What This Document Is
This is the official course syllabus for BIO 161: Principles of Evolutionary Ecology at Widener University. It’s a foundational document outlining the expectations, structure, and logistical details for students enrolled in this core biology course. It serves as a contract between the instructors and students, detailing how the course will operate throughout the semester. This syllabus is essential for understanding the course’s objectives and how your performance will be evaluated.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is crucial for any student registered – or considering registering – for BIO 161. It’s particularly helpful during the course selection process to understand the scope of the material and the demands of the course. Throughout the semester, refer to this document to clarify grading policies, assignment due dates, and important course information. It will help you stay organized and on track for success. Understanding the course’s foundational principles early on can significantly improve your learning experience.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides a high-level overview of the course. It does *not* contain the actual lecture notes, readings, assignments, or specific exam questions. It outlines the topics that *will* be covered, but doesn’t delve into the detailed explanations or analyses that form the core of the course content. It also doesn’t provide solutions to problems or detailed study strategies.
What This Document Provides
* Instructor contact information and office hours.
* A broad overview of the course’s core themes and learning objectives.
* A description of the major sections of the course, focusing on evolutionary principles in ecological contexts.
* A tentative course schedule outlining topics to be covered each week.
* Information regarding assessment methods (e.g., quizzes) and their weighting.
* References to the textbook used in the course (Campbell et al., 7th Edition).
* Contextual themes like biodiversity, conservation, and the impact of human populations.