Instructor

Roslyn Dakin
2rd@queensu.ca

Message from the Instructor

Welcome to Biology 111! This course will introduce you to the basic concepts of ecology and show you how they are connected with environmental issues. We’ll also explore solutions to some of the problems our planet is facing today.

In this course, we’ll be delving into the latest literature on ecology and the environment. To start, you should pick up a copy of the book “Living in the Environment” (2011, 17th edition) by G.T. Miller and S.E. Spoolman. This textbook is a great introduction to the basic concepts in ecology and environmental science. Armed with this background, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle more advanced readings in the scientific literature and in the popular media, which will be provided over Moodle.

Each week, you’ll also have assignments to complete on Moodle, including quizzes and discussion activities. The quizzes will involve multiple choice and short answer questions, and they are designed to get you thinking more deeply about key concepts in the readings. Other activities will involve sharing observations and opinions with other students online.

Instead of having exams, you will complete two major projects in this course where you will be asked to apply your knowledge and interpret some of the data we collect as a class. Each project will involve producing a written report (~1000 words). These projects will draw on your knowledge as well as your research and writing skills. My hope is that by sharing our observations from across the country, we’ll start to see how remarkable Canada’s ecosystems are, and perhaps gain new insights into the environmental problems we are faced with around the world today.

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More information:

• Computer Requirements and Internet Access
• Moodle, Our Online Learning Environment 
• Academic Integrity
• Evaluation
• Suggested Time Commitment
• Required Material