Biology 213: Diversity and Ecology

 

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SYLLABUS: Spring 2004

 

Instructor: Laura I. Gonzalez

Office hours: T, TH 15-16:30 If my office hours do not adjust to your schedule please call or e-mail me to set an appointment when needed.

Office: Bio Lab 114 CB

E-mail: ligg@mail.utexas.edu

Phone: 471-5368

 

 

Teaching Assistant: Krushnamegh Kunte

Office Hours: E-mail/call me and drop by 

Office: Patterson 627

E-mail: krushnamegh@mail.utexas.edu

Phone: 471-4506

 

Course website: www.sbs.utexas.edu/gonzalez/bio213.htm

 

Course description:  Bio 213 is a required course for students pursuing a Major in the Natural Sciences. It provides an introduction to the general patterns of biological diversity and the mechanisms behind it. The course explores the development, diversification and ecology of the Earth’s biota, specifically how it is classified into major lineages and its past and current interactions with their environment. 

 

Recommended Text: Campbell, N. A. and J. B. Reece. 2002. Biology, 6th Edition. Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco.

 

Lecture hours: T, TH: 11:00-12:00 at TAY 2.006.  I strongly recommend attending all lectures, as exams will be solely based on lecture material.

 

Discussions: Attendance is HIGHLY recommended.  Scientific articles and lecture material will be discussed.  Grading will be based on weekly participation (11 participations worth 3 points/each for a total of 33 points) and article reading/discussion (7 articles worth 6 points each for a total of 42 points).  The participation will consist of 2-3 questions about each week’s lectures designed to identify your grasp of the course contents.  You will get points even if your answers are wrong.

 

Unique number       Bldg & room               Time

46575                          GEA 127                      M: 8:00-9:00

46580                          JES A217A                   F: 8:00-9:00

46585                          CBA 4.326                   W: 12:00-13:00

46590                          RLM 7.124                   F: 12:00-13:00

46595                          CBA 4.324                   W: 13:00-14:00

 

Exams: There will be 4 lecture exams worth 100 points each.  They will consist of multiple choice/matching and short essay questions (see sample on course web site). No short essays will be given on the fourth exam. Exam I is scheduled for Feb 10th, Exam II for March 11th, Exam III for April 13th, and Exam IV for May 6th.  All exams will be conducted during regular lecture hours.  No restrooms/water/etc breaks will be permitted during exams.  Student ID will be required.  

 

Grading: A total of 475 points will be available in the course (400 for lecture and 75 for discussion).  Final letter grades will be assigned at the end of the semester following a curve.  There is no extra credit.   

 

Important Notice: Missed exams or discussion evaluations will ONLY be made-up in extreme situations: family emergency (verified by University), health issues (with written doctor’s excuse), or a religious holiday (must notify 14 days in advance).

 

Important Date: Last day to drop a course without a possible academic penalty is Feb 16th.

 

 

 

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