Stable Isotope Ecology
RNEW 5500
Fall 2009
Course website: http://www.uwyo.edu/dgw/rnew5500.html
Instructors
Dr. David G. Williams
Professor
University of Wyoming
Departments of Renewable Resources and Botany
Office location: AgC 1005
Office phone: 307-766-2494
Email: dgw@uwyo.edu
Office hours: Wednesdays 10 AM to 1 PM and by appointment
Dr. Shikha Sharma
Research Scientist / Associate Director and Manager of UW Stable Isotope Facility
University of Wyoming
Department of Renewable Resources and Botany
Office location: AgC 2010
Office phone: 307-766-5021
Email: shikha@uwyo.edu
Office hours: Fridays 9 AM to 12 noon and by appointment
Course Meeting Time and Location
Lecture: MW 2:10 to 3:00 pm, Ag 22
Lab: Day and time to be determined, Ag 2020
Overview
Application of stable isotope measurements to ecology and environmental science. Lectures will address the theory underlying the application of stable isotopes at natural abundance levels as tracers and integrators of important ecological and environmental processes. Laboratory exercises will provide hands on experience with stable isotope ratio measurements.
Required Textbook
Clark, I. and P. Fritz. 1997. Environmental isotopes in hydrogeology. CRC Press, Boca Raton. Companion web site
Grading
2 lecture exams = 200 points
lab exercises/problem sets = 100 points
student project = 75 points
participation in paper discussions = 25 points
400 points total
Grade scale:
A = 360-400 points (90-100%)
B = 320-359 points (80-89%)
C = 280-319 points (70-79%)
D = 240-279 points (60-69%)
F = less than 240 points (<60%)
Academic Dishonesty
University Regulation 802, Revision 2 (1992), prohibits any form of academic dishonesty. An act is academically dishonest when it is an act attempted or performed which misrepresents oneŐs involvement in an academic task in any way, or permits another student to misrepresent the latterŐs involvement in an academic task by assisting in the misrepresentation. See entire text of UNIREG 802: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/legal/Uniregs/ur802.htm.
Course Withdrawal
Students withdrawing from this course must notify the instructor prior to nonattendance in classes and execute drop or withdrawal in accordance with the UW General Bulletin. For more information, see: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/registrar/bulletin/registr.html.
Additional Information
Special needs: Students needing special accommodations or special services should contact Student Educational Opportunity Services, Knight hall, 766-6189.
Privacy: This course abides by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, PL-380). For further information see: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/REGISTRAR/bulletin/ferpa.html.
Non-discrimination statement: A campus environment characterized by diversity, free inquiry, free expression, and balanced by interpersonal civility has always been, and continues to be, a top priority of the University of Wyoming. Civil discourse is an essential aspect of the search for and transmission of knowledge. Words and actions that promote and encourage self worth, respect and dignity are consistent with the UniversityŐs mission. Conversely, words or actions that reflect prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination are antithetical to the mission of the University and can not be countenanced. Specifically, racist and other discriminatory or harassing conduct based on gender, color, disability, sexual orientation, religious preference, national origin, ancestry, or age impair and disrupt legitimate University functions. Every effort, within the context and protection of First Amendment rights, will be expended to eliminate such conduct from the campus community. Teaching our students to live productively in a multicultural/multiethnic environment here at the University of Wyoming. It is the obligation of faculty, staff, students, and the administration of the University of Wyoming to provide this environment.