ABIO 401 ECOLOGY

Course Objectives:

Ecology advances a conceptual framework for understanding how numbers of species vary among habitats, and how numbers of individuals vary among species within a habitat. A series of mathematical models defines this framework, and Biology 401 introduces students to the focal concepts and quantitative principles underlying ecological predicitons.

Students in Biology 401 should gain an understanding of the quantitative analysis of [1] the growth and decline of single populations in constant and fluctuating environments, [2] between-species competition for resources, [3] predator-prey interactions, and [4] the advance of infectious disease. Students should appreciate how natural and human-dominated processes impact quantitative measures of ecological diversity. Finally, students should understand how predictions deduced from theory guide empirical work in "hypothetico-deductive" science.

Students will demonstrate attainment of course objectives by answering a series of in-class quizzes. Quizzes will stress understanding of quantitative problems.

... despite the field's reputation as a soft science, nearly all of biology is now ripe for quantitative analysis ...
Phillips, R., Quake, S., Physics Today, May 2006.

Students should realize that this course does not address envirommental problems/conservation technologies.
For a contemporary discussion of of environmental challenges, see Vermont Law School's Environmental Watch List.

Course Prerequisites:

BIO 212Y (Genetics)

MAT 111 or MAT 112

A calculus course is essential for ecology. Students should have some familiarity with derivatives, difference equations, and differential equations. Quizzes will emphasize quantitative problems.

Students may find one or more links listed on The Calculus Page useful.

Attendance:

Class attendance is not mandatory. However, in-class quizzes need not be announced prior to the date administered. Read and follow any University at Albany guidelines for necessary absences.

A university requires faculty and students committed to academic intergrity. Students should read about their responsibilities in the current Undergraduate Bulletin. Importantly, plagiarism cannot be tolerated. See University Academic Regulations.

Texts:

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

Dr. Gotelli's book provides a clear, concise introduction to the quantitaive bases of scientific ecology.

2. Alstad, D. 2001. Basic Populus Models of Ecology. (Recommended)

Dr. Alstad's book discusses population dynamics, examines a series of epidemic models, and guides the student's numerical investigation of ecological models. The book serves as a "laboratory manual" for Populus, a useful, free software tool designed to help students explore models of the most important ecological processes.

Problem Sets:

Both texts present problems for solution. To help students meet course objectives, links to a series of problem sets are provided below. Most of these problems require analytical or numerical solution. Solving problems often proves useful preparation for quizzes. Think about and solve the problems associated with particular topics as we address the associated text material.

Problem Set A: Population estimation, exponential growth Answers

Problem Set B: Geometric growth, temporal variation Answers

Problem Set C: Logistic growth, continuous and discrete time Answers

Problem Set D: Age structure, population projection Answers

Problem Set E: Competition, predation and epidemics Answers

Problem Set F: Metapopulations, island biogeography, species diversity Answers

Whoever despises the high wisdom of mathematics nourishes himself on delusion.
da Vinci, 1489.

Grade Determination:

Five (5) in-class quizzes, each graded from 0 to 20 points, contribute equally to the course grade. Each quiz will address material from the preceding meetings (2 - 3 weeks) and associated reading assignments.

Students accumulating 90 or more of the 100 available "points" will earn a final grade of A; most students find this goal challenging.
Any student attaining less than 1/2 of the available points will (likely) fail the course.

The course does not include a final exam.

Quiz 1

Quiz 2

Quiz 3

BIO 320 Syllabus

Topic	Reading: Text Pages
Density-Independent Dynamics	Gotelli: 2-23
	Alstad: 1-15
Density-Dependence: Self Regulation	Gotelli: 26-48, 225-236
	Alstad: 16-40
Dynamic Overcompensation and Chaos	here
Age-Structured Population Dynamics	Gotelli: 50-79
	Alstad: 41-58, 66-68
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
Keystone Species and Ecological Diversity
Island Biogeography	Gotelli: 156-175
Ecological Succession	Gotelli: 180-202
Community Diversity	Gotelli: 204-224
Geography of Species Number

B320 ID	Quiz 1 (20 pts)	Quiz 2 (20 pts)	Quiz 3 (20 pts)	Quiz 4 (20 pts)	Quiz 5 (20 pts)
A4H	12	09	14	18	16
A1E	04	08	11	20	18
A6B	18	10	15	18	15
A10	18	15	18	14	18
F4D	16	07	16	11	20
F15	15	17	12	19	16
J57	16	12	19	16	09
F18	18	14	20	17	19
C97	17	09	18	19	14
C17	13	05	11	10	12
C10	05	12	11	16	13
B66	12	14	20	19	13
B57	13	09	20	14	13
B1B	17	05	20	15	07
RF4	09	02	10	07	11
B45	14	09	??	XC	??

Ecology ABIO 401 Fall 2016

LECTURES

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