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Academic Year 2003/2004

Aquatic Ecology
E&ES 261 SP

The course aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of ecology within the context of aquatic ecosystems. We begin with an introduction to the aquatic environment and the individuals that inhabit aquatic environments. We investigate population dynamics through the study of population growth, regulation, demography and life-history patterns. We consider the role of interspecific interactions, such as competition, predation, grazing, and parasitism, in influencing the types and distribution of organisms within an aquatic ecosystem. Further discussion will include such topics as community structure and diversity, energy flow within aquatic ecosystems, succession, and integration of lakes into larger scale biogeochemical cycles.

MAJOR READINGS

Required text: Lampert W., and Sommer, U., 1997. LIMNOLOGY. Numerous additional readings will come from Ricklefs, R.E. 1990. ECOLOGY; and additional readings from primary literature.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Course grades will be based on a midterm (35%), weekly problem sets (25%) and a final exam (40%).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

If students have not had BIOL207 they should see the instructor after they have secured a Prerequisite Override from the Registrar's Office. Two required afternoon outdoor labs. One required weekend (Sat-Sun morning) field trip.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM E&ES    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: BIOL207 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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