Lecture: MWF 10:10-11:00

Instructor: Dr. Christopher G. Sims Office: B 4

Office Phone: 460-1664 E-mail: simsc@uamont.edu

Web Site: www.uamont.edu/facultyweb/sims

Office Hours: 1:30-3:00 MWF; TH by appointment. I will be in the office at other times as well. Changes in this schedule may occur and will be posted outside my door or announced in class.

Suggested Textbook: Baldassarre G. A. and Bolen, E. G., Waterfowl Ecology and Management, 2^nd ed.

Objectives: In this course we will study the environment and its components including energy flow, population and community structure, ecological succession, how evolution influences ecological structure.

Course Grade: Exam 1: 100 pts.

Exam 2: 100 pts.

Exam 3: 100 pts.

Final Exam: 100 pts.

Journal article summaries and discussion 100 pts.

Total for Course: 500 pts.

Grade Scale (percentage):

A = 100-89.5, B = 89.4-79.5, C = 79.4-69.5, D = 69.4-59.5, F < 59.4

********NO EXTRA CREDIT will be given under any circumstances!!!

Assignments and grading may change at the discretion of the instructor. Prior notice will be given in all cases.

Each student will choose a code number/code name prior to the first test and this will be used to post grades. Grades will be posted either by hard copy or on the Internet. If you do not wish to have your grade posted please let the instructor know prior to the first test. Grades will not be provided over the phone or by E-mail.

Attendance, Testing, and Cheating: Attendance in this course is mandatory and will be recorded regularly.

You will be allowed 3 unexcused absences during the semester. After the third unexcused absence your grade will be reduced one letter grade for each unexcused absence thereafter.

Exam attendance is required and make-up exams will be given only under extreme circumstances. Make-up exams will be allowed only in cases of illness with a doctor’s excuse, excused university functions, or family emergencies with a written excuse from a family member. If you are forced to miss an exam you must notify me within 24 hours of the exam. Failure to do so will result in a zero on that exam. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent please let me know and prior arrangements for testing can be made.

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated and will automatically result in failure of the course. Cellular phones are included in the cheating policy and any appearance of a cellular phone (or other communication devise) during a test will be considered an attempt to cheat by the student.

Likewise electronic devises such as cellular phones etc. will not be allowed in lecture unless prior approval is given by the instructor.

Students with disabilities: It is the policy of the University of Arkansas at Monticello to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of the course. Any student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student Services located in Harris Hall Room 120; phone 870 460-1026; TDD 870 460-1626; Fax 870 460-1926.

Statement on disruptive behavior: The following action is prohibited under the Student Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.

Tentative Lecture Schedule (topics are subject to change):

Introduction and Historical Overview

Classification

Courtship Behavior, Mating Systems, and Pair-Bond Formation

Reproductive Ecology

Nesting, Brood Rearing and Molt

Feeding Ecology

Winter Ecology

Major Habitats

Individual Species Accounts and Ecological Requirements

Conservation and Management

Final Wednesday, May 4, 3:15-5:15

Tests will be announced at least one week in advance.

************There will be one required field trip during the semester that will encompass the entire day. This will be an excused absence from your other classes. The date will be determined ASAP.********

We will be regularly going in the field for observation and identification purposes. These trips will occur at various times throughout the semester and students will be required to attend as their schedule permits.