The Environment: Issues and Choices

Biology 15: Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology

To Contact Dr. Diggs:

Austin College Phone: (903) 813-2246, Home Phone (903) 868-1642
Office: 317 Moody Science
Mailing Address: Department of Biology, Austin College, Sherman, TX 75090
AC Suite 61564
e-mail: gdiggs@austincollege.edu
Home page: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/diggs.html
Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 M, Tu; Other times by appointment.

Biology 15: Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology-- Course Synopsis

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of organic evolution, ecology, and animal behavior, and as such provides a conceptual framework for further study in biology. Topics include the mechanisms and results of evolution; speciation processes; ecosystem, community, and population ecology; principles of behavior; and behavioral ecology.

Class Meetings: Lecture 9:00-9:50 a.m. MWF; Moody Science 302

Text: Biology, 6th Ed. by Raven & Johnson, 2002

Course Homepage: http://artemis.austinc.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/Bio15.html

Course Content: An introduction to the basic concepts of organic evolution, ecology, and animal behavior.

Exams: There are four non cumulative exams which will be given on 24 Sept., 22 Oct., 12 Nov., and 5 Dec. The final exam (scheduled for Wed., 10 December, 12:00-2:00 pm), will be CUMULATIVE and it is an OPTIONAL exam. If you are dissatisfied with one of your regular exam scores you may drop that score and replace it with your score on the final exam. If you miss a regular exam FOR ANY UNEXCUSED REASON you will be required to take the final exam and it will take the place of the missed regular exam. If you are happy with all four of your regular exam scores, then you may IGNORE the final exam. No makeup exams will be given. If you must miss an exam for a valid reason, you may arrange to take it early.

Grades: Your grade will be based on four 100 point exams (either the four regular exams OR three regular exams plus the cumulative final), with a total of 400 possible points.

Class Attendance: Because you are responsible for any material given during lecture, attendance at all classes is expected. Please read the study hints sheet concerning class attendance.

Academic Integrity:
No student may unfairly advance his or her academic performance or impede the performance of other students. Any activity that unfairly gives an advantage to a student or group of students is a violation of academic ethics and will be punished to the fullest extent of College policy.
Examples of violations include: using unauthorized notes on an exam; failure to give credit to a colleague who assisted with a project; failure to give credit to an author whose work is cited; fabrication of data; removing items from the library in violation of library policy (e.g. removing journal issues from the library building); intentionally mis-shelving materials in the library such that other individuals would not be able to locate them; and removing old tests from a bulletin board thereby preventing other students from reviewing those materials. This list is not exhaustive.
Each item that you submit for a grade in this course must include the following statement along with your signature.

This work was prepared in accordance with the Austin College academic integrity
policy. _____________Signature_____________ (Name typed or printed)

Readings: Readings are listed on the course syllabus. Assignments other than those in the text are on reserve in the Abell Library. You may be given additional reading assignments in class.

Hints for Studying for Biology 15 - You should carefully read this handout designed to help you in studying for this class.