This course provides students with a broad background in the principles of ecology. It covers ecology at different levels of organization including behavioral, physiological, evolutionary, population & community, and ecosystem ecology (and some other specialized topics).

Some materials we cover in the course are not in the textbook. Students are responsible for everything discussed/covered in class --- attendance is essential for a satisfactory completion of the course although we do not take attendance.

Although we do not take attendance, unannounced quizzes may be given. Quizzes are intended as bonus points. It is possible to get 100% in the course without taking even one quiz (i.e., if a student gets 100% in all exams). Therefore, even when a student has a legitimate reason to miss a class (and a quiz), no made-up quiz will be given. If a student has a legitimate reason for missing an exam, a made-up exam will be given if prior arrangements are made with the instructor.

No curve will be made for each exam regardless of the average score, but at the end of the semester, some bonus points will be added to the course grade according to the quiz scores. Graduate students who do not attain 70% without bonus points will receive 70% even if their grades are above 70% with the bonus points. Graduate students who do not attain 60% without bonus points will receive 60% even if their grades are above 60% with the bonus points.

If any questions, including potential grading errors, arise for your grade on an exam, an assignment or a quiz, submit a written request with your rationale for a regrade. Requests must be made within one week of the return of a graded material, otherwise the grade is final.

The course schedule is subject to changes during the semester.

Assignments may be given. If given, assignments are a part of quiz scores. Late assignments will result in 0 point. Assignments cannot be made up.