Ecology and the Environment (BioEE 1610)

Ecology and the Environment (BioEE 1610) provides an introduction to ecology, covering interactions between organisms and the environment at scales of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecological principles are used to explore the theory and applications of major issues facing humanity in the 21st century, including population dynamics, disease ecology, biodiversity and invasive species, global change, and other topics of environmental sustainability.
Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the ecological principles that affect organismal, population, community, ecosystem, and biospheric processes.
  • Explain the significance of natural history and contrast the diversity of life-history strategies and habitats as it relates to the structure and function of communities and ecosystems.
  • Apply ecological principles to contemporary environmental problems, including climate change and loss of biodiversity.
  • Use experimental and synthetic approaches to analyze and identify patterns and processes at various scales of ecological organization.
  • Combine tools and basic concepts to identify the causes and consequences of complex ecological relationships.

Stream Ecology (BioEE / NTRES 4560)

Co-Instructors: Alex Flecker (Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) and Pete McIntyre (Natural Resources).   Stream Ecology (BioEE / NTRES 4560) ​examines patterns and processes in stream ecosystems, including geomorphology and hydrology, watershed-stream interactions, trophic dynamics, biogeochemistry, disturbance, and stream conservation and management. Weekly field and laboratory exercises focus on experimental and analytical techniques used to study stream ecosystems, including techniques to measure stream discharge, physical habitat, water chemistry, and stream biota. Field project with lab papers.
When Offered: Fall (offered alternate years - next in Fall 2021).
Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: BIOEE 1610 or permission of instructor.​
Outcomes:
  • Understand the morphology and classification of streams based on channel formation and characteristics of stream networks and watersheds.
  • Understand the basic chemical and physical dynamics of stream ecosystems.
  • Become familiar with the important organic matter sources that fuel running water ecosystems.
  • Understand the major longitudinal, vertical, and lateral linkages that connect streams to the surrounding land- and riverscape.
  • Gain knowledge and appreciation of the tremendous diversity of stream ecosystems found around the world, along with basic characteristics that distinguish them.
  • Learn common groups of stream biota including fish, invertebrates, and stream algae
  • Gain knowledge of the importance of different biotic interactions and abiotic factors that shape patterns and processes in stream ecosystems.
  • Evaluate conceptual models that link stream ecosystem structure and function.
  • Gain basic knowledge of stream conservation biology, factors contributing to degradation of stream environments, and strategies for the restoration of damaged running water ecosystems.
  • Via hands-on field and lab exercises throughout the course, learn methods for collecting and analyzing stream ecological data. Students  engage in a semester-long project in which they set up a field experiment, collect and analyze samples from their experiment, and summarize and interpret experimental results.