NATSC13-Ecology Natural Science Area School of Multidisciplinary Studies De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Course Code Course Title Course

Credit Prerequisite(s) Prerequisite to Type of Course : : : : : NATSC13 : ECOLOGY 3 UNITS NONE NONE General Education (GenEd)

Course Description: NATSC13 is an introductory science course that explores the basic principles of Ecology, the workings of natural ecosystems, and the environmental problems that threaten our world today. In this course, you will accomplish learning activities that enhance your inquiry and research skills, as well as your critical thinking abilities. NATSC13 also seeks to develop your sense of stewardship towards the Earth through the application of ecological knowledge. Course Objectives: At the end of the course, you will be able to 1. describe the basic principles of ecology and the workings of natural ecosystems; 2. determine the importance of maintaining ecological balance; 3. identify the causes and effects of current environmental problems; 4. analyze human activities that contribute to the destruction of the Earths atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere; 5. propose workable solutions to existing environmental problems; and 6. apply ecologically-sound practices at home, in school and in the general environment. Course Content: The topics covered during the midterm period will build your understanding of basic ecological concepts, while that of the pre-final period will provide you the opportunity to apply what you have learned. For each topic, you are expected to achieve a set of minimum learning competencies. Teaching Strategies: This course will allow you to perform tasks that can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups using the following strategies: Activity-based learning (e. g., worksheet, simulation) Case study
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Collaborative learning (e.g., think-pair-share, small-group activities) Guided discussion (e.g., debate, symposium) Problem-based learning or PBL (outputs include research paper, poster, etc.) Reflection (e.g., journal log, learning paper) Web-based learning (e.g., discussion forum, webquest)

Course Outline:
Week s 1 Competencies
Describe the scope of Ecology as a science. Differentiate the five kingdoms from each other, and cite representative organisms. Distinguish among the levels of organization in living things. Describe the components of an ecosystem. Identify the biotic and abiotic components of a given ecosystem. Examine feeding relationships in ecosystems, and relate them with energy transfer. Explain how nutrients are cycled within ecosystems. Discuss how human activities affect the natural cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Describe the characteristics and general distribution of major biomes. Identify the most important factors that determine biome distributions. Compare and contrast the types of community interactions. Discuss the mechanisms that protect and preserve living species. Describe the changes the take place in ecological communities over time. Describe the properties of populations and their relation to species survival. Characterize populations based on their survival patterns. Analyze factors that influence human population growth. Discuss the patterns of change in human populations and how such changes impact the environment. Define biodiversity, and explain its importance. Describe how human activities cause losses in biodiversity. Evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to protect endangered species. Differentiate between natural and enhanced greenhouse phenomena. Analyze the impact of global warming on natural ecosystems and human health. Discuss how human actions are altering the global climate. Explain how poor air and water quality affect humans and other living organisms, and the environment. Suggest ways to help minimize human impact on the hydrosphere and atmosphere. Analyze the resources and reserves of fossil fuels in the world. Evaluate the costs and benefits of using coal, oil, and natural gas. Recommend practices that may be taken to reduce ones ecological footprint.

Topics
Introduction to Ecology

Content
Definition of Ecology Kingdoms of the Living World Hierarchy of Biological Organization Biotic and Abiotic Components Trophic Structure Food Chains and Food Webs Energy Flow Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur Cycles Human Intrusions, Cycle Disruptions Terrestrial and Aquatic Biomes Characteristics, Location in the World, Climate, Representative Flora and Fauna Community Interactions Defense Mechanisms Community Succession

2-4

Ecosystem Ecology

Biomes

Community Ecology

7 8-9

MIDTERM EXAM
Population Ecology
Properties of Populations Survivorship Curves Human Population Growth Patterns of Population Change

10

Biodiversity Loss

11

Global Warming and Climate Change

Importance of Biodiversity Threats and Causes of Biodiversity Loss Philippine Biodiversity *Alternative activity: Tree Planting/Coastal Clean-up Natural Greenhouse and Enhanced Greenhouse Phenomena Impact on Ecosystems and Humans *Alternative activity: Forum on Environmental Issues Smog, Acid Deposition, Ozone Layer Depletion Water Pollution, Eutrophication Sources of Energy Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Ecological Footprint

12

Other Environmental Problems

13

Energy Resources

14

FINAL EXAM
* Participation in one (1) alternative activity (e.g., environment-related field trip, forum, etc.) by a class is subject to approval of the SMS Dean

Course Requirements: In this course, you are expected to attend, participate and utilize what you are learning in class. Your academic performance will be based on the following requirements: Quizzes o Quizzes will follow item formats such multiple choice, true or false, matching type, identification, enumeration, and essay. o There will be 4-6 quizzes every grading period. o Quizzes are weighted 20%. Class Participation o This component includes all in-class activities that serve to build and enhance your learning of the subject matter. o There will be a minimum of 5 activities per grading period. o Class participation is weighted 25%. Project/Problem-Based Learning Activity o Projects will enable you to apply the ecological concepts you learned by creating relevant outputs. o There will be 2 projects, PBL activities, or a combination of both for the whole duration of the course. o A project or PBL output is weighted 25%. Midterm and Final Exams o Each of these exams will cover several major topics, and will help assess the competencies you have developed in the course. o There will be 2 major exams (midterm and final) administered during the 7th and 14th weeks of the term, respectively. Both exams will be administered on-campus and online. o Each major exam is weighted 20%. Attendance o The policies on attendance stipulated your Student Handbook will be honored in this course. o You are expected to come to class regularly, and on time. o This component is weighted 10%. Assessment: In order to get a passing mark, your final grade should be 70% or better. Below is a summary of how your performance will be evaluated in this course.
Quizzes Class participation Project/PBL Attendance and Behavior Midterm Exam Final Exam Midterm Grade 20% 25% 25% 10% 20% ____ 100% Pre-final Grade 20% 25% 25% 10% 20% ____ 100%
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FINAL GRADE

MTG + PFG 2

Course Policies: Attentiveness and participation are critical to successful learning in this course. The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class hours, unless necessary or upon the teachers approval. Strongly desirable behavior includes being honest, respectful and responsible. Text and materials: Books o Cunningham, W.P. (2005). Environmental science: A global concern, 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. o Losos, J.B. (2008). Biology, 8th ed. New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education. o Molles Jr., M.C. (2008). Ecology: Concepts and applications, 4th ed. New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education. Websites o http://ecology.com/index.php o http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment o http://www.haribon.org.ph/ o http://zunal.com/webquest.php?user=30396 Films o Available at the LRC Aquatic Ecosystems: Freshwater (No.1382, 13 min.) Aquatic Ecosystems: Marine (No. 1384, 13 min.) Biological Science: Ecological Biology (No. 1371, 16 min.) Biomes: An Introduction (No. 198, 13 min.) Ecology Series: Communities (No. 1378, 14 min.) Ecology Series: Nutrient Cycles (No. 1379, 14 min.) Ecology Series: Populations (No. 1380, 14 min.) Ecology Series: What is an ecosystem? (No. 1372, 14 min.) Pasig: Our River, Our Future (No. 125, 20 min.) Philippine Coral Reefs (No. 1090, 30 min.) What is a food chain? (No. 1375, 14 min.) o Available c/o NATSCI Faculty An Inconvenient Truth Planet Earth Signos The Truth About Global Warming
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Version 1/1T-SY 2010-2011 31 May 2010