Urban Ecology

Catalog description

The world is becoming more and more urban, with over 80% of the US population and half of the world’s population living in cities. This trend (and the environmental problems it creates) will only increase throughout the 21st century, yet ecologists and sociologists are just beginning to understand humans as organisms that influence their environment. Cities are hubs of activity that influence the physical structure, climate, element and energy cycling, and plant and animal communities within the urban footprint. However, these urban environments are influential well beyond their perceived borders. Urban ecologists are expanding their focus from ecology in cities, where they studied urban plants and wildlife, to the ecology of cities, where they consider human-biological interactions with increasing their attention to the complex interplay among people, society, and environment. This course examines current developments in urban ecology and looks at the role it can play in planning and managing urban environments. We will use our campus as a “living laboratory” and apply these concepts to field observation, case studies, and research on urban sustainability. Satisfies a major and minor requirement in Environmental Studies. Satisfies a major requirement in Biology. Satisfies Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.