Course Syllabus
Instructor: D.
Assistant Professor, Environmental Science
Office: 330
MUGC Administration Building,
Office Hours: Monday
Telephone: 746-2045, or 1-800-642-9842 ext 2045
Fax: 746-2063
E-mail: simonton@marshall.edu
Required Textbook: Ecology, Molles 2001
Additional References and
Handouts
Assigned
Course Description:
The purpose of the course is for students to gain a working
knowledge of important ecological concepts, to appreciate the different
ecosystems and to understand the cycles that are important in maintaining each
ecosystem type. By the end of the
course, students should be able to discuss ecological concepts as they apply to
ecosystems and should be able to anticipate the effects that ecological
stressors (such as pollution, poor management practices, etc...) may have on
any given system. Emphasis will be
placed on Appalachian ecosystems, especially freshwater, and on restoration of
ecosystems impacted by anthropogenic effects.
Students are ENCOURAGED to bring
their own spheres of interest and enthusiasm to this course, and to use this
course as a means of improving their understanding of their own systems and
ideas of interest.
Attendance:
As tests and assignments will include information from class notes and in-class discussions, and because much of the reference material will be handouts and notes, attendance is strongly encouraged. I will provide handouts if you miss class, but you will need to get notes from fellow students.
Grading: Mid-Term Exam or Project (Take Home) 25%
Final Exam or Project (Take Home) 25%
Assignments/presentations/etc. 50%
Assignments not turned in on time will receive an automatic 25% off.
Some of the topics I anticipate we’ll cover (in no particular order):
·
Ecosystems,
defined
·
Techniques for
Ecosystem Study (radiotracers, flux measures, stable isotopes)
·
The Atmosphere,
Ocean Circulation, and Climate
·
Origins of
elements on Earth (planetary history)
·
Geology, soil
genesis
·
Biogeochemistry,
energy
·
The Hydrologic
Cycle
·
The Carbon Cycle
·
The Iron cycle
·
Primary Production, Respiration, and Decomposition
·
The Phosphorous and Nitrogen Cycles
·
Terrestrial Ecosystems: Forests, grasslands,
savannah, etc.
·
Aquatic Ecosystems: Wetlands, streams, lakes,
oceans, etc.
·
Trophic dynamics in ecosystems
·
Trans-global comparisons of ecosystem types
·
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in ecosystems
·
Human impacts on local and global biogeochemistry
·
Restoration of ecosystems