UGA Bulletin

Course Description

This course provides students with an understanding of ecosystem structure and function with emphasis on biogeochemical processes in natural and managed ecosystems, from local to global scales.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Research on an advanced topic. Student leads discussion on that subject.

Athena Title

Ecosystem Ecology

Prerequisite

(ECOL 3500-3500L or ECOL 3505H-3505L) and MATH 2250

Semester Course Offered

Offered spring

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will define the theory, concepts and principles of ecosystem ecology.
Students will identify the ecosystem concepts that underlie current environmental issues.
Students will discuss and critique the methods and findings of current primary literature in ecosystem ecology.

Topical Outline

Introduction -Ecosystem Concept -Introduction to Emerging Issues
Global Climate System
Soils and Geology
Water and Energy
The C Cycle: -C Inputs -Plant C Budgets -Decomposition -NEP
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Phosphorus Cycle
Nutrient Limitation
Trophic Dynamics
Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function
Disease
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Plant-Soil Relationships
Ecosystem Dynamics
Changes in the Earth System
Managing and Sustaining Ecosystems

Institutional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.

Syllabus

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