Environmental Systems & Field Ecology

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Everett Moss (Associate Professor of Environmental Science)
• Email: emoss@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 334
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00–10:30 a.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 334)
  • Monday: 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Population, community, and ecosystem ecology studied through field sampling design, species surveys, and habitat assessment, with a weekly three-hour field laboratory. ENVS 201 investigates fundamental principles of ecological systems from populations and communities to ecosystems and landscapes, emphasizing quantitative field methods and experimental design. Students examine life-history strategies, population demography, competitive and trophic interactions, biogeochemical cycling, and landscape fragmentation. Through weekly field laboratories across regional forest, wetland, and riparian habitats, you will master flora and fauna survey methods, vegetation sampling transects, mark-recapture techniques, and multivariate ecological data analysis.

Prerequisites

ENVS 101 and BIO 101.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ENVS 201, students will be able to:

1. Model Population Demography and Dynamics: Construct life tables, estimate survival and fecundity rates, and model exponential, logistic, and stage-structured population growth.
2. Design Field Ecological Sampling Protocols: Implement randomized, stratified, and transect-based field sampling strategies to quantify plant and animal abundance, density, and distribution.
3. Quantify Biological Diversity and Community Structure: Calculate species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, evenness indices, and community similarity metrics from empirical field survey data.
4. Analyze Trophic Dynamics and Nutrient Fluxes: Quantify ecological energetics, trophic efficiency, primary productivity, and nutrient budgets across forest and aquatic ecosystems.
5. Evaluate Landscape Ecology and Habitat Fragmentation: Analyze patch size, edge effects, wildlife corridors, and metapopulation dynamics to assess conservation reserve designs.
6. Communicate Scientific Field Research: Synthesize empirical ecological field data into professional, peer-reviewed format research papers adhering to Ecological Society of America standards.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Begon, Michael, and Colin R. Townsend. Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems. 5th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2021. Approx. $65 for digital rental; approx. $140 for print purchase.
2. Henderson, P. A. Practical Methods in Ecology. Wiley-Blackwell, 2003. Approx. $40.
3. Waterproof field notebook (Rite in the Rain), hand lens (10x), and outdoor field boots. Approx. $35.
4. Total estimated cost: $75 to $215.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), ENVS 201 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools to generate R code snippets for ecological diversity calculations, brainstorm experimental sampling protocols, and proofread draft sections of your scientific field reports.
• What is prohibited: You may not use AI to fabricate biodiversity data, synthesize field observations, generate complete written discussion sections, or access AI tools during exams.
• Disclosure: Submit an AI acknowledgment statement with each field report and the independent research project specifying any tools used and how analytical code was verified, or state that no AI was used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 15% (In class, Friday, September 25)
• Midterm Exam 2: 15% (In class, Friday, October 30)
• Field Laboratory Reports: 25% (Weekly field reports due in Canvas Fridays at 11:59 p.m.)
• Independent Field Research Project: 15% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Ecological Problem Sets & Data Labs: 10% (Canvas problem sets and R data exercises due Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest dropped)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 20% (Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: None is offered.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Field ecology requires prompt and reliable attendance. Laboratory sessions begin at 8:00 a.m. sharp with vans departing from Meridian Science Center for regional field sites; tardiness means missing transportation and earning a zero. Notify Dr. Moss in advance of medical or emergency absences. More than two unexcused lab absences results in an automatic grade of F. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Field reports submitted past the Friday deadline lose 10% per day and will not be accepted more than three days late. Problem sets and data exercises submitted late lose 20% and cannot be submitted after answer keys are published. The lowest problem set score is dropped.

Fieldwork Gear and Inclement Weather Policy

Field laboratories take place rain or shine across muddy, wooded, and wetland terrains. Students must dress in durable outdoor clothing, long pants, waterproof hiking boots or rubber mud boots, and weather-appropriate rainwear. Field equipment, safety goggles, and high-visibility vests will be provided.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).