Description:

Major topics in this course will include population dynamics, competition, predation, mutualism, community structure, ecological succession, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and biogeography. Students will also review the major features of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Field and laboratory experiments will introduce students to several different habitat types; various techniques commonly used in ecology; and engage students in collecting, analyzing and evaluating ecological data. Lab reports emphasize critical evaluation of ecological concepts and data and effective scientific communication. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a mastery of ecological terminology.
2. Explain basic ecological theories.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
4. Apply ecological theories to laboratory situations by developing and testing hypotheses and by conducting field work.
5. Collect data, construct and interpret graphs, analyze field data using simple descriptive statistics.
6. Write scientific reports using appropriate format.
7. Use the library’s computerized database systems to locate necessary literature.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Demonstrate a Mastery of Ecological Terminology
   A. Explain the difference between abiotic and biotic factors
   B. List the levels of biological organization used by ecologists
   C. Explain how niches are formed
   D. Differentiate between fundamental and realized niche
   E. List and explain the terms: biodiversity, biome, ecosystem,
community, population, population growth rates, carrying capacity,
fitness, predator, prey, competition, niche, and ecotone

II. Explain Basic Ecological Theories
   A. Describe how natural selection and evolutionary fitness affect
community development
   B. Define the law of tolerance limits and explain how this law affects
community development
   C. Describe intra- and interspecific competition
   D. Explain the theory of island biogeography and apply this theory to
problems related to habitat fragmentation
   E. Explain the evolution of sex, kin selection, and sociality
   F. Describe coevolution, mutualism, parasitism, and predator-prey
relationships.
   G. Compare and contrast the philosophical differences between studying
ecological entities as communities versus systems
   H. Explain how empirical theories can be applied to current ecological
problems including loss of habitat, loss of genetic diversity, and
extinction

III. Critical Thinking Skills Applied to Ecological Study
   A. Read and interpret graphs that demonstrate ecological theory
   B. When given variables for an ecological model. Explain the
phenomenon
   C. When describing various ecological theories, give specific examples
   D. Correctly use the appropriate terminology when describing,
explaining, and applying ecological theory

IV. Apply Ecological Theories to Laboratory Situations by Developing and
Testing Hypotheses and by Conducting Field Work
   A. Apply the Scientific Method in an experimental setting
   B. Construct testable hypotheses
   C. Perform experiments
   D. Analyze experimental results

V. Collect Data, Construct and Interpret Graphs, Analyze Field Data Using
Simple Descriptive Statistics
   A. Create transects in the field by using compasses and flagging
   B. Compile data using typical ecological field equipment including
meter tapes, meter sticks, field identification books
   C. Analyze data using Kruskal-Wallis and t-test statistical tests

VI. Write Scientific Reports Using Appropriate Format
   A. Produce scientifically formatted reports that include introduction
and hypothesis, methods, results and conclusions

VII. Use the Library’s Computerized Database Systems to Locate Necessary
Literature

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Examinations, lecture and lab                   70% of grade
Lecture class homework and Laboratory reports   25% of grade
                                               100% 
 

Caveats:

1. Students are required to participate in field work and will need to have proper clothing, including a rain coat. Also, personal vehicles may be required for field trips. Field trips are not strenuous, but there will be lab-provided equipment to carry to the field sites. Students must be able to perform these tasks.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.