Summer 2011

BIOLOGY-6C: Ecology & Evolution

CRN 00079: BIOL–006C–01

Mon–Thu 9:30–2:20

SC 2108

& regional field sites

Course E-Greensheet:   http://faculty.deanza.fhda.edu/heyerbruce/bio6C

á       Required Text: Biology, 9th ed., Campbell, N.A. & J.B. Reese; Pearson Education, 2011.

á       Required Field Guide: Pacific Coast Tree Finder, 2nd ed., Watts, T.; Nature Study Guild, 2002.

á       Required Software: Ecobeaker¨ 2.5 & SimBio Virtual Labs¨,  to be purchased from the
Simbiotic Software on-line Webstore: http://simbio.com/webstores/DeAnzaSU11.html

á       Required field trip fees (see below).

á       Additional required materials:

o    a stitch-bound journal or field record book for field notes and illustrations

o    large clips or clipboard to hold papers under windy field conditions

o    colored pencils

o    attire appropriate for specific field sites (especially sturdy, comfortable walking shoes)

o    sunscreen & hat

o    transportation to field sites — parking is often limited; carpooling is strongly urged!

Textbook supplemental Mastering Biology website:    http://www.campbellbiology.com/

Instructor: Bruce Heyer

Email:  heyerbruce @ fhda.edu

Office: SC 1212

Office Hours: by appointment

Phone: (408) 864–8933
The field portions of the course provide hands-on experience in environmental sampling, surveying, and monitoring. You will also be introduced to the most of the specific ecosystems in our region. And last, but certainly not least, you will develop your aptitude in research and scientific methodology by conducting an independent study project.

FIELD TRIP RELEASES & FEES:

o   SF Bay Refuge / Charleston Slough / Baylands:  $5 (donation to Santa Clara Audubon Society).

o   SF Zoo:  $12.

o   Monterey Bay Aquarium:  $26.

¤  Lecture Exams: There are three exams based upon material covered in lecture. A new (clean and unwrinkled) Scantron Form # 882-E (green) answer sheet and a #2 pencil will be needed for each lecture exam. Each exam counts 100 points. (3 x 100 = 300 points)

¤  Exercises: several group exercises performed during lab & field activities, four Ecobeaker¨ simulation reports, and two field notebook evaluations. (100% = 200 points)
(As part of our use agreement with Simbiotic, students not purchasing the software will not receive credit for the simulation exercise reports!)

¤  Species Quizzes: two quizzes on the identification of specimens or pictures of plants and animals selected from our lab & field activities. Each species quiz counts 30 points. (2 x 30 = 60 points)

¤  Research project: an independently conducted ecological research project conducted in a team of four students. Each student shall receive a percentage of the total score based upon their contribution and participation to all parts.

á    prospectus: literature search, proposed hypotheses & experimental design = 30 points

á    technique & data analysis = 50 points

á    final project presentation = 50 points

á    individual peer evaluation = 10 points

o   Total project score = 140 points

v The final class grade will be determined as a percentage of the maximum total 700 points:

92-100% = A  /  89-91% = A-  /  86-88% = B+  /  80-85% = B  /  77-79% = B-

74-76% = C+  /  65-73% = C  /  53-64% = D  /  <53% = F

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