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INSTRUCTOR:            Dr. Joy Wolf
CLASS TIME: Tues      2:00 – 5:00 pm
EMAIL:                        wolf@uwp.edu
OFFICE:                      Molinaro 247
OFFICE HOURS:         T/Th:  10:30-11a, 1-1:45p

Class Objectives:  Students learn about the fundamentals of biogeography - the study of spatial and temporal distributions of organisms and the factors that influence those distributions.  Topics include geologic, evolutionary, and glacial patterns, post-glacial species migrations, human impacts, restoration ecology, and biological invasion.  Students participation in article discussions, group debates, research presentation, and field outings is required.

Field and Poster Images:    2007

Prerequisite:  Geography 100, a basic ecology course, or consent of professor.

Required text:  C. Barry Cox and Peter D. Moore, Biogeography:   An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach, 2010. EIGHTH EDITION, Wiley

Class Activities.  In-class exercises and field trips will focus on specific topics in biogeography and Wisconsin ecosystems. 

Homework assignments are always due before the next class begins.   Students should come to class prepared! 

Exams include everything in class including textbook, lectures, discussions, field trips, posters, videos and other exercises.  Exam questions require problem solving and are challenging!  If you have a documented disability that will impact your learning, please contact me in the first two weeks to discuss your needs.  You may want to register with Disability Services in WYLL D175.


Class Project.  Each student will research and present a poster on a topic in biogeography.  The poster should represent a scientific paper, with an introduction that provides background about the topic, an objective of the research, methods used, results, YOUR conclusions, significance and a bibliography of least 3 peer-reviewed references.  Other guidelines are given on an evaluation form.  I encourage you to research the many topics in the textbook ahead of time.   Similar to a national conference, you will prepare a 6 minute oral presentation on your poster-practice your time!  Faculty from Geography, Biology, Anthropology, and Geosciences will be invited and may attend.  You will evaluate other posters for clarity, completeness and creativity.  Have fun with this exercise!  Creating and presenting a research poster prepares you for future conference presentations.   An abstract of your idea and a list of references must be approved by March 8th.  The poster session will take place on April 5th.  

 Grading: Based on a total score for the following:
Exams 1, 2, and Final                                                  50%
Biogeography Poster                                                   15%
Poster Presentation and Evaluation                            15%
Field and class exercises                                             20%
Attendance and Participation                                       

Please see me if you are having problems or if something isn’t working for you.  To survive this class, have a high level of commitment, respect, come to every class, participate, and take copious notes.

NOTE:  Students are captivated by internet use or texting on their cell phones.   Not only does it take your focus away from YOUR learning, it is disruptive to your fellow students and to me and it’s just plain rude.  Please refrain or risk having your cell phone brought to the front of the room until the end of class.