BIOL 253, Coral Reef Ecology, Spring 2008

Abstract

The objectives of the Monday classes are to: - introduce you to the faunal and floral components of coral reef ecosystems, - sensitize you to the plight of these ecosystems, - develop observational skills, - develop writing skills through journaling, - prepare for the two-week course in Honduras. The format of the Monday classes will be mostly lecture, although there will be two lab exercises. There will be WebCT quizzes, an expectation of journaling, and a final exam. The objectives of the Tuesday evening classes are to: - allow you an in-depth look at the questions coral reef ecologists ask, - develop a working vocabulary and perspective of coral reef ecologists, - develop your reading and thinking skills by dealing with articles written by marine biologists for marine biologists, and by doing so you are becoming more of scientist yourself. The format of the Tuesday evening class will be discussion. We will all read the assigned papers. Each week assigned students will present/critique the paper or papers, and criteria for evaluation of these presentations include depth of understanding of the material, clarity of presentation, and ability to engage the class in discussion. Simply summaries of the articles will be frowned upon. When it is not your week to present a paper, you are expected to provide written responses, i.e., a question and a comment/critique, about each of these papers, which reflect a thorough wrestling with the material. Class participation through substantive discussion is expected of you. Written responses not complete at the beginning of class will receive zero credit. There will be a final, written exam at the completion of the course. You will be asked to submit questions for this exam.