Conservation Biology, BIOL
379/380
Course Syllabus for Fall 2011
Class
days/times: Lecture -Tues. & Thurs.9:55-11:10,
Field – Tues. 12:45-3:45*
Location: Lecture – Masonic 228,
Lab – HR 340 or off campus
Instructor: Associate Professor Jennifer Dever
Contact Info:
Office: HR 352
Phone: 415-422-5481
Office Hours: Wednesday 1:30-3:30
This course is
designed to provide an introduction to the area of conservation
biology. It will include an examination of the historical and
ethical background underpinning the current conservation movement. We
will be making connections between society and wildlife, specifically relating
to human impacts on wildlife and the role of the conservation biologist to deal
with that impact. We will focus on biodiversity, with an emphasis
on monitoring and maintaining biodiversity on the planet. Furthermore, we
will examine ecological concepts that are utilized in conservation management
practices. There is a service learning component to this course, and you
will be required to participate a minimum of 40 hours
during the semester with an environmental organization. This is a field
course, and we will also have the opportunity to experience current
conservation efforts around the bay area.
Prerequisite: Genetics Co-requisite or
pre-requisite (completion with minimum grade C).
Corequisite: Conservation Biology Field Class
Course materials:
A
Primer of Conservation Biology by Richard B. Primack,
4th edition, Sinauer Publishers.
A
Sand
Additional papers
will be made available.
Learning Outcomes:
Outcome 1. Demonstrate
a comprehensive knowledge of the history of conservation and how it has
developed into a Biological sub-discipline.
You will be introduced to the history of
the conservation movement, both from a
§
You
will be able to discuss the various levels of biodiversity, and the current
management practices for maintaining sustainable biodiversity.
§
You will be able to describe the models for
monitoring and managing wildlife populations and ecosystems. You will
make connections between habitat management and sustainable use.
Outcome 4. Evaluate the
significance of ongoing conservation efforts in the bay area.
§
You
will become familiar with current environmental/conservation efforts being made
by both private and government organizations in the bay area.
§
You
will process how the service learning experience is connected to concepts and
reflect upon this experience.
§
You
will participate (in groups) directly with an environmental/conservation
organization and give a presentation to the class chronicling your experience
as well as detailing the history and activities which the organization is
involved.
What fun stuff will I get to do this semester?
A) Service Learning Component:
A portion of
your grade is based on your service oriented participation with an
environmental/conservation-related organization in the community. This
service learning activity will expose you to the role such an organization
plays in the conservation effort. You will be participating with
organizations that will provide you with hands-on experience as well as allow
you to participate actively in the conservation of biodiversity within your
community. You will be able to use many of the Tuesday afternoon sessions to complete your service work, however it will not be limited to this time- you are responsible for arranging your service hours with the organization. During your time at an organization which must be first
approved by me, you will be responsible for fulfilling the following
requirements:
þ
completing
a minimum of 40 hours of service at an approved organization
þ
chronicling
your activities in a reflection ournal and directly relating them to material we
are covering in class during discussion periods
þ
organizing
and leading an on-site presentation on your environmental organization
Reflection Journal – You will be responsible for chronicling your service
activities in your journal. However, what is more important is that you
use this journal as a way of reflecting on your service experience. You
should write down your feelings about the service work and organization.
You should also write about if and how the work relates to the conservation
biology class. These will be turned in at the completion of your service
work time.
Group onsite presentation: Working in groups, you will
coordinate an on-site service field trip for the class to attend. At the
organization/service site, you will organize and lead a presentation on your
particular conservation/environmental organization, for which you have
conducted your service work. This should include a service activity
for the class to participate in, as well as a brief introduction to the
organization staff members. You and your partner will be responsible for
the presentation material. The presentation must be an in depth
discussion about the organization, its members, historical background
information on the organization and impact it has on conservation of
biodiversity and the community as a whole. Your grade will depend on how
well you conveyed the information to the class, how much background information
was provided, how much work was put into the presentation, how well the class
responded to your presentation, and how much the class got out of the site
visit.
For additional information on the Service Learning
Requirement - see the SL info site.
B) Essays: Each
student will complete three essays/assignments. The first essay will be on a
given topic. You will be able to choose among a few topics. In the second
essay, you will be expected to critically read a journal article and write a
review of this article, incorporating information learned throughout the
course. The third essay will be a translational science essay. Further details for these papers will be provided later.
C) In class activities: A few times this semester, you will participate
in "in-class" discussion activities which include debating specific
topics and role-playing.
D) Field Trips: This is a FIELD COURSE, and we will be taking class field trips to various places where folks are involved in conservation issues
throughout the region. We will be able to learn first hand from individuals
working in the field of conservation! Field trips are on Tuesdays from 12:45 - 3:45 (there will be one trip that will run over this time, but you will be informed ahead of time). See
the schedule link for specific trip dates. You are responsible for knowing when these dates are! You are required to be on time, since we leave for the
trips promptly at 12:45. We will usually meet at the Koret
Parking lot, upper level, or HR 340 - be sure to pay attention to where the
meeting place and time is! Also, be
sure to dress appropriately – oftentimes we will be hiking around outside
so hiking shoes and a jacket is highly recommended.
E) Exams: You will complete a midterm
and a final exam. These will be primarily short answer/essay exams.
The final is not comprehensive.
How will my grade be determined? You will receive the same grade for both lecture and lab sections, and
it is determined by the points you earn/total points
possible.
| Grades: | Grading Scale: |
| 2 exams (200pts) | A- 90-93%, A 94-96%, A+ 97-100%
|
| Essays (90pts) |
B- 80-83%,
B 84-86%, B+ 87-89%
|
| In-class activities (10pts) |
C- 70-73%,
C 74-76%, C+ 77-79%
|
| Journal/Discussion (10pts) | D- 60-62%, D 63-66%, D+ 67-69% |
| SL onsite presentation (90pts) | F <60%
|
Academic Honesty: From the USF catalog: “The University expects students to be honest in their academic work. Academic dishonesty is viewed as an ethical issue and a violation of the principles of justice and personal responsibility inherent in the University's ideals as expressed in its Statement of Mission and Goals. In particular, students must refrain from plagiarism, cheating and collusion in connection with examinations and must acknowledge fully all sources and all assistance received in work submitted to the faculty for evaluation.”
Plagiarism of papers or cheating on exams, quizzes, or homework will not be tolerated. You may not copy any part of anyone else’s work and pass it in as your own. Any plagiarism or cheating will result in a grade of F for the course, and a report will be submitted to the Dean resulting in a permanent record of the incident in your academic file. If you observe someone else cheating, you also have the responsibility to bring this situation to the instructor’s attention.
Electronic Devices In Class: Turn the OFF. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES while in class. Please refrain from using a lap-top or iPad in class. These items are distracting and unnecessary in this type of course. If you need to record the lectures, that is permissible provided you discuss this beforehand with the instructor.
Students with disabilities: Please discuss your needs with me during the first week of classes. Any student who, because of a disabling condition may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the Disability Related Services Dept. at 2613.
Tentative
Lecture/Field trip Schedule