BIOL 220W
(GN)
Biology: Populations and Communities (4) A study of the structures and functions of organismic interactions from simple populations to complex ecosystems. (BIOL 220W, 230W, and 240W each carry only 1 credit of "writing"; all three courses must be taken to meet the writing requirement.)
BIOL 220W Biology: Populations and Communities (4)
(GN)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Biol 22OW is an introductory course in ecology. It introduces students to the fundamental ecological principles, concepts, patterns, and processes regarding populations, communities, and ecosystems. This course provides students with a foundation of ecological science, as well demonstrating linkages between ecology, population genetics, and evolution.
The course objectives are the same as those described in the original course proposal and are to provide students with a fundamental understanding of: "l) genetic processes within populations of living things, 2) evolutionary processes involved in speciation, 3) dynamic interactions of organisms within and among populations, especially pertaining to energy cycles, various biogeochemical cycles, predator-prey interactions, and the like, and 4) distribution patterns of living organisms and the need to conserve the resources of the earth."
Evaluation methods in the lecture part of the course include two to three "mid-term" exams and a comprehensive final exam. Evaluation methods in the lab portion of the course include in-class quizzes, one or more formal lab reports on experiments or data analysis conducted in lab sessions, and short write-ups of existing data sets or relevant ecological issues. Points earned on lecture exams comprise between 65 - 75% of the total points, whereas points earned in lab comprise about 25 - 35% of the total points earned in the course.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.