ECOL1000 Ecological Basis of Environmental Issues – Syllabus & Schedule (Fall 2025)

Flashcards cover the course framework, assessments, policies, unit topics, and student support resources from the ECOL1000 syllabus. They are designed to help review key ideas and requirements for the Fall 2025 course.

What is the overarching framework used in ECOL1000 to measure progress toward sustainable development?

A framework that connects human well-being and environmental sustainability to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), within planetary boundaries.

What are planetary boundaries in this course context?

Global environmental limits that define the Earth's safe operating space for humanity, measured by planetary boundary guidelines.

Name three components of human well-being highlighted in the course framework.

Health, education, and equality.

What are ecosystem services?

Benefits that humans receive from ecosystems (provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services).

How many exams are in ECOL1000, and what happens to the lowest score among the first three exams?

Four exams total; the lowest of the first three exam scores is dropped.

What percentage of the final grade comes from In-Class Top Hat participation?

52% of the final grade.

What percentage of the final grade comes from In-Class Worksheets?

15% of the final grade.

Are the exams online and cumulative?

Yes—exams are online; the final exam is online and not cumulative.

What are the four course units and their guiding questions?

Unit 1: Environmental Science, Sustainability, and how environmental conditions influence home insurance costs; Unit 2: Will antibiotics work 50 years from now? What can a meat allergy tell us about infectious diseases?; Unit 3: In a thirsty world, who gets access to freshwater?; Unit 4: What does it cost to feed the world?

What is the in-class device policy for participation?

Typically only one device may be open at a time; emergencies may allow exceptions with notification; violations can result in removal from class and loss of credit.

What is the attendance policy regarding missing class points?

You may miss up to 20% of in-class points with no penalty, but active participation is still required for credit.

What is the Active Learning Reflection assignment?

An optional extra-credit activity (up to 10 points) active in November, contributing to total exam score.

What is the policy on make-up exams?

No make-up exams will be offered for missed exams.

What is the policy on academic honesty and use of AI tools in this course?

UGA's Culture of Honesty; Turnitin is used; using generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) for assignments or exams without explicit permission is prohibited and penalties may apply.

What resources exist for accommodations and well-being?

Disability Resource Center (DRC) for accommodations; Student Care & Outreach (SCO); University Health Center; CAPS; Health Promotion/Fontaine Center; well-being resources listed on well-being.uga.edu.

What should students do for religious observance accommodations?

Inform the faculty within the first 10 days of the semester; accommodations should not create undue hardship; absence may require a reasonable alternative opportunity to complete coursework.

How should students communicate with instructors and stay updated?

Use the TA (Andrew Blinn) and announcements on eLC; set eLC to forward announcements to email; use approved university email addresses; avoid unapproved emails.

What is the anchor course status for the Sustainability Certificate?

This section of Ecology 1000 can be counted as an Anchor Course for the UGA Sustainability Certificate.

Which resources are listed for well-being and campus support?

Student Care & Outreach (SCO); University Health Center; Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS); Health Promotion/Fontaine Center; Disability Resource Center (DRC); well-being resources at well-being.uga.edu.

What should students do if they anticipate conflicts with the final exam schedule?

Petition to reschedule one exam if three finals occur within 24 hours or two finals conflict; notify within the first 10 days; instructions are on reg.uga.edu.

What is the policy on ID scanning and daily attendance verification?

IDs are scanned randomly for attendance; you must bring your UG A ID; one excused day if you forget, with next class needed to regain credit.