<p>Biology 862: Ecological Theory and Philosophy Spring 2013. Tuesdays, 9:10-11:00 am Instructor: V. T. Parker</p><p>1. Course Description: A graduate seminar addressing the structure of ecological theory and the philosophical frameworks used by ecologists. Readings will be based on literature and on “Ecological Understanding: the nature of theory and the theory of nature” by S.T.A.Pickett et al. </p><p>2. Learning Objectives: i. Learn how ecological research depends on theoretical structures. ii. How researchers develop theory and how theories evolve. iii. Identify how new concepts develop, how they are integrated and how synthesis of theories occurs. iv. Understand how theories place constraints on research. v. Synthesize how researchers develop ecological understanding.</p><p>3. Student evaluation: Students will develop a presentation on some aspect of ecological theory based on a book chapter. Students will participate in discussions. Grading will be based on these two areas equally. </p><p>4. Prerequisites: Enrollment as a graduate student, or permission of instructor.</p><p>5. Required book: “Ecological Understanding: the nature of theory and the theory of nature” by S.T.A.Pickett et al. 2006. Academic Press; San Diego, CA. Other readings from the literature (TBA).</p><p>6. Format: Given that this is a once a week seminar, the instructor or students will give a 30-45 min presentation followed by an all-group discussion, led by the presenter. Initially, chapters from the book will be used, subsequently, journal articles.</p><p>6. Syllabus: The first 9 weeks will sequentially go through the book one chapter at a time. The final 6 weeks will use journal articles as developed by participants.</p><p>7. Class Website & E-mail Policy Course material, including handouts and assignments, will be made available online through the instructors website: (http://online.sfsu.edu/parker/biol862.2013/Biol862index13). </p><p>8. Statement on plagiarism and cheating. Students are expected to maintain a high level of academic integrity in all work pursued at SFSU. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated under any circumstances in this class. Plagiarism, defined as either direct copying or loose paraphrasing of text from any published work (including online) without appropriate referencing, or use of another person’s work or ideas without appropriate attribution, will result in zero points for that assignment. Furthermore, any incidence of cheating or plagiarism will be reported to the Chair of the Biology Department, the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, and the Office of Student Affairs for possible disciplinary action. Consequences can include penalties up to expulsion from the University. </p><p>9. American with Disabilities (ADA) Accommodation. The University is committed to providing reasonable academic accommodation to students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor. The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) is available to facilitate the accommodations process. The DPRC is located in the Student Service Building and can be reached by telephone (voice/TTY 415-338-2472) or by e-mail ([email protected]). </p>