African Ecology
Biology 39
Summer 2009

Professor:  NdinguDr. Travis Perry, utitshala wakho.
Campus Phone: 294-3009
E-mail: Travis.Perry@furman.edu

Office Hours: Please e-mail to make an appointment

Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to give students a solid understanding of ecological principles and the complexities of conservation policy through observation and experience of both natural and social South African environments. We will examine the biotic and abiotic factors that determine South Africa's unique vegetation zones, with particular emphasis on the role of large mammals. We will also focus on the manner in which the structure and composition of vegetation influences the community structure of birds, reptiles and small mammals. The effects of large predators on communities will also be examined. A thorough understanding of South African ecology will prepare students for an informed study of general conservation issues as well as those particular to the region. Students will be able to appreciate the contributions of South Africa's unique natural and social history to its current conservation and social dilemmas. Conducting field research, sometimes under adverse field conditions, will be an integral part of this course.

Required Materials:
Mandela: The Authorized Biography. 1999. By Anthony Sampson. To be read BEFORE May 2009. (ISBN 1-86842-099 x);
The Myth of Wild Africa: Conservation Without Illusion. 1992. By Jonathan S. Adams and Thomas O. McShane (ISBN 0-520-20671-1)
Ecology: Concepts and Applications, fourth edition. 2008. by Manuel Molles. Published by McGraw Hill.(ISBN 978-0-07-305082-9)

Graded work:

Exams:
Two exams consisting of identification, short answer, multiple choice, and essay questions covering lecture and required readings will be given during the course. The first will be given in May before we depart and the second will be given in South Africa.

Field Journal:
Daily field journal of all activities and studies. Precise instructions for this journal are given on the web site under African Ecology > Academics > Field Notes.

Independent Research Project:
Field research projects to be performed in South Africa during the second and thrid week of the course. Faculty and assistants will provide guidance to students as they develop their own research questions and design experiments and studies to answer those questions. Students are encouraged to help each other with data collection on independent research projects.

Group Research Project:
Field research projects to be performed during the first week of the course in cooperation with South African professors and students. Furman students will be divided into small groups of three or four for this cooperative effort. Research projects will be assigned before departing for South Africa.

Photo Essay:
When we return, you will select one of your photos from the trip. The photo should illustrate an important biological or conservation principle. You will submit an electronic version of the photograph and a 250 word essay explaining the ecological significance of your image. These should be submitted, via e-mail as attached Micosoft Word documents with the photo inserted into the document as well as attached as a separate file.

Participation:
Maintaining a positive attitude, respecting the wants and needs of others, and a willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the good of the entire group are CRITICAL to the success of this course in terms of both personal and academic development for everyone involved.

Grading Scheme: Your grade in the course will be assessed based on the following items:
Item
 Percent
Exams
 35
Field Journal
 20
Independent Research Project
 20
Group Research Project
 15
Photo Essay
 5
Participation
 5

Letter grades will be assigned on a 10-percentage-point scale:

98-100 A+
 78-79 C+
 59 or below F
93-97 A
 73-77 C
90-92 A-
 70-72 C-
88-89 B+
 68-69 D+
83-87 B
 63-67 D
80-82 B-
 60-62 D-

Lectures: You are expected to attend every lecture. If you do miss a class it is your responsibility to recover the information you missed.

Other Policies: E-Mail - Each student is required to maintain a university e-mail account and check it at least once a week, in case of important announcements regarding the class.

Academic Dishonesty (Don't even think about it!) - General university policies regarding academic dishonesty will be strictly observed.
Integrity gives the educational enterprise its legitimacy. Honesty, respect, and personal responsibility are principles that guide academic life at Furman, in and out of the classroom.  Academic misconduct in any form (plagiarism, cheating, inappropriate collaboration, and other efforts to gain an unfair academic advantage) threatens the values of the campus community and will have severe consequences, such as failure in the course, and/or suspension or dismissal from the university.

If you have any question about what constitutes plagiarism or any other form of academic misconduct, it is your responsibility to consult with me so that you will fully understand what I expect of you in this course. If you have any doubts, ask!

Special ConsiderationsStudents who need academic accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 294-2322. After a meeting with her, contact me during regular office hours. DON'T procrastinate.

Proposed Schedule
Date
 Location
 Event/Activity
15 March to 30 April
 Furman University
 Lectures, 1st Exam, Final Preparations
10 May
 Charlotte Airport
 Depart for South Africa
11 May
 Port Elizabeth, South Africa
 Arrive PE airport at 5:30 pm settle in at Fish River and SLEEP
12 May
 Fish River Reserve
 Orientation, guest lectures, Grahamstown museums, Rhodes University
13 to 18 May
 Mountain Zebra National Park
 Group Research Projects. Recenty reintroduced cheetahs!!!
19 to 24 May
 Fish River Reserve
 Independent research and guest lectures
25 May
 Hogsback
 Trip to Hogsback Afromontane Forest!
26 to 30 May
 Fish River & King Williamstown Museum
 Complete independent research
31 May
 Final Exam and BEACH TRIP
 Exam in the morning; fun and sun in the afternoon
1 June to 4 June
 Kruger National Park
 Tropical African habitats
5 June
 Phalaborwa
 Depart for Atlanta 12:10 pm
6 June
 Travel
 Arrive to parts unknown