Course Syllabus

Summer 2025 | BIO-1250-VT01 - Wildlife Ecology

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Ronald Semmens
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Danielle Lafleur Brooks

General Education Requirements

VSCS Natural Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

Through field trips and/or individual field work, students examine the ecology and life histories of common animal species and their habitats. The underlying scientific and technical principles are examined as they relate to wildlife conservation efforts by federal, state, and private agencies. This course places special emphasis on Vermont's wildlife.

Essential Objectives

1. Demonstrate understanding of the methods of scientific investigation in wildlife ecology including observation, and hypothesis testing.
2. Analyze wildlife population dynamics as expressed both by population growth equations and by basic quantitative population measures including sex ratio, birth rate, recruitment, survivorship, and mortality.
3. Analyze the effects of genetic diversity and environment on wildlife behaviors including predation, competition, territoriality, mating systems, and reproductive strategies.
4. Explain basic population sampling theory and modeling, as well as techniques including census, estimate, and index.
5. Analyze the integral relationships within and between wildlife and their habitats including selection, adaptation, and preferences.
6. Examine the life histories of common mammals, fish, waterfowl, reptiles, and amphibians.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in making field observations by following scientific protocols, keeping accurate records, and writing detailed reports.
8. Examine the impact of human behavior on wildlife populations including, but not limited to, species extinction, habitat loss, and climate change.
9. Examine wildlife management practices and policies at private, state, tribal, and federal levels, and their impacts on wildlife populations and human societies.
10. Discuss laws and politics related to wildlife ecology including the Endangered Species Act, US and VT Fish and Wildlife Service, and Conservation Commissions.
11. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, applying, and evaluating the accuracy of data and information sources.
12. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance, and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss the impacts of diversity and inclusion on scientific research and practice.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Allowed: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges technology, including generative AI, plays a supportive role in learning and feedback. During our class, we may use AI writing tools such as ChatGPT in certain specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of these specific cases constitutes a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

AI Academic Honesty Policy for this class (2025)

Introduction: This AI Academic Honesty Policy is established to uphold the integrity of the educational process and to ensure that all students at Keene State College (KSC) adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical conduct. The policy encompasses the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies while emphasizing the importance of original work, accurate attributions, transparency, and proper documentation.

Principles:

1. Limitations of AI in Coursework:

• Students are required to complete their coursework using their own knowledge, skills, and efforts. The use of AI tools, software, or solutions that allow for automated completion or direct substitution of human input is strictly prohibited.
• Assignments, projects, and assessments are designed to evaluate a student's individual understanding and mastery of the subject matter. Relying solely on AI-generated content undermines the educational purpose of these evaluations.

2. AI Contributions and Attribution:

• If an AI is used in any part of a project, assignment, or research, students are obligated to indicate the AI’s contribution clearly and accurately.
• Attribution to AI tools or resources used should not mislead readers about the extent of human involvement and creative input in the work's development.
• Falsely attributing work solely to an AI or claiming AI-generated content as personal creation constitutes a violation of academic honesty standards.

3. Openness and Documentation of AI Use:

• Students are encouraged to openly discuss and document their use of AI tools in their academic work. Sharing insights about how AI was employed can enrich the learning environment and contribute to collective understanding.
• Documentation should include details about the specific AI tools or software used, the purpose for their implementation, and the role they played in the development of the work.
• By transparently documenting AI use, students contribute to the academic community's knowledge and foster an environment of trust and integrity.

Consequences of Violations: Any violation of this Academic Honesty Policy, including the misuse or misrepresentation of AI in academic work, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as outlined in the college's existing policies. These consequences may range from grade reduction, assignment failure, or course failure to more severe penalties, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

Methods

The class approach is lecture/discussion, field work, group projects, and final presentations. We cover a wide range of topics, field experiences, and group projects, so class attendance and participation in this course is critical. I try to create a relaxed atmosphere for discussion and intellectual engagement, but I expect you to work hard and be respectful. Remember, class is your opportunity to ask questions and discuss the material as a group. Some material will be covered only in class; you are responsible for knowing material covered in class as well as material covered in assigned readings/assignments (found on Canvas) whether you are physically present. Also, there is not an official textbook but there is a link to an OER textbook in Canvas.

Evaluation Criteria

Grades:

Categories	Percentage
Exams and Final Project	40%
Formal Class Discussion and Activities	20%
Field assignments	40%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Full participation requires active and thoughtful engagement in class each week. The following habits and skills are important. You'll have the opportunity to self-assess and receive instructor feedback on each of these areas at the mid-point and the end of the semester.

• Attend class regularly, on-time and for the full session
• Complete all of the week's reading and assignments before the start of class
• Listen to others attentively and with an open mind
• Positively contribute to class discussions and activities
• Ask questions and seek help when you need it
• Challenge yourself to do your best work

Missing & Late Work Policy

Homework, Presentations, and written assignments: The homework and written assignments will vary according to the topics and material we are covering in class. Some of the assignments may ask that you discuss and analyze material from the readings. Others may require you to reflect on your own behaviors, attitudes, and sense of place. It’s important that papers be handed in on time, as they will build cumulative skills throughout the course: I expect you to submit them online to be graded the day they are due or before. After that, they will be marked down 10% for each day late. Late homework will not be accepted, unless you have e-mailed me before the class due date asking for permission for a late submission due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. Regardless of circumstances, I will not accept homework later than one week past the due date. I will also encourage you to revise papers to improve your grades, but that option will not be available for late papers. Late work is not accepted in the discussion forum. Interacting with classmates is an essential part of online discussions and cannot be made up after the fact.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.