1.Students will understand the definition of species

2.Students will compare natural vs. man-induced extinction

3.Students will learn basic principles of ecology, systematics, evolution, and biogeography as they relate to biodiversity

4.Students will examine how the diversity of animal and plants on earth has changed over time

5.Students will study the two most diverse ecosystems on earth: coral reefs and rain forest

6.Students will study insect and ant diversity as paradigms of biodiversity

7.Students will discuss the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands and Serengeti of Africa and study the problems of conserving these unique ecosystems

8.Students will examine human diversity and analyze the impact of different cultures on biodiversity

9.Students will discuss how habitat destruction, human population growth, global warming and other factors affect biodiversity

10.Students will learn about organizations devoted to the preservation of biodiversity

11.Students will become familiar with governmental policies affecting biodiversity and how individual citizens may have an impact on these policies

12.Students will examine methods to assess and monitor biodiversity

13.Students will discuss countries that have taken a lead in preserving biodiversity and learn about positive alternatives to habitat destruction

14.Students will discuss positive and negative aspects of science and technology on biodiversity

15.Students will learn about medicinal, genetic and other benefits of preserving biodiversity

1.Regular attendance, preparation for and participation in class. Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. Four absences will be allowed without penalty. Each additional absence will decrease the final grade by 5%. Perfect attendance will be rewarded by adding 6 points to the student's final point total.

2.Take notes on lectures, films and videos, and text assignments. Exam questions may be over any of these materials.

3.Successfully complete all exams and assignments. Make-up exams will only be given under exceptional circumstances when accompanied by a written excuse.

4.Cheating will not be tolerated. Students are expected to read the Biology department's policy on academic honesty. A person caught cheating may be expelled from the course and reported to the University for further disciplinary measures.

5.Send a typed letter on a topic or issue relating to biodiversity to a decision maker in government or business. The letter must explain the student's position on the issue and request feedback on the policymaker's position or actions on the issue. Letters will be graded on accuracy of content, grammar, spelling, clarity and rationale. A student will earn 5 bonus points if he/she receives a substantive response.

6.Write an in-depth paper (approximately 10 pages) on a topic dealing with biological diversity. The paper should survey recent scientific literature on the subject and document sources with internal citations. The literature cited section should contain at least four current references (1990 or more recent). Topics must be selected before the end of the second week of class.

7.Present a short oral report (5-10 minutes) on your paper. Only one report is to be given per lecture period.

1st Exam - 100 pts

2nd Exam - 100 pts

Final Exam (Comprehensive) - 100 pts

Participation - 25 pts

Biodiversity letter - 15 pts

Research paper - 50 pts

DATE READING