BIOL 200 Principles of Ecology provides an introduction to the major principles of ecology. Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment and how these interactions determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Interactions between biotic and abiotic systems are discussed as they apply to individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include patterns in the physical environment, behavioural ecology, population dynamics, interactions between species, ecosystem energetics and global biodiversity. In the laboratory, basic statistical methods for ecology are used to analyse data gathered in field and laboratory experiments.
Prerequisites: BIOL 106 with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Corequisite: None
Crosslisted: None
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 67.5 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 1.5 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- explain how the distribution of biomes is affected by global climate patterns.
- explain how individuals interact with their environment to maximize fitness.
- describe the structure of biological systems at the organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels.
- explain the complex and dynamic interactions among individuals, populations, and the environment including successional change.
- assess the effect of human activity on the structure and function of biological systems.
- conduct library research, and write a term paper on an ecological problem of interest.
- interpret ecological data derived from field and laboratory experiments.
- apply the scientific method by conducting an ecological research project; collect and analyze data, write a formal scientific report.
- think critically, problem solve, and use scientific reasoning skills.
- communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.