SYLLABUS

ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (BIO 105/ENV 105)

Fall 2013 (CRNs 35513, 35520) Joanne Oellers COURSE PURPOSE Welcome to Environmental Biology, an interdisciplinary general education course that studies how the earth works, how humans interact with the earth, and how we can deal with environmental concerns. You will be introduced to the principles of sustainability, energy, biodiversity, and ecosystems and develop an understanding of humans relationship the environment. You will see the world differently and gain an appreciation for diverse organisms and processes that support life on earth. Through your experiences class and in the field, reading, writing, and discussing, you will discover the scientific basis for concepts you may have already experienced or heard about. You might find yourself with opinions you did not recognize in yourself. Environmental biology may be the single most important course in your education. What could be more important than discovering the way nature functions, how humans affect this, and the solutions to environmental problems? Welcome! INSTRUCTOR CONTACT & COMMUNICATION Classroom/Lab Location Verde Campus Room L-105 Class Meeting Times Monday and Wednesday 8-10:45 a.m. Instructor Email Address joanne.oellers@yc.edu Instructor Web Site (Symbiosis) http://www.joanneoellers.com Office Verde Campus Building M, Room211 Office Phone 928/634.6578 Office Hours and Locations Monday 1-3 p.m. Building M, Room 122 (Learning Center) Tuesday 5:30-6 p.m. Building L, Room 106 Wednesday 1-3 p.m. Building M, Room 211 Thursday 1-1:30 Building M, Room 211 Other times are available by appointment.

Monday
8"10:45(BIO( 105(L"105

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday
8"10:45(BIO( 8"10:45(BIO( 156(L"105( 105(L"105 Thursdays(
only

Friday
Monthly( Meetings

Office(Hours( 1"3(Lrning(Ctr(
M"122(

(Office(Hours( Office(Hours( 1"3( M"211( 1"1:30(M"211( 2"4:45(BIO( 100(L"l06 2"4:45(BIO( 100(L"l06

Verde(or( Prescott Campus

Office(Hours( 5:30"6(L"106( 6"8:45(BIO( 160((L"l06(

TEXTBOOK & LAB MATERIALS Essentials of Ecology, G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman, 6th edition. ISBN: 978053873536. Explore the text and online resources. I recommend purchasing or renting the latest edition of the hardcopy or etext, since is the one I use. Try searching at chegg.com, the YC Bookstore, or other places for the best deal. You will not need any extras, such as CDs or special programs. If you find an earlier edition you just cannot pass up that is fine, but you may need to make minor adjustments compared to the newer edition. I do not personally have access to any earlier editions The textbook companion Web site contains many resources useful to you, including Chapter Summaries, Flashcards, Weblinks, What You Can Do resources, and links to related readings. Please bring your text to class. I provide lab exercise materials. There is no lab manual to purchase. IMPORTANT DATES Holiday Closures Monday 9/2 Labor Day Monday 11/11 Veterans Day Wednesday-Sunday 11/27-12/1 Thanksgiving Holiday Semester Dates Monday 8/19 Sunday 8/25 Tuesday 10/15 Monday 12/9
2

Tuesdays(only

First day of Fall Semester Last day to add/drop regular class or get 100% refund Last day for student-initiated withdrawals Last day of Fall Semester

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION The course is designed to give you opportunities for independent work, such as viewing videos, reading, questioning, and summarizing, as well as classroom interactions for tackling questions, collaborating, clarifying, and connecting. We will discuss and solve problems. At the beginning of each week, the materials for the upcoming week will be ready for you. To do well, expect to spend at least five hours a week on the course outside of class. The amount you will actually need depends on your experience and efficiency.

General Education This course fulfills 4 credits of the Physical and Biological Sciences requirement of the Arizona General Education Curriculum. Course Description BIO 105. Environmental Biology (4). Introduction to ecological systems, natural resources, and applications to environmental issues. Includes population, community, and ecosystem analysis. Emphasis on field, laboratory, and writing activities. This course is cross-listed with ENV 105. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: Reading proficiency. Course Content 1. Interactions of individual organisms 7. Field data collection techniques with the physical environment 8. Recording data and observations 2. Interactions of individuals and 9. Interpretation of data populations with the biological 10. Elementary statistics environment 11. Biogeochemical cycles 3. Energy flow through communities and 12. Population variation, adaptations, and natural ecosystems selection 4. Factors affecting global distribution of 13. Island biogeography and conservation climate applications 5. Characteristics of the major biomes 6. Interaction between humans and the environment Learning Outcomes. Numbers in parentheses match the course content, above. 1. Describe the adaptations of organisms to the physical environment. (1) 2. Describe intra and inter specific competition, and other types of interactions between individuals and populations. (2) 3. Describe and graph exponential and logistic population growth. (2) 4. Describe the flow of energy through ecosystems emphasizing trophic levels, food webs. (3) 5. Describe the processes generating climatic zones on the Earth.(4) 6. Correlate biomes with climate patterns. (4,5) 7. List the physical and biotic characteristics of the major biomes. (5) 8. Describe interactions between hunter-gatherer, pastoral, agrarian, and industrial societies and the environment. (6) 9. Collect quantifiable data using various field methods. (7,8) 10. Analyze data using graphical and statistical methods. (9,10) 11. Describe the major biogeochemical cycles including water, carbon, and nitrogen. (11)
3

12. Describe the basic mechanisms and conditions affecting populations with respect to evolution and natural selection. (12) 13. Describe the influence of area, distance, and other factors in predicting species diversity. (13) Assessment/Grading Measures
Assignment Exams Sustainability Project Pre-class Assignments In-class Assignments Labs Quantity 3 1 10 10 10 Point Value 100 100 10 10 20 Total 300 Units 1-3 100 Unit 4 100 Most every week 100 Most every week 200 Most every week 800 SEMESTER TOTAL

Here are the grading criteria. Assignments are equally weighted. In many cases, a grading rubric will be provided: A = 90 - 100% (720-800) Superior, extraordinary scholarship B = 80 - 89% (640-719) Above-average work, good conceptual understanding, good expression C = 70 - 79% (560=639) Acceptable work for this level of college D = 60 - 69% (480-559) Below standard of acceptable college work F = < 60% (558 or below) Failure to meet minimal requirement for passing course Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading is not an option for this course as it is part of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC). A failing grade may reflect lack of attendance, effort, or points, or result from non-compliance with course policies, including neglecting to withdraw oneself from class before the student-initiated withdrawal deadline. STUDENT RESOURCES myYCPortal All Yavapai College students will be required to use the myYC Portal. The portal includes: Links to your College email Online registration or class withdrawal (see Attendance below for limitations for withdrawal) Your degree audit system, DegreeWorks, to track your progress Your schedule Your YC email
4

 Blackboard Learning System access Transcripts, viewing and update And more! For assistance with the portal, click here. Student Email Accounts Yavapai College requires students to have an email address called Scholar to which official College communications can be sent. Email is accessed by clicking on the email icon in myYC Portal. Students are expected to check their Yavapai College Scholar account for college-related information and class information and announcements. I will use email frequently, so please check every few days for messages. For assistance, click here. Students may elect to forward their e-mail to an address different from their official Yavapai College account (see instructions on Web site) but assume full responsibility for reading email at the forwarded location. Campus Resources There are many campus resources available through Student Services. Accommodations. Yavapai College is committed to providing educational support services to students with documented disabilities. must be arranged by the student through the Disability Resources Coordinator. If you have a disability, including a learning disability, please contact Disability Resources at 928/776.2079 or 928/776.2057 to discuss your disability with a staff member. This will be so that you can arrange accommodations that you need for this class. Library services are available at the Prescott and Verde Valley Campuses. Both are members of a countywide library network, which provides access to a wide range of information and resources at libraries throughout Yavapai County. Both libraries also include public computer access. The YC computers are fully equipped for our course requirements. Keep this in mind if your computer fails. Learning centers are available on both the Prescott and Verde Valley Campuses. These centers provide a variety of learning support for students including tutoring, adaptive computer and learning equipment for students with disabilities, and a networked general computer lab for registered students. Call for details: Verde Valley Campus 928/634.6562, Prescott Campus 928/776.2085, or visit this Web page. Online writing tutoring for any academic subject is available. Details at this link. TECHNOLOGY Even though we meet in the classroom, I provide announcements, materials, and activities via Blackboard. You need basic Internet skills to be successful in this class. If you are experiencing technological difficulties I might be able to provide you with some help, but I will not be familiar with your computer. Sometimes a problem is system-related, and then I feel really helpless. Your best bet: contact the Help Desk at: 928/776.2168 Prescott Campus
5

928/649.5558 Verde Campus 855/836.3520 Toll-free either campus INSTRUCTOR &INSTITUTION POLICIES Instructor Response Time I will do my best to respond to email and voice mail within 24 hours Monday through Friday but not usually on weekends. I will return graded assignments within seven days after the due date. If you have questions regarding an assignment, please contact me prior to the due date, so your question can be answered in a timely manner. Missed Assignments and Late Work By regularly checking your Weekly Organizer, you can avoid overlooking assignments. Start assignments well before deadlines. You will forfeit 2% of the points for each day late. Work submitted later than one week beyond the due date will not be accepted. If absent for an in-class activity, please talk to me for possible makeup opportunities. A makeup is not automatically granted and will be based on your circumstance. Use of Proper Sentences Please submit work in proper sentences where appropriate. This applies in most situations. Safety In The Classroom/Lab Our classroom is also a laboratory and holds equipment, such as glassware, chemicals, and tools that are potential hazards for us. For your safety: Wear full coverage shoes during every class. I suggest you keep a pair in your car or backpack in case you forget. Refrain from eating in class. Covered beverage bottles are allowed. Anticipate formal detailed safety training during the first or second week. Emailing Me Please include your last name, BIO 105, and the topic in the subject line (for example, Oellers BIO 105 Study Guide). That way I can assist you more efficiently and be less likely to miss your message. Weather and Other Unforeseen Events Extreme winter weather or other conditions may prohibit travel to the College. Subscribing to text alerts and checking for updates on the Yavapai College Home Page keeps you up to date on situations potentially affecting you, such as cancellation of classes. Operating as one campus, if Prescott or Sedona campuses close or classes are delayed, we follow along. I drive from Prescott, and weather or road conditions might create an obstacle for me. I will use email, Blackboard announcements, and notes on doors to communicate with you about delays or class cancellations. Attendance General YC Policy Students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings. A student who expects to be absent due to another school-sponsored activity or compelling personal reason must make prior arrangements with me. All course work must be made up as directed. A student who does
6

not adhere to instructor and College attendance requirements may be dropped from the course as defined in the Yavapai College General Catalog. For Fall Semester 2013, the student-initiated drop date is Tuesday 10/15. Students are responsible for dropping a class through the self-service option on the myYC Portal. If you have not withdrawn from a class by the student-initiated drop date, you will receive the letter grade you earned in the course at the end of the semester. Under special circumstances, an instructor may withdraw students from class after the student-initiated date. If a student does not follow official procedures for withdrawing from a course, failing grades may be posted on your student permanent record. My Specific Attendance Policy You must be present the first class meeting, or have communicated with me about your absence, or you will be withdrawn from the class. Talk to me about any concerns you have about the class, your attendance, or progress. I want to help you succeed and might have options to offer you. If you are absent three times by Tuesday 10/1, and you have not responded to calls, emails, or assignments, I will assume you no longer wish to be part of the class, and you will be withdrawn. It is your responsibility to regularly assess your progress, communicate with me about any concerns, and ultimately, make the best decision for yourself about continuing in class. Academic Integrity Honesty in academic work is a central element of the learning environment. It will be assumed that you will present your own work. The presentation of another individuals work as ones own or the act of seeking unfair academic advantage through cheating, plagiarism or other dishonest means are violations of the Colleges Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Integrity Honesty in academic work is a central element of the learning environment. It will be assumed that you will present your own work. The presentation of another individuals work as ones own or the act of seeking unfair academic advantage through cheating, plagiarism or other dishonest means are violations of the Colleges Student Code of Conduct. Definitions of plagiarism, cheating, and violation of copyright and penalties for violation are available in the Yavapai College Student Code of Conduct. If I suspect you of cheating, because you are texting or talking during an exam, you may earn a zero for your exam. Student Code of Conduct Respect for the rights of others and for the College and its property are fundamental expectations for every student. The Code of Conduct outlines behavioral expectations, and explains the process for
7

responding to allegations of student misconduct. Classroom Etiquette and Netiquette Students are expected to respond and write in a professional and appropriate manner when activities are assigned to create scenarios, discuss opinions, present on a selected subject, or post to the Web. Inappropriate language or objectionable material will not be tolerated and could result in disciplinary measures and/or a failing grade for the class. See the Code of Conduct for details. Just as courteous behavior is important in person, it is necessary online. Compose emails carefully and check for language that could be misinterpreted and change to words with a clearer meaning, if needed. Include a greeting, thank the person for help or information, and sign with your name as it appears on YC records. Appropriate and Inappropriate Use of Internet and Cell Phones Yavapai College technological equipment and resources must be used in accordance with the Copyright Guidelines. Use of Yavapai College equipment and resources to illegally copy, download, access, print or store copyrighted material or download pornographic material is strictly prohibited. File swapping of copyrighted material such as music or movies is strictly prohibited. Users found to violate this policy will have their privileges to use Yavapai College technological equipment and resources revoked. Internet use during class has the potential to enhance our learning, but please do not make biology class social time with those outside class. I will ask you to put your device away if I suspect you are. Absolutely under no circumstances, are these devices allowed in your possession or proximity during exams. All cell phones must be placed in a non-audible mode while in most classrooms, computer labs, the library, learning centers, and testing areas. Exceptions apply when we use phones for class activities, or if you expect an emergency call. Tobacco Use Prohibited Yavapai College is committed to limiting exposure to the harmful effects of primary and secondary smoke to campus students, visitors, and employees. If you use the facilities at Yavapai College, you must comply with ASRS 36-301.01, Smoke Free AZ. Tobacco use on college property is defined as lighted pipes, cigars, cigarettes, the use of snuff and smokeless tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. The district prohibits the use of tobacco except in specific areas. Smoking is prohibited indoors and 25 feet from all doors, windows, and vents. Alcohol and Illegal Drug Use Prohibited Yavapai Colleges policy is to provide an environment free of drugs and alcohol. Using illegal drugs, using drugs illegally, and abuse of alcohol pose significant threats to health and can be detrimental to the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the user and the entire Yavapai College community and is prohibited. COURSE COMPONENT DETAILS Always check Blackboard announcements and Weekly Organizers for details. Pre-class Assignments
8

There are a number of short written assignments, which are due before most class meetings. The nature of these assignments varies. On your blog site, you might be asked to list the key points in a video or pose questions that came up for you. At times, I may ask you to answer other students or quiz questions, respond to a video, current event, or science article. In any case, these assignments must be completed prior to a particular class meeting and posted to your blog site, except for the first one that you will submit as an Assignment in Blackboard. No credit will be given for late work. Your Blog A blog is really a simple Web site. Please develop a blog or have an established blog ready for class by 8/30. Let me know if you need help. Your blog will be public, so you may use an alias for your name, however, your classmates and I must know who you are. I will collect and share links in a blog roll. In-class Assignments Throughout the semester, I will ask you to perform certain activities in class, for instance, a note jotted down as the Muddiest Point of the week, a group mini-presentation, or class vocabulary practice.to check in to see how yall are doin. Labs The laboratory exercises take many formsmicroscope use, problem solving, and analysis of data to name a few. Lab time is collaborative, so I expect to see you sharing results, but answers, drawings, and written discussions must be your own and submitted separately and in your unique style, even if you work in a group. Prior to a lab period, please read the lab exercise provided. Completed labs are due one week after we complete the in-class portion of the exercise; no labs will be accepted after then. Exams Ive planned three in-class examinations during the semester. Each exam includes multiple choice questions, vocabulary matching, and short answer questions. You will be prepared for exams if following study guidelines and participating in class activities. I provide a study guide for each exam, and you may bring to the exam a 3x 5 card with notes on both sides. Students may not keep exams. Afterward, we will have a general discussion and review of material, and you can view your exam at a scheduled meeting time. Sustainability Project There will be no final exam. Instead, I assign projects in order for students to apply concepts of sustainability. I intend these projects to encourage demonstration of learning in a creative fashion. Details are forthcoming. Field Trips I have scheduled two field trips. See Schedule for dates. In each case, we will carpool or meet at the location. We will begin promptly and be back to campus within our class time. No Extra Credit There will be no extra credit assignments in this course.
9

BIO 105/ENV 105 GENERAL SCHEDULE Always check Blackboard announcements and Weekly Organizers for details and updates. This schedule might change. Use textbook and other study tools every week. UNIT 1 ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES & ECOSYSTEMS CHAPTERS 1-5 Week 1 (8/19, 8/21) Introduction to Sustainability Homework: Read and understand Welcome Letters Read Chapter 1, p. 1-4, Supplement 3, and lab exercise View chapter presentations, and any other materials Due by noon 8/24: Pre-class Assignment 1. (on Week 2 topics). Please submit this to the Assignments link on the left sidebar in Blackboard. We will discuss this in class the first day. All others will be posted to your blog. In class: 8/19 Welcome, student information and introductions, lab safety Chapter 1 topics 8/21 In-class Assignment 1 Environmental history of the United States Worldview and ecological footprint Lab 1. Tragedy of the Commons Lab Week 2 (8/26, 8/28) Chapter 2 Science and Critical Thinking Homework: Read p. 2-4 Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills, Supplement 2 and Chapter 2 p. 31-41 View chapter presentations and any other materials In class: 8/26 Chapter 2 topics Baloney Detection Introduction to Statistics, Graphs, and Maps 8/28 In-class Assignment 2 Verde River Case Study Lab 2. The Cube Lab
10

Week 3 (9/4 only) Chapter 2 Matter and Energy Changes, Systems Homework: Read Chapter 2 p. 42-53 View chapter presentations and any other materials Due by noon 9/7: Pre-class Assignment 2. (on Week 4 topics) In class: 9/4 Chapter 2 topics In-class Assignment 3 Matter and Energy Flow Lab 3. Statistics Lab Week 4 (9/9, 9/11) Chapter 3 Ecosystems and Productivity Homework: Read Chapter 3 p. 54-66 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 9/14: Pre-class Assignment 3. (on Week 5 topics) In class: 9/9 Chapter 3 topics Verde River Case Study, Feedback loops 9/11 In-class Assignment 4 Lab 4. Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem Lab Week 5 (9/16, 9/18) Chapter 3 Ecosystems and Cycles Homework: Read Chapter 5 p. 56-79 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 9/21: Pre-class Assignment 4. (on Week 6 topics) In class: 9/16 Chapter 3 topics Google Earth 9/18 In-class Assignment 5 Lab 5. Observation of the Natural Environment Lab
11

UNIT 2BIODIVERSITY, EVOLUTION &SPECIES INTERACTIONS CHAPTERS 4-6 Week 6 (9/23, 9/25) Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Evolution Homework: Read Chapter 4 View chapter presentations and other materials In class: 9/23 Chapter 4 topics In-class Assignment 6 Pollination Natural selection 9/25 Exam 1 Chapters 1-5 Week 7 (9/30, 10/2) Chapter 5 Species Interactions Homework: Read Chapter 5 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 10/5: Pre-class Assignment 5. (on Week 8 topics) In class: 9/30 Chapter 5 topics In-class Assignment 7 Vanishing amphibians case study Repeat photography exercise 10/2 Lab 6. Field trip Week 8 (10/7, 10/9) Chapter 6 The Human Population and Its Impact Homework: Read Chapter 6 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 10/12: Pre-class Assignment 6. (on Week 9 topics) In class: 10/7 Chapter 6 topics Wildlife Paradigm 10/9 In-class Assignment 8 Lab 7. Wildlife Corridors Lab
12

UNIT 3BIOMES, ECOSYSTEMS & SPECIES PART 1 CHAPTERS 7-9

Week 9 (10/14, 10/16) Chapter 7 Climate & Biodiversity Homework: Read Chapter 7 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 10/19: Pre-class Assignment 7. (on Week 10 topics) In class: 10/14 Chapter 7 topics 10/16 Exam 2 Chapters 4-6 Biotic communities of Arizona Week 10 (10/21, 10/23) Chapter 8 Aquatic Ecosystems Homework: Read Chapter 8 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 10/26: Pre-class Assignment 8. (on Week 11 topics) In class: 10/21 Chapter 8 topics In-class Assignment 9 Great Garbage Patch 10/23 Google Earth Activity Lab 8. Arizonas Rivers Lab Week 11 (10/28, 10/30) Chapter 9 The Species Approach Homework: Read Chapter 9 View chapter presentations and other videos In class: 10/28 Chapter 9 topics Environmental policy 10/30 Lab 9. Islands and Invasive Species Lab

UNIT 4 BIOMES, ECOSYSTEMS AND SPECIES PART 2 CHAPTERS 10-11
13

Week 12 (11/4, 11/6) Chapter 10 The Ecosystem Approach Homework: Read Chapter 10 View chapter presentations and other materials Due by noon 11/9: Pre-class Assignment 9. (on Week 13 topics In class: 11/4 Chapter 10 topics Ranching and Agriculture 11/6 Exam 3 Chapters 7-9 Week 13 (11/13 only) Chapters 11 Sustaining Aquatic Ecosystems Homework: Read Chapter 11 View chapter presentations and other materials In class: 11/13 Lab 10. Field trip Week 14 (11/18, 11/20) Special Topic: Climate Change Homework: Read as directed View chapter presentations and materials Due by noon 11/23: Pre-class Assignment 10 (on Week 15 topics) In class: 11/18 Critical thinking and climate change 11/20 In-class Assignment 10 Climate change Week 15 (11/25 only). Special Topic: Human Population and Water Availability Homework: Read as directed View chapter presentations and other materials Work on project 11/25 Critical thinking and the USGS THANKSGIVING BREAK 11/27-12/1 Week 16 (12/2, 12/4) Project Presentations 12/9 Last day of semester
14