BIO 320 ECOLOGY

Course Objectives:

Ecological theory provides a rigorous conceptual framework for understanding the complexity observed aross natural landscapes, and for framing scientific analysis of applied problems. The course therefore focuses on the core of this framework, a series of well-defined mathematical models for the dynamics of single populations, and for the growth of ecologically interacting species.

Students should (i) acquire familiarity with basic ecological concepts, (ii) learn to recognize, formulate and interpret mathematical models of ecological systems, (iii) appreciate how predictions deduced from theory guide empirical work, and (iv) understand how evolution can shape ecological processes. Students will demonstrate achievement of these objectives by answering problem sets, writing two in-class examinations, and by completing a project analyzing one or more questions about population dynamics. Satisfactory completion of the course should prepare a student for graduate study of the subject.

Course Prerequisites:

BIO 212Y, Genetics.

MAT 106, Calculus (or higher) OR PHY 140, Mechanics (or higher).

BIO 212Y introduces students to the language of population genetics, evolution and adaptation - necessary to advance in evolutionary ecology. A calculus course, or physics with calculus, is just as essential for ecology. Students should have some familiarity with derivatives, difference equations, and differential equations. Testing will emphasize quantitative problems.

Students may find several of the links listed on The Calculus Page useful.

Advice/Classroom Procedures:

Class attendance is not mandatory. However, problem sets will be collected in the classroom only.
If attending class, please arrive on time for lecture, and be quiet when lecture begins. The course objectives are acquired more easily if reading assignments (see below) are completed prior to lecture.

Texts:

1. Gotelli, N.J. 2008. A Primer of Ecology, 4^th Edition.

Dr. Gotelli's book provides a concise introduction to population dynamics and related ecological models.

2. Alstad, D. 2001. Basic Populus Models of Ecology.

Dr. Alstad's book discusses population dynamics and guides the student's numerical investigation of ecological models. The book serves as a "laboratory manual" for Populus, a useful, free software tool. When downloading Populus you first may need to download and install a virtual running environment; the website offers some guidance.

The two books overlap strongly in topics addressed, since both cover central issues of Ecology. But the books differ in important ways. For example, Dr. Gotelli's book includes discussion of field studies bearing on ecological theory; Dr. Alstad's book devotes a chapter to epidemics, a major focus of population dynamics. Students might find Dr. Gotelli's book sufficient, since Populus includes "help files," summarizing points from Dr. Alstad's book.

Problem Sets:

Both texts listed above present problems for solution. To help students meet course objectives, problem sets will appear on this webpage periodically. Most of the problems require analytical or numerical solution. Written answers will be collected during class periods. Solving problems proves the best preparation for tests, and the soundest method for achieving understanding.

Problem Set 1 is due Wednesday, 10 September.

Problem Set 2 is due Wednesday, 24 September.

Problem Set 3 is due Wednesday, 8 October.

Problem Set 4 is due Wednesday, 15 October.

Problem Set 5 is due Friday, 14 November.

Practice Problems for Test 2 will not be collected.

Project:

Each student will complete a project summarizing their analysis of an ecological model. The project may involve (i) development of a new model, (ii) numerical investigation of the dynamics of an existing model (Populus would prove useful here), or a similar exercise. For most students, numerical verification of an ecological model's properties will meet the requirement. The project must be summarized in a ten-page document. The project report is due Monday, 8 December 2008, the last class meeting.

View a one-page discussion of project details.

Grade Determination:

Two (2) tests will be administered. Each test contributes 30% of the course grade. The project report contributes the 35% of the course grade. Problem sets, each graded pass/fail, contribute the final 5%.

Test dates are 17 October 08 (Friday), and 21 November 08 (Friday).
The final classroom meetings will be spent analyzing models selected for student projects. The course does not include a final exam.

Syllabus

Topic	Reading: Text Pages
Density-Independent Dynamics	Gotelli: 2-23
	Alstad: 1-15
Density-Dependence: Self Regulation	Gotelli: 26-48
	Alstad: 16-40
Dynamic Overcompensation and Chaos	here
Age-Structured Population Dynamics	Gotelli: 50-79
	Alstad: 41-58, 66-68
Test 1
Metapopulation Dynamics	Gotelli: 82-96
Inter-Specific Competition	Gotelli: 100-124
	Alstad: 71-90
Predator-Prey Dynamics	Gotelli: 126-153
	Alstad: 91-103
Infection Dynamics	Alstad: 115-133
Test 2
Island Biogeography	Gotelli: 156-175
Ecological Succession	Gotelli: 180-202
Community Diversity	Gotelli: 204-224
Models: Student Projects

Last 4 of ID	Problem Sets (# S/Total)	Test 1 (max 30)	Test 2 (max 30)
9745	3/5	12	12
4481	4/5	20	21
2126	5/5	20	14
9700	4/5	17	14
8026	4/5	9	9
6203	2/5	16	11
0066	3/5	7	10
4256	5/5	7	6
7584	4/5	24	22
7138	3/5	16	15
3793	5/5	18	18
5889	5/5	16	16
9375	4/5	17	8
5487	4/5	16	13
7498	3/5	15	19
7168	4/5	19	15
6508	3/5	11	12
7716	5/5	9	14
1376	5/5	20	19
4146	5/5	22	11
6520	2/5	20	13
8151	5/5	21	18
7380	2/5	17	9
5825	4/5	21	7
3656	4/5	21	16
4261	5/5	21	11
8922	4/5	24	10
9315	3/5	10	7
9638	5/5	21	11
9714	5/5	21	11
9234	3/5	22	9
1858	4/5	15	12
7687	4/5	15	18
8152	4/5	26	13
1324	2/5	9	12
7793	5/5	13	17
3845	4/5	10	14
0790	2/5	4	15
6479	2/5	17	24

Ecology BIO 320 Fall 2008

Ecology
BIO 320
Fall 2008