Course Description
Population structure and dynamics, organization and classification of communities, and nutrient and energy flows in ecosystems.
Athena Title
Ecology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECOL 3505H, FANR 3200W
Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1104 and BIOL 1104L) or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (BIOL 2108H and BIOL 2108L)] and [(CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L) or (CHEM 1311H and CHEM 1311L)]
Corequisite
ECOL 3500L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The student will acquire an understanding of the structure and function of natural systems from the perspective of scientific discipline, an introduction to selected scientists investigating natural systems, and the experimental design and results of their research. The domain of ecology will be defined defining emergent principles at the hierarchical level. The role of man as a pervasive force within the natural environment will be discussed, particularly the emerging discipline of landscape ecology and global conservation of species. The understanding of environmental health and its inextricable involvement with human health will be an expected learning outcome.
Topical Outline
Life and the Physical Environment: -adaptation of life to water and nutrients -adaptation of life to light, energy, and heat -climate, water, and soil -the biome concept Organisms: -evolution and adaptation -life histories and evolutionary fitness -sex and evolution -family, society, and evolution Populations: -structure of populations -growth and regulation of populations -competition between species -evolution of species interactions Communities: -community structure -succession -competition between species -evolution of species interactions Ecosystems: -energy flow -nutrient pathways and recycling -nutrient regeneration Ecological Applications: -landscape ecology -biodiversity, extinction, and conservation -global ecology
Syllabus