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BIO 3SS3

Population Ecology

Winter 2021 Course Outline

Course Details

Instructor: Jonathan Dushoff (dushoff@mcmaster.ca)

Office hours: TBA

Lectures: Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30 AM MDCL-1105

Course Description

Population Ecology: Population structure and dynamics. Natural selection and regulation of organisms by environmental and biological factors. An evolutionary view of predation, competition, life history schedules.

• Three lectures, one tutorial (one hour); one term

• Prerequisite(s): BIOLOGY 2F03 (or ISCI 2A18 A/B)

We are currently planning for live lectures. These will be recorded and posted with closed captions. The outline will be updated if live lectures will not be practical in January.

Course Objectives

The course will focus on quantitative and conceptual thinking, and applications to ecological problems.

Students will learn about:

• Dynamical modeling of populations

• Individual-based and population-based perspectives

• Quantitative aspects of inter-species interactions

Course Schedule

The course will cover the following topics:

• Population dynamics

  • Age structure and life history

  • Human population growth

• Competition

• Exploitation

  • Predator-prey relationships

  • The spread of infectious disease

Course Materials

• The primary course material is the lectures, and associated lecture

  notes, available on AtL or on this site

  • It is recommended to print the lecture notes and bring them to

    class to make additional notes - Other readings will be assigned

• You will need an approved calculator for the tests; it is

  recommended that you bring this to class as well.

• You should install the free computer program R from the

  website [http://www.r-project.org/]{.underline} on a computer that you will be able to work with.

• Additional readings will be made available on AtL

Course Evaluation

• Assignments 10%

• Two midterms, 50% (25% each)

  • Fri 7 Feb and 13 Mar, in class

• Final exam 40%

  • Will be scheduled by the Registrar

• Extra credit will be given for class participation

• Tests will be cumulative, but will emphasize new material more

  than already-tested material

Academic Integrity

You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the [Academic Integrity Policy]{.underline}, located at https://secretariat.mcmaster.ca/university-policies-procedures- guidelines/

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

• plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own or for

  which other credit has been obtained.

• improper collaboration in group work.

• copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

Authenticity/Plagiarism Detection

Some courses may use a web-based service (Turnitin.com) to reveal authenticity and ownership of student submitted work. For courses using such software, students will be expected to submit their work electronically either directly to Turnitin.com or via an online learning platform (e.g. Avenue to Learn, etc.) using plagiarism detection (a service supported by Turnitin.com) so it can be checked for academic dishonesty.

Students who do not wish their work to be submitted through the plagiarism detection software must inform the Instructor before the assignment is due. No penalty will be assigned to a student who does not submit work to the plagiarism detection software. All submitted work is subject to normal verification that standards of academic integrity have been upheld (e.g., on-line search, other software, etc.). For more details about McMaster's use of Turnitin.com please go to [www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity]{.underline}.

Courses with an On-line Element

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Online Proctoring

Some courses may use online proctoring software for tests and exams. This software may require students to turn on their video camera, present identification, monitor and record their computer activities, and/or lock/restrict their browser or other applications/software during tests or exams. This software may be required to be installed before the test/exam begins.

Conduct Expectations

As a McMaster student, you have the right to experience, and the responsibility to demonstrate, respectful and dignified interactions within all of our living, learning and working communities. These expectations are described in the [Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities]{.underline} (the "Code"). All students share the responsibility of maintaining a positive environment for the academic and personal growth of all McMaster community members, whether in person or online.

It is essential that students be mindful of their interactions online, as the Code remains in effect in virtual learning environments. The Code applies to any interactions that adversely affect, disrupt, or interfere with reasonable participation in University activities. Student disruptions or behaviours that interfere with university functions on online platforms (e.g. use of Avenue 2 Learn, WebEx, Echo360, Microsoft Teams or Zoom for delivery), will be taken very seriously and will be investigated. Outcomes may include restriction or removal of the involved students' access to these platforms.

Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who require academic accommodation must contact [Student Accessibility Services]{.underline} (SAS) at 905-525-9140 ext. 28652 or sas@mcmaster.ca to make arrangements with a Program Coordinator. For further information, consult McMaster University's [Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities]{.underline} policy.

Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work

[McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF):]{.underline} In the event of an absence for medical or other reasons, students should review and follow the Academic Regulation in the Undergraduate Calendar "Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work".

View the [McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF)]{.underline} for more information.

Academic Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous or Spiritual Observances (RISO)

Students requiring academic accommodation based on religious, indigenous or spiritual observances should follow the procedures set out in the [RISO]{.underline} policy. Students should submit their request to their Faculty Office normally within 10 working days of the beginning of term in which they anticipate a need for accommodation [or]{.underline} to the Registrar's Office prior to their examinations. Students should also contact their instructors as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements for classes, assignments, and tests.

Copyright and Recording

Students are advised that lectures, demonstrations, performances, and any other course material provided by an instructor include copyright protected works. The Copyright Act and copyright law protect every original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, including lectures by University instructors.

The recording of lectures, tutorials, or other methods of instruction may occur during a course. Recording may be done by either the instructor for the purpose of authorized distribution, or by a student for the purpose of personal study. Students should be aware that their voice and/or image may be recorded by others during the class. Please speak with the instructor if this is a concern for you.

Extreme Circumstances

The University reserves the right to change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances (e.g., severe weather, labour disruptions, etc.). Changes will be communicated through regular McMaster communication channels, such as McMaster Daily News, Avenue to Learn and/or McMaster email.