Biology 321 – Introduction to Aquatic Biology – Spring 2017

Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, Professor of Biology; 328 Shoemaker; 662-915-5803; stt@olemiss.edu; Office hours: TuTh 9:30-10:30 am, or by appointment.

Catalog Description of Course Objectives Principles of freshwater biology with emphasis on factors affecting ecology and populations in diverse aquatic environments.

Required course readings Moss, Brian. 2010. Ecology of Freshwaters: A view for the twenty-first century. 4th edition. Blackwell Scientific [or 2nd or 3rd or 4th editions]; McPhee, John. 2002. The Founding Fish. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux; and other readings as assigned.

Course grading Grades will be based on up to quizzes (20%), laboratory participation and reports (30%), and a final comprehensive take-home examination (50%). Your grade will be the better of two grades determined on the following scales: Scale 1: A, > 90%; B, 80-89%; C, 70-79%; D, 60-69%; F, < 60%; Scale 2: A, > 1.5 standard deviations above the mean; B, from 0.5 to 1.5 standard deviations above the mean; C, + 0.5 standard deviations from the mean; D, from 0.5 to 1.5 standard deviations below the mean; F, > 1.5 standard deviations below the mean.

Make-up exams None of the laboratories can be made up, and there will be no make-ups given for missed quizzes).

Schedule of lectures (TuTh, 11 am - 12:15 pm, 205 Shoemaker), reading assignments (in parentheses), and laboratories (Tu, 1-3:50 pm, 205 Shoemaker or at other designated locations); lecture and lab notes and handouts are available on blackboard.