ECOL 200 Topics in Ecology
1-3 Semester Hours
This seminar provides a forum for topics in ecology and related areas. In addition to furthering the understanding of ecological topics, discussion and independent readings are assigned to explore social and value implications. Assignments include both written and oral presentations.
ECOL 245 General Ecology
3 Semester Hours
Ecology involves the discovery of the principles that govern survival, growth, distribution, and abundance of organisms; interactions and relationships among populations in ecological communities; and the interactions of communities with the abiotic environment to form ecosystems. Quantitative and qualitative sampling techniques will be used in the field and laboratory to obtain population and community data. Written lab reports and a formal oral presentation are required. Prerequisites: BIO 110/110L and BIO 120/120L Offered every spring semester.
ECOL 350 Terrestrial Ecosystems
3 Semester Hours
This course takes a quantitative systems perspective using the watershed as a fundamental landscape unit and includes the roles of humans in ecosystems. The natural ecosystem is investigated in terms of its structure and function including trophic chains, biomass distribution, chemical distribution, soils, biodiversity, energy flow, biogeochemical cycling, pollution, and primary and secondary production. Structure, function, and cultural use of ecosystems are integrated by developing models of ecosystems. Written lab reports and a formal oral presentation are required. Prerequisites: BIO 110/110L, BIO 120/120L, and ECOL 245. Offered fall of even numbered years.
ECOL 360 Aquatic Ecosystems
3 Semester Hours
This course takes a quantitative systems perspective using freshwater and marine ecosystems and includes the roles of humans in ecosystems. The natural ecosystem is investigated in terms of its structure and function including trophic chains, biomass distribution, chemical distribution, biodiversity, energy flow, biogeochemical cycling, pollution, and primary and secondary production. Structure, function, and cultural use of ecosystems are integrated by developing models of ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIO 110/110L, BIO 120/120L, and ECOL 245. Offered fall of odd numbered years.
ECOL 391 Research Seminar
1 Semester Hour
This course is designed to introduce the fundamentals of scientific research, especially for students who may be interested in pursuing a research project of their own. Students will attend research seminars, then discuss the implications of the work presented. Readings from the scientific literature may also be used to illustrate how research is presented. Discussion of potential research projects will help students evaluate and plan for the project. Offered spring semester.
ECOL 395 Ecology Internship
1-3 Semester Hours
Career-related, non-classroom work experience in the area of ecology. The work experience is selected by the student in consultation with the faculty supervisor. A minimum of 45 contact or work hours must be completed for each semester hour of credit. Students, in consultation with the faculty supervisor, will complete a final written paper covering all aspects of the internship. Prerequisites: Ecology major, junior standing, and permission of the faculty supervisor.
ECOL 400 Advanced Topics in Ecology
1-3 Semester Hours
This seminar provides a forum for advanced topics in ecology and related areas. In addition to furthering the understanding of ecological topics, discussion and independent readings are assigned to explore social and value implications. Assignments include both written and oral presentations.
ECOL 410 Human Ecology
3 Semester Hours
A study of past and contemporary human civilizations, this course looks at the effects different societies have had on the environment. Topics include the agricultural revolution and the domestication of animals, the Industrial Revolution, population growth, utilization of finite resources, air and water quality, and food production. Prerequisites: BIO 110/110L or BCE 210. Offered every spring of odd numbered years.
ECOL 494 Senior Project I
2 Semester Hours
Students begin a faculty-approved project such as a senior thesis or research project. In this course, students propose a project question, develop a plan to resolve it, create a bibliography, and complete one chapter of writing. Class meets weekly for progress reports, discussion, critical thinking, and problem solving. Prerequisites: ecology major with all 100/200 level major requirements or permission of instructor.
ECOL 495 Senior Project II
2 Semester Hours Students complete senior projects begun in ECOL 494. Class meetings continue with discussion, critical thinking, and problem solving. Students also meet privately with their advisors to review their papers or projects. The one-on-one reviews are used by the student to improve the writing, content, logic, and organization of the paper or project. Requirements include the final written paper and a formal oral public presentation summarizing the paper. Prerequisite: ECOL 494. |