BIOL 217 - Ecology

Study of the relationships of organisms to their environment, with emphasis on classic studies and on recent advances in the field. Topics include evolutionary ecology, population growth and regulation, interspecific relationships (e.g., competition, predation), behavioral ecology, community ecology, systems ecology (e.g., energy flow, biogeochemical cycles), and ecological effects of human activities. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101/ENGL 011, MATH 117 or higher. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory each week.

4 semester hours

May not be taken concurrently with MATH 017 or MATH 020 or MATH 030 without appropriate Math assessment score.

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Analyze experimental data using simple statistical methods.
Formulate questions related to ecological research and test hypotheses by designing and executing controlled experiments.
Describe the key experiments that lead to the development of basic ecological principles.
Describe the major properties of populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Use quantitative techniques and/or models to measure or approximate properties of either populations or communities.
Evaluate the appropriate use of ecological models and research tools to seek solutions to environmental challenges.

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