Course Information
Biology of Global Change
Biology 81.423; 81.523
Monday/Thursday 6:30pm-7:45pm
All course material can be viewed on the course web page. The web page is dynamic and will change often. Every effort will be made to follow the syllabus. However, it is possible that the schedule will change as the course evolves throughout the semester.
Required Reading:
Reading will be assigned throughout the semester and will be available on the web site in most instances.
Suggested Reading:
"Biogeochemistry : An Analysis of Global Change" by W.H. Schlesinger.
"Earth System Science: From Biogeochemical Cycles to Global Changes"
Attendance:
This course is intended for upper classpeople and graduate students. Hence, attendance is not mandatory. However, attendance is recommended since the course material will change due to the depth of discussions and particular interests of students. There is no text book. Failure to attend class can be catastrophic.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS
Exams: (format is subject to change)
Exams will consist of short answer and essay-type questions, no multiple choice. There may be a "take home" exam.
Grading: (subject to change)
Undergraduate students (81.423)
| Hour exams (3)-20% each | 60% |
| Comprehensive Final | 40% |
Graduate students (81.523)
| Hour exams (3)-15% each | 45% |
| Term Paper | 20% |
| Comprehensive Final | 35% |
Grade Distribution
| Percentage of Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
93-100 |
A |
90-92 |
A- |
87-89 |
B+ |
83-86 |
B |
80-82 |
B- |
77-79 |
C+ |
73-76 |
C |
70-72 |
C- |
67-69 |
D+ |
60-66 |
D |
<60 |
F |
All students will adhere to UMass Lowell's Academic Integrity Policy