Limnology

Catalog description

Biogeochemistry and natural history of freshwater ecosystems. W F S (E R M) 435 Limnology (3)This course will define and describe major principles (physical, chemical, biological, and ecological) that govern the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems (ponds, lakes, and rivers). Current scientific literature will be critically reviewed and discussed in relation to comparative philosophy, methodology, and case studies that cover a range of topics in limnology. The objectives of E R M (W F S) 435 are to familiarize students with the major physical properties, chemical cycles, taxonomic groups of organisms, and ecological interactions that define and describe the natural function of aquatic ecosystems. The course will use case studies to illustrate and examine pertinent issues (e.g., excessive material loading, introduction to exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and climate change) that can alter the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Knowledge of these basic ecosystem principles will be applied towards formulating real-life resolutions to the issues identified in class, in order to better manage aquatic resources (methods to reduce material loads, transport controls of exotic species, habitat restoration, and reduction of global gases). This course will be useful to both undergraduate and graduate students seeking degrees in Environmental Resource Management, Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Ecology, and other related subjects. At the undergraduate level, the course will serve as a 400-level selection in both the Environmental Resource Management and Wildlife and Fisheries Science degree programs. At the graduate level, the course will compliment several Wildlife and Fisheries courses that form the compliment of that degree program. Moreover, the course can satisfy the course requirement for ecosystems ecology in the inter-college Ecology graduate program and serve as a breadth course in Water Resources for graduate students in the Watershed Stewardship program.