WASHINGTON
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BIS FUTURE 358
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WINTER 2008
SYLLABUS
Instructor: Warren Gold Office: UW1 Room 140 Office Hours: Mon 1:00 2:30 & Wed 5:35 7:00 Web: http://faculty.washington.edu/wgold Tel: [phone] E-Mail: [e-mail]
Classroom Time: Mon & Wed 3:30 - 5:35
Class Location: Building UW1 Room 040
Date Jan 7 9 14 16 21 23 28 30 Feb 4 6 11 13 18 20 25 27 Mar 3 5 10 12
Topic Course Introduction / Global Change context Understanding the Ecology of Washington Ecological principles / Washington ecoregions West-side ecosystems Holiday West-side ecosystems West-side ecosystems East -side ecosystems Ecoregion report project / exam Q & A EXAM I The science of climate change: climate control, variability, mechanisms of change & forecasting (GUEST SPEAKER) Lessons from the past: climate and ecological change Holiday Climate change & ecological impacts in the PNW (GUEST SPEAKER) Ecological impacts of climate change: general framework Ecological impacts of climate change: general framework Ecoregion report project / exam Q & A EXAM II Ecoregion report project Ecoregion report project
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Course Goals & Expectations
Future Washington is a course broadly designed to allow students to critically examine issues in science, society, technology, and policy that impact the future of natural ecosystems and human communities in Washington State. The specific focus of the course may change from term to term and with different instructors.
This term we will focus on climate change and its implications for ecosystems and natural resources around the state. There area number of topical goals and general learning goals for the course: TOPICAL GOALS
Topical goals are focused on developing a student's understanding of a body of knowledge and their ability to critically express, reflect upon, and apply that knowledge. 1. Lessons from the Present: Current Ecosystems & Ecological Principles To examine the possible impacts of future climate change on ecological systems we must first have an understanding of the current ecosystems and the factors that control their distribution, function, and human use. Thus, the first third of the course will encompass a look at the ecosystems of Washington State. I will expect students to gain an understanding of major ecosystems that exist in our state, where they are located and the patterns of environmental factors responsible for their distribution and function. Students will also become acquainted with some key principles of ecological science that will help them think about the mechanisms behind how climate change might alter Washington ecosystems. 2. Lessons from the Past We will also examine knowledge of past climate and ecosystem changes, in general and in the Pacific Northwest. I will expect students to understand what is known and be able to apply that understanding in contemplating future ecological changes with climate change. 3. Climate Change The science of climate modeling and prediction will be examined along with a look at the climate system of the Earth and our region. I expect students to gain an understanding of major factors influencing climate and climate change and be able to critically think about the capabilities and uncertainties involved in climate prediction. 4. Ecological Response to Climate Change We will examine a general framework for understanding ecological responses to climate change developed from examining ecosystems across the globe. Specific expectations for climate change and responses by Washington State ecosystems will also be briefly covered. I will expect students to be synthesizing knowledge from the previous three topical areas (above) and this area to develop a critically-based understanding of potential ecological impacts of climate change in our region. 5. Ecological Management & Response to Climate Change The management of natural ecosystems and resources involves the application of scientific knowledge within a complex set of culturally- and individually-based moral and ethical frameworks. The final projects will allow students to interweave the scientific understanding of the previous topics above with this social and historical context to develop a management strategy for a specific Washington State ecoregion.
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GENERAL LEARNING GOALS
General learning goals are focused on developing a student's set of transferable skills in accessing, understanding, applying, and expressing a body of knowledge. The readings, exams, and course exercises are designed to foster students' abilities:
1. To read and evaluate scientific information (even if the student is not a "science" student per se)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. and to develop an appreciation of the contributions and limitations of the scientific process to building knowledge and understanding To apply knowledge from one area to enrich one's understanding of other areas of knowledge To create a coherent framework of knowledge from many different areas of understanding in addressing a complex issue (weaving the linkages together into a fabric of understanding) To express understanding in a careful, thoughtful, and coherent manner (in written and oral forms) To practice critical thinking around a body of knowledge and understanding To present material and arguments clearly and evidently well-supported by a body of knowledge (in our case to be able to use scientific information to support statements)
7. To engage in thoughtful and respectful discourse around important topics
Readings
1. Textbook 2. Readings There is no textbook for the course see below for readings
You will receive a handout for the required readings in January (also available on the course web site). This list is incomplete and will be updated and revised over the quarter. These readings will be available through electronic reserves at the UW Bothell library under this course listing (see http://www.bothell.washington.edu/library/aboutereserves.html). A few readings are also available on-line at specific web sites. These are provided on your handout and they are also hyperlinked on the EReserves web page for this course. Most readings are short, but a few are longer. It is NOT my intention that you print out these long readings rather I would encourage you to read them in their electronic form (and perhaps print selected pages)! The required readings may be used in the exams. You will also be supplied with a list of optional readings, selected to amplify and extend your knowledge of the topics we are covering. These readings are also available in electronic reserves (listed as "Optional" before each reference). I do not see my role as an instructor to echo what is in the readings. Hence, many class periods will discuss the topics covered by the readings but will employ different information (often more detailed) and perspectives. However, I do view these readings as an important part of this course. You should come to class having read the required readings for that day in advance in order to participate in the class and effectively utilize the limited class time that we have (except for the first day of course). I will present certain concepts with the assumption that you have already done the reading. You should bring questions about the reading to my immediate attention.
Course Web Site
Course materials are available at: http://faculty.washington.edu/wgold/bis358/bis358.htm
Lecture Notes
Many of the presentations in the course will be in PowerPoint format. The first day I will provide a handout to take notes on for that day. Following that, it will up be to you to print out individual handouts for subsequent days to take notes on. These guides will be available ONLY at the course web site. They will become available as soon as I can create them. If I cannot post a guide by the day prior to our class, I will bring hardcopies for everyone the following day. You are STRONGLY advised to NOT print the guides out far in advance of the class period, as I may make minor changes. I would advise you to print them out the day immediately before the class period.
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PROJECTS / TASKS THAT WILL BE GRADED
ACTIVITY Ecoregion choice assignment Exam I Present day ecoregion report Exam II Final ecoregion report DATE DUE Jan 16 Feb 6 Feb 13 Mar 5 Mar 17 POINTS 10 100 70 80 100 % PTS 3 28 19 22 28
TOTAL POINTS
360
1. Ecoregion Report Project
(180 Points over 3 parts - 50% of class grade)
This exercise involves three distinct assignments, all of which are done on an individual basis, though one section of the final assignment may be done in a small group if desired. In this project you will be expected to effectively combine and synthesize information from various aspects of this course and apply it in a practical context. I expect you to bring together information about (A) a chosen ecoregion of Washington State, (B) knowledge of climate change, (C) climate change responses, and (D) ecological science theory. This synthesis will be used to identify key elements and approaches of a general plan for managing landscapes of your ecoregion for (1) the conservation of natural ecosystems within that ecoregion, and (2) maintaining important biological components and ecological functions. Details of the overall project and the three component assignments are provided in the "Ecoregion Report Project Guide" handout (available ONLY on the course web site).
2. Examinations
(180 Points - 50% of class grade)
Two midterms exams will be held: Feb. 6 and March 5. These will each cover in-class material and assigned readings from the times immediately prior to the exam: Exam I: Jan. 7 through Feb. 4 Exam II: Feb. 11 through March 3 They will not be "cumulative" per se, but you will likely be asked questions on Exam II that will require some general terminology, knowledge, and understanding from the first portion of the class. For all exams, you will be allowed 4 pages of handwritten notes that you produce for use during each exam (1 page is one side of a piece of 8.5 x 11" paper). The notes (and all parts contained within the notes) must be in original, handwritten form (no photocopies acceptable). No parts of the notes may be photocopied all sections and illustrations must be in your very own, original writing. There is no limit on how small you may write (though magnifiers are not allowed in the exams ). You may not directly use any portion of any handouts provided to you although you may handcopy any material you wish from those handouts. These format guidelines must be followed or your notes will not be allowed. I will check your notes as I pass out the exams. Any notes not conforming to these guidelines will not be allowed to be used.
MISSED EXAM & WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT POLICY
Late assignments and/or missed exams will only be considered with (1) at least one week prior arrangement and a very good reason (up to me), (2) in the event of a serious emergency or illness (written excuse required), or (3) if an individual has a documented disability. Requests for accommodation of a disability must be made to me and the Disabled Student Services office. Such requests must come at least a week in advance of the exam or other event and the disability must be officially documented by the office for Disabled Student Services. Makeup exams (or a substitute assignment) will only be given in the event of an unavoidable absence (illnesses must be accompanied by official documentation). Examples of an "unavoidable absence" are provided by university policy to include: "death or serious illness in the immediate family, illness of the student, and, provided previous notification is given, observance of regularly scheduled religious obligations, and might possibly include attendance at academic conferences or field trips".
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EVALUATION & GRADING
The grade you earn in this course will reflect the quality of your work, as well as the timely completion of the assignments. Your grade will be based upon the percentage of 360 possible class points that you earn. You will be graded to a tenth of a point, based upon the University's 4-point scale. For rough, preliminary benchmarks, you will need above 97% for a 4.0 grade, 82% for a 3.0, 72% for a 2.0 and 58% for a 0.7. I reserve the right to alter this scale. High grades (above 3.7) are typically reserved for work that is consistently timely, complete and of extraordinary quality. You will not receive letter grades on each assignment only at the end of the course. You can get a general idea of how you are doing by checking your decimal score against preliminary benchmark cited above. However, the best way to get a clear idea of where you stand is to meet with me. Be sure you are very familiar with the University's withdrawal policies and deadlines! Exam and Report Re-grading Policy If you feel there was a problem with grading you must follow this procedure to have your exam or report regraded: First read carefully the answer key and/or comments written on your paper. Write a concise description of the problem down and submit both the original paper and your description to me within 1 week after the exams are returned in class.
Academic Honesty
As UW Bothell students, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic conduct. In this class, you should be particularly aware that instances of cheating on exams or plagiarism in writing will be dealt with very seriously. Exams will be held in the classroom without the aid of any books or handouts. All work on the exams and papers should be strictly your own. Plagiarism is defined in the UW Bothell catalog as (I have placed a section in bold and underlined it for emphasis): "Plagiarism is the use of the creations, ideas or words of someone else without formally acknowledging the author or source through appropriate use of quotation marks, references, and the like. Plagiarizing is stealing someone's work and presenting it as one's own original work or thought. Student work in which plagiarism occurs will not ordinarily be accepted as satisfactory by the instructor, and may lead to disciplinary action against the student submitting it. Any student who is uncertain whether his or her use of the work of others constitutes plagiarism should consult the course instructor for guidance before formally submitting the course work involved."
You MUST read the handout is available specific compilation dishonesty (intention
handout on Academic Honesty provided for this course. This on the course web site (hyperlinked below also). It is a very that will guide you in avoiding circumstances of academic or unintentional). IT IS REQUIRED READING:
Link to the ACADEMIC HONESTY HANDOUT FOR THIS COURSE Disability Accomodation
The University of Washington is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services at least ten days prior to the event at 425.352.5307, TDD 425.352.5303, FAX [phone], or email [e-mail].
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