Honors  LS 1510 

 

Perspectives in the Life Sciences:

 

 Ecology and Natural History of the Great Salt Lake

 

Fall 2010

Dr. John F. Cavitt

 

Office:  ET 135; LI 58

Phone:  626-8541

Email:  jcavitt@weber.edu

Office Hours: M, W, F -12:30 – 1:00p.m. or by appointment

Course Website: http://faculty.weber.edu/jcavitt/courses.htm

 

Meeting Time: M, W, F – 11:30 – 12:20 p.m.

Required Readings: 

1)      Readings will be assigned and listed on the course bibliography.

2)      Terry Tempest Williams.  Refuge: An unnatural history of family and place. September, 1992.
ISBN: 0-679-74024-4

 

Course Description:   

 

The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique environments found in North America.  In addition, it is recognized hemispherically for its extensive wetlands and critical value to migratory birds.  Despite its importance, the Great Salt Lake is both poorly known and underappreciated.  This course will examine this ecosystem by first understanding the non-living factors (climate, geology and mineral content) that determine which organisms are capable of existing within such a harsh environment.  The course will then explore the diversity of life that exists within and near the lake to gain a better understanding of this important system.  Because it is difficult to appreciate the lake from a classroom, field trips will be an important component of this course.

 

After completing this course students will demonstrate their understanding of the following general principles of science:

 

1.  Nature of science
2. Integration of science
3. Science and society
4. Problem solving and data analysis

 

Students will also demonstrate their understanding of the following characteristics of life:

 

1. Levels of organization
2. Metabolism and homeostasis
3. Genetics and evolution
4. Ecological interactions

 

Attendance and Classroom Etiquette: 

Attendance is required for you to succeed in the course for two reasons: 1) I will be presenting material in class that is not found in your texts, and 2) I utilize an “Active Learning” style of teaching that requires student participation.  If you have to miss a lecture due to an illness, for example, be sure to get good notes from someone in the class right away.  I will not be able to provide students with lecture notes.  I also expect students to arrive on time and to stay for the entire class.  The class will conclude when you are dismissed.  Although I expect you to attend class I will not record attendance.  I also expect students to show proper classroom etiquette by- 1) not talking while I am talking or your fellow students, 2) not sleeping or reading during class, 3) turning off all cell phones and pagers before class.

 

Exams, Quizzes and Assignments: You are expected to take all exams as scheduled.  If you have to miss an exam, you must let me know BEFORE THE EXAM, or as soon as physically possible.  It is your responsibility to contact me if for some valid reason you miss an exam and must arrange a make-up.  Excused absences will be granted only if I am notified as soon as possible.  Late assignments will be penalized 5% / day, up to five days late; after five days, unexcused late assignments will not be accepted.  Late assignments will be accepted without penalty only if a valid excuse (e.g. documented illness) is presented as close to the due-date as is practical.  

Each student is expected to do his or her own work. Cheating, plagiarism and all other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students are expected to abide by the Student Code as printed in the WSU Student Handbook. Proof of academic dishonesty will result in a final grade of E for the course and the circumstances will be reported to appropriate University authorities.

An important part of the exam development process is to review each exam item (i.e., exam question) to ensure technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and absence of ambiguity and bias. However, in the event you believe a particular exam item is not valid, you may make a written appeal.  In an attempt to provide a fair, impartial and impersonal appeal process I will not enter into negotiations with students over exam questions. The only means for getting reconsideration is through a written appeal. Appeals MUST be submitted within 5 days to be considered.

Steps for Appealing Exam Items
Within four calendar days of receiving the corrected exam, submit the following information by e-mail to jcavitt@weber.edu with "Exam Item Evaluation" in the subject line:

·         Name and E-mail address

·         Exam score

·         A concise description for the specific exam item(s) at issue

·         A concise rationale for evaluation of the item.  This must include 2 citations supporting your claim. This should also include relevant passages from texts which you feel support your interpretation.

·         Your submittal will be acknowledged by e-mail. At that time, you
will receive either the result of the evaluation or, if more time is needed for evaluation, an estimate of when you can expect a decision.

·         Once a decision has been made, it will be regarded as final and no further evaluation will
occur.

 

 

Grading: 

Your course grade will be based on 400 pts, distributed as follows

Exam 1 – 100pts, Wednesday, September 15

Exam 2 – 100pts, Wednesday, October 20

Final exam – 100pts, Monday, December 6, 11:30 a.m.

Reflection Paper on Refuge- 25pts, due Monday, November 22

Misc. Assignments, discussion participation – 75pts

 

 

The following percentages will determine the grade earned:

 

93 - 100% A

90 - 92% A-

87 - 89% B+

83 - 86% B

80 - 82% B-

77 - 79% C+

73 - 76% C

70 - 72% C-

67 - 69% D+

63 - 66% D

60 - 62% D-

below 60% E