Concepts in Ecology

Catalog description

Ecology is an interdisciplinary subdiscipline of biology that allows us to understand biological adaptations, processes, and phenomena by placing organisms in the context of their environment and exploring factors that affect the distribution and abundance of organisms. Foundational concepts will be examined by applying the core competencies of science to case studies. Current environmental concerns, such as global climate change, habitat destruction, harmful algal blooms, and overuse of resources can be understood using a conceptual framework and a perspective that includes human interactions with the environment. Ecology provides new knowledge of the interdependence between people and nature that is vital for food production, maintaining clean air and water, and sustaining biodiversity in a changing climate. Satisfies Biology major requirement Satisfies Environmental Studies major and interdisciplinary minor requirement (NS depth requirement in Natural Science, NS breadth requirement in Social Science and Humanities tracks) Prerequisites & Notes Successful completion of BIO 111/113/115 and 112/114/116, or ENV 101 or 201, or permission of the instructor is required. Students with credit for BIO 321 may not enroll in BIO 325