self-assessment and peer assessment in addition to more traditional methods.

Participation and attendance	10%	Projects (2)	40%
Quizzes	10%	Lab	30%
Homework	10%

Please make sure that all work you turn is your own.  On individual or group projects, using someone else’s ideas either copied or paraphrased is plagiarism and will be dealt with according to Ithaca College Policy.

Attendance is critical and required for this course.  Because of the learning community environment, course topics, reading and assignments will change.  You must come to class to keep up.  In the lectures, we will have time for group discussion of ideas that will go beyond the book.  The textbook will give you the fundamentals and in class, we will explore ramifications and interconnections.  Each missed lecture will incur a 5% reduction in your overall course grade.

We will be going outside for many of the labs in this class.  It rains, it gets hot, it gets cold, there is dirt, and there are bugs.  Labs will not be cancelled due to weather so please dress appropriately for the conditions.  I suggest long pants, shoes, and a hat. .Bring something to write with and on.  You may also wish to bring water and a snack.  Lab will require walking on uneven terrain.  Please let me know if you have any physical condition that requires an accommodation and we will work something out.