ESRM 456 Biology and Conservation
of Birds
Professor:
John Marzluff
Office: 123 E Anderson Hall
Phone: 206 616 6883
Email: corvid@u.washington.edu
Class Meets Mondays and Wednesday 12:30-1:50 in Winkenwerder Hall, Room 201
Course Learning Goals are to:1) introduce you to the science of ornithology with emphasis on the ecology, evolution, behavior, and conservation of birds, 2) immerse you in the scientific literature written about birds, 3) develop your critical thinking and scientific writing skills, 4) increase your understanding of local, regional, and global conservation issues, and 5) improve your ability to work in interdisciplinary settings to solve problems.
My Teaching Approach is to combine lecture, discussion, and workgroup activities. The general approach is to use cooperative learning through interaction between students and instructors and especially among students. I assume that all students will read the required scientific papers, lecture notes, and other assigned material BEFORE each class meeting. In many cases, the success of a student team will depend on the full participation of each team member. Your commitment to do the required readings, attend and participate in class will enable us to have focused discussions that explore scientific literature and concepts more effectively.
Lecture Materials and Assigned Readings are available electronically by following the links in the schedule below.
The Required Text is: Ornithology, 3rd Edition by Frank Gill.
COURSE GRADES will be determined by a combination of assignments and tests.
CRITICAL THOUGHT EXERCISES (100 Points). Throughout the quarter I will provide materials for you to evaluate (e.g., conservation plans, scientific papers, etc) and discuss. Each student will turn in a 1 page summary of their review and discussion. There will be 5 assignments worth 20 points each.
MIDTERM EXAM (100 Points). My exams include long essay and discussion problems. The midterm will include all material covered up to that point and will be a take-home exam.
FINAL EXAM (DEC 15, 830am, Wink 201; 200 Points). The final exam will be comprehensive.
RESEARCH PAPER (due NOVEMBER 30; 100 Points). You can choose the topic of your choice that involves bird biology or conservation and write a research paper that reviews and synthesizes the relevant scientific literature. Pose questions for future study. No more than 5 pages in length (double spaced), not including references or tables/figures.
Grades are assigned as follows, based on a grand total of 500 points:
95% and higher = 4.0
90% = 3.5
80% = 2.5
70% = 1.5, etc.
Lecture Schedule
|
Date |
Topic with Link to Notes |
Reading Assignments |
|
Wed. Sept. 28 |
No Class |
Gill, Chapters 1, 2 |
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Mon. Oct. 3 |
Gill, Chapters 1, 2 |
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Wed. Oct. 5 |
Continue intro to Evolution of Birds |
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Mon. Oct. 10 |
DDT-History and Future Guest Lecture by Dr. Charlie Wurster |
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Wed. Oct 12 |
Gill Chapter 3 |
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Mon. Oct 17 |
Gill Chapter 19, 20 |
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Wed. Oct 19 |
Continue Speciation |
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Mon. Oct. 24 |
Gill Chapter 4, 5 |
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Wed. Oct. 26 |
Gill Chapter 9 |
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Mon. Oct. 31 |
Gill Chapter 6 |
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Wed. Nov. 2 |
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Mon. Nov. 7 |
Connecting Conservation and Intelligence |
Gill Chapter 7 |
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Wed. Nov. 9 |
TAKE HOME MIDTERM (the real deal) |
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Mon. Nov. 14 |
Gill Chapter 11 |
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Wed. Nov. 16 |
Urbanization and Conservation of birds with special consideration to singing in a noisy city |
MIDTERM DUE |
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Mon. Nov. 21 |
Gill Chapter 8, 10 |
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Wed. Nov. 23 |
Gill Chapter 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
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Mon. Nov. 28 |
Continue Breeding etc. |
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Wed. Nov. 30 |
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Mon. Dec 5 |
Continue Populations and Conservation |
Gill Chapter 18, 21 |
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Wed. Dec. 7 |
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