Biogeography

Course Details

Course Number: 3113 Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 314

Days & Times:

TR 0800-0920

Course Attachments

Biogeography Biogeography Syllabus Fall 2012-20120831-121110.doc

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Raymond Willis
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Course Objectives

Study of the biological and physical factors which influence the present and historical distribution patterns of plants and animals.

Course Expectations

Tentative Topics and chapters

A History of Biogeography.

2 Patterns of Distribution.

3 Communities and Ecosystems.

4 Patterns of Biodiversity.

5 The Engines of the Planet I: Plate Tectonics.

6 The Engines of the Planet II:Evolution, the Source of Novelty.

7 From Evolution to Patterns of Life.

8 Life,Death,and Evolution on Islands.

9 Drawing Lines in the Water.

10 Living in the Past.

11 The Geography of Life Today.

12 Ice and Change.

13 The Advent of Humanity.

14 Into the Future.

Grading Standards

Exams: During the semester there will be 3 in-class exams and 1 final exam.

Grading scale: Students must demonstrate a mastery of at least 60% of the material presented to pass the course as evidenced by their grades on the exams and graded assignments. The scale used to assign the letter grades will be as follows:

100-90% A

89-80% B

79-70% C

69-60% D

below 60% F

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students should attend every lecture. It will be very difficult to pass this class without participating in the lecture series. I will announce which chapters we will cover for the following week. I will not necessarily follow the order of the book. Additionally, I will announce tests dates in class once I feel I have covered enough material. It is the practice of MSU to allow students to participate in university-sponsored events, even when those events cause them to be absent from class. Students participating in university-sponsored events will be given reasonable opportunities to make up missed assignments and exams. It is up to the student to notify the professor that they will miss an assignment due to a sponsored event BEFORE the event occurs.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.