BIOL 345 - Ecosystem Ecology and Management

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FA. The lives of human beings and countless other creatures are sustained by the goods and services resulting from the proper functioning of earth’s ecosystems. As the human population places increasing pressure on these systems, the need for their careful stewardship and management grows. This course provides a detailed study of ecosystem structure and function, with special emphasis on local ecosystems, and the scientific basis for managing and restoring ecosystems. Specific topics include energy flow and nutrient cycling, biodiversity and endangered species management, conservation genetics, population dynamics, landscape ecology, and human dimensions of ecosystem management. Lectures, laboratories, case studies, and field investigations. Lectures and laboratories Prerequisites: BIOL 160 and BIOL 161.