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GEOG 326 Biogeography

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Joy Wolf
CLASS TIME: Th 2:00 – 5:00 pm
TELEPHONE: 595-3221
EMAIL: wolf@uwp.edu
OFFICE: Molinaro 247
OFFICE HOURS: T, W: 1-2pm or by appt

This course will provide the fundamentals of biogeography which is the geographical study of spatial and temporal distributions of organisms and the factors that influence those distributions. We will examine the interactions between the physical environment and biological organisms through time and include ecological and evolutionary patterns.  During the semester, student will participate in discussions, group debates, poster presentations, and field outings.

Field and Poster Images:    2007

Prerequisite:  Geography 100, a basic ecology course, or consent of professor.
Required text:  MacDonald, G. 2003.  Biogeography: Introduction to Space, Time and Life.  Wiley & Sons.

 Supplemental reading (optional):  Brown, J.H. and Lomolino, M.V., Biogeography (2nd Edition), Sinauer Associates, Inc, Publishers, 1998.   

Students may receive readings on specific discussion topics on applied biogeography, design of nature reserves, and conservation.  The exams will be questions from information in the lectures, exercises, field trips, and the textbook.  In-class group exercises and field trips will introduce your to specific topics on issues in biogeography and southeastern Wisconsin ecosystems.  Come to class prepared! 

 Grading: Based on a total score for the following:

Exams                                                            15% each  (45% total)

Biogeography Poster                                      15%

Poster Presentation and Evaluation               20%

Field trip exercises                                         15%

Attendance and Participation                          5%

Each student will create a poster that will focus on a topic beyond what we cover in lecture.  The poster should have all the elements of a scientific paper, including an introduction that provides background information about the topic, the problem statement, objective, literature review, results of the research, discussion, and bibliography (at least 3 references from refereed journals) and other pertinent elements listed in the evaluation form.  Possible topics are: island biogeography, the relation of bird populations to their habitat, vegetation distribution in urban areas, natural vs anthropogenic disturbance effects on a population, the impacts of humans on plant distributions, effects of exotic invasion on ecosystems, just to name a few.  Similar to a national conference, you will participate in an “illustrated poster session” and prepare a 6 minute (practice your time!) oral presentation on your poster.  Faculty from Geography and other departments, such as Biology, Anthropology, and Geosciences may be invited.  After the presentations, you will evaluate assigned posters for clarity, completeness and creativity.  Have fun with this exercise, learn from it – it’s a great way to get comments on your written and oral communication styles!  And creating and presenting a research poster prepares you to present your work at local and national conferences in geography and ecology.   An abstract of your idea and a list of references must be approved by the instructor by October 23^rd.  The poster session will take place on December 11^th.  

I encourage you to come see me if you are having problems or something isn’t working for you, and we’ll try to work it out.  To succeed in this class, you should maintain a high level of commitment and respect, come to class regularly, participate, and take copious notes

  Week/Day                Topics:  Geography 326 - Biogeography                                Readings