How to get the most out of this
class.
The work in this class will
encourage you to think like a scientist. What are the
significant questions regarding coral reef animal
diversity? How did reefs and the organisms that inhabit
them evolve? What are the physical attributes of
reefs? What are persuasive methods, experiments, and
observations by which to study the animals in the reef?
Take responsibility for your own learning. You will find
the work much more rewarding if you come to class prepared,
having read the assignment carefully so that you can participate
in discussions.
It is important for all of us to
come together as a group interested in discussing coral
reef biology. Each of us is part of this group, and
as such, our behavior is not just about each of us as
individuals, but also about being members of a
group. Be respectful and attentive. Do not
arrive late, as it is disrespectful and
disruptive. Do not leave the room during class, as it
is disrespectful and disruptive. Plan your
time. [Use the bathroom before
class. Bring water, tissues, lozenges, etc. with you.
Do not engage in any activity that you would avoid at a job
interview (e.g. do not pick your nose or skin, do not slouch,
play with your hair, chew on your nails, etc.) Turn
off your cell phone before coming to class. Do not surf the
web or check your email during class].
The evidence about learning is very
clear: students learn more deeply and analytically when they
take hand-written notes.
So bring a notebook and writing implements to class. No
computers on desks.
Class attendance is required. Plan your work. All assignments must be
submitted on time in order to pass this class. Frequently
I write assignments on the board or project them in class so be
prepared to write them down. If you must miss a class, it is
your responsibility to get the assignment and find out from
another student about missed work. If you plan to miss class
before or after Long Weekend or Thanksgiving, either change your
plans or do not take this class. If you plan to miss
the last class, either change your plan, or do not take this
class. An absence is an absence with no distinction
between excused and not.
The work is the thing.
If you are having difficulty,
please make an appointment with me to discuss the work.
Requirements:
Students will read papers from
the scientific literature and scientific websites. Students will
write two or three essay problem sets. From time to time, I
may give a brief quiz on the assigned reading at the beginning
of a class. Come to each class with hand-written notes
on the reading assignment and include a thesis statement, a
specific comment, and a question. I will call upon some
of you each class to read your thesis or question or comment
in order to begin our discussion. Participation in class
discussion is required. Each of you will make a
presentation on a question of interest to you. You will learn
how a scientist researches a question using the scientific
literature and have a chance to generate your own research
question.
7.
Conservation