Section 001. Lecture Thu 3:00-6:50PM HSC1324, Lab Mon,Tue 3:00-6:50PM
Instructor: Peter Chen	Office hours: HSC 1235 before/after class
Mailbox: HSC 1235	Phone: 630-942-8332 before/after class
Email:   Skype: bot1320	Web: http://bot1320.nicerweb.com/
Course Description:
Prairie Ecology: 4 credits (2 lecture hours, 4 lab hours) The organisms, environments and ecological processes of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem are examined through lecture, discussion and field studies. Identification of prairie plants, with an emphasis on species in northern Illinois, is included. Students participate in College of DuPage's prairie reconstructions. Field trips and activities are required. BIOLO-1100 or BIOLO-1151 is recommended.

Required Textbooks:

•	Candace Savage. Prairie: A Natural History 2nd Edition, 2011.
•	Barbara Anderson. Botany 1320 Lab Guide 2.0, 2011.
•	Beakerware. Ecobeaker Custom Laboratory Guide, 2006.

Recommended Books:

•	Russell R. Kirt. Prairie Plants of the Midwest: Identification and Ecology 4th Edition, 1998.
•	Douglas M. Ladd. Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers 2nd Edition, 2005.

Attire:
This course involves hands-on work in the field; expect to do some work in the prairie every class session if weather permits. Wear hiking shoes, work clothing and a hat. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Bring garden gloves if you have a pair. Bring a camera if you own one.

Lectures and Labs:
Attendance for lectures will be awarded 4 points per lecture; 8 points will be deducted for each absence. Points may also be deducted for tardiness, leaving early, or for being disruptive in class. Labs (including field trips) will be assessed for participation; 8 points will be deducted for missed labs. There is no makeup for missed labs.

Grading:
There will be 3 tests, each worth 100 points. Makeup tests must be taken by the next lecture class; otherwise a score of 0 will be recorded for that test. No makeup for the final lecture test or lab exam. A total of 6 quizzes is planned. The quizzes are unannounced and worth 12 points each, with the lowest score of the 6 dropped. There will be 3 lab exams worth 64 each. No makeups are available for quizzes or labs.
 

Assessment Points 3 tests: 100 pts each 300 6 quizzes: 12 pts each 60 3 lab exams: 64 pts each 192 Attendance (12 classes) 48 Total 600

Grade Points A (90%) 540 B (80%) 480 C (70%) 420 D (60%) 360 F (<60%) <360

Grades and Tests:
Blackboard will not be used for any purpose in this course. The class web site will provide access to your grades and online tests; you need to setup a password to do these. Tests are closed-book. I will try to grade tests as soon as possible, so we can review them before moving on. If you miss a test, you need to make it up before the next lecture session.

Study Aids:
Lecture and lab outlines are posted on the class web site. Additional aids include brief objectives, study guides, and review questions.

Etiquette and Attire:
Electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc., should be turned off or silenced. Proper footwear should be worn on any field trips. Long pants (or long socks) and hiking shoes are advised to avoid having insects crawl up your legs.

Withdrawal Policy:
The deadline to withdraw from class is Monday, 7/22. After that date, students may file a Petition for Late Withdrawal through the Registration Office. Petitions for Late Withdrawal will be granted for extenuating circumstances only, including student illness, family emergencies, call to active duty, or other appropriate extenuating circumstances. The student will be required to provide appropriate documentation for all requests for Late Withdrawal. Prior to withdrawing from this class, students are encouraged to speak with the instructor.

Incomplete Policy:
An Incomplete grade may be given at my discretion only for emergency situations. A "Contract for Incomplete Grade" will indicate the work required and a deadline date. A grade of F will be given if the requirements are not satisfied by the deadline.

Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:
All books, notes, and electronic devices should be removed from your table when taking quizzes and tests. Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 and possible F for the course. See COD policies on Academic Integrity http://www.cod.edu/dept/boardpolicy/5050pr.doc and Student Code of Conduct http://www.cod.edu/gateways/pdfs/conduct.pdf.

Questions:
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this class, or about your career here at College of DuPage and beyond.