Syllabus: Graduate Seminar 

        on Biological Invasions

        Fall 2002, University of Akron

                (84134) 3100:695:003

T 11-12 ASEC G03 http://www.uakron.edu/biology/mitchell/invasives  

Instructor: Dr. Randy Mitchell ASEC 177, x5122

 Recent work has indicated that invasive species are among the top threats to biodiversity and environmental health. What are invasive species? Why are they such a threat? What is known about this topic?

We will explore these and other issues in this discussion- and primary literature- oriented graduate seminar course. We will use a primary text (Mooney, HA, and RJ Hobbs, Editors. 2000. Invasive Species in a Changing World. Island Press) as the central focus for readings and discussion, perhaps along with some supplemental journal articles.

 Class format – Most weeks we will read and then have an open-ended class discussion on a new chapter in the text. Each week you are REQUIRED to bring in a typewritten list of at least two questions/comments prompted by that reading. We will have occasional field trips and other activities as well.

 SPECIALTIES: Each student will choose a “specialty” and over the course of the semester become particularly knowledgeable about it. Examples include, but are not restricted to “adopting” a particular invasive species, and exploring a particular field of knowledge about invasives or invasions. This knowledge will be evaluated in two main (and graded!) ways. First, during our in-class discussions, you should be prepared to explain how that week’s reading relates to your specialty (i.e., I may turn to you and ask just that, especially if the discussion lags, or you are not participating!). Second, by the end of the semester, you will summarize your findings in one of two ways.

Option A) A short “annotated bibliography”-style paper (including an introduction, a listing and brief summary/evaluation of at least 8 primary literature articles on your topic, and a discussion/conclusion). Topics must be cleared with me ahead of time. Should be aimed at fellow graduate students.

Option B) A poster summarizing your findings, including citations to at least 8 primary literature articles on your topic. Topics must be cleared with me ahead of time. Should be aimed at fellow graduate students (though this may be waived if requested).

For either option, there will be intermediate due dates for topic choice, initial references, and outline of plans.

FIELD SURVEY- Some time during the semester, you must go to some area and survey it for invasives (any taxonomic grouping with which you are familiar), and submit a short report listing all the species you could identify, denoting which are native, nonindigenous, invasive, etc.

I will lead one such trip to a property near the Bath Nature Preserve, at a mutually agreed upon time.

LEADING DISCUSSIONS- Discussion leaders should be prepared to provide a BRIEF (<5 minute) summary of the main points of the paper, and to propose one or a few starting points for discussion (a question, issue, followup, quandary, disagreement, etc.).

Course information (including reading lists, assignments, project information, and web sites) will be posted on the course web page, at: http://www.uakron/biology/mitchell/invasives.html

Tentative Grading Scheme

Plagiarism:

            Diana Hacker writes, "To borrow another writer's language or ideas without proper acknowledgment is a form of dishonesty known as plagiarism" (1997. A Pocket Style Manual, 2nd Edition.  Bedford Books, Boston, p. 91).  The University of Akron regards plagiarism as a grave academic offense, which will not be tolerated.  You are guilty of plagiarism if you use, without proper acknowledgment, paragraphs, single sentences, clauses, or ideas of others, regardless of the source (scientific publications, books, pamphlets, newspapers or newsletters, commercial "term paper" services, electronic media [such as information on the Internet, CD-ROM's, commercial or non-commercial floppy disks, etc.], papers previous students have submitted for this or other courses, and the like).  If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism, be sure to inquire before you turn in your specialty report.

            If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing on any graded portion of this class, you will be reprimanded to the full extent outlined in the student handbook.  This includes one of the following actions: reduction of course grade, disciplinary probation, suspension, or outright dismissal from the University.

We have been asked by the administration to state the following: "Students whose names do not appear on the university's official class list by September 14, 1998 will not be permitted to participate (attend class, take exams, or receive credit)."

Tentative Schedule for Invasives reading seminar

Current as of 9/10/2002 11:39 AM

(Modifications will be announced during our meetings, and available on the web)

Field Trip – Martin Property – September 6, 1pm

Web Resources:

Last Updated : 05/05/03