Aquatic Ecology

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide students with the basic understanding of freshwater and marine aquatic environments with emphasis directed toward freshwater systems. The relationships between the chemical make-up of the system, the physical movements of the water, the geology of the sediments and the biology of the various systems will be examined. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 10100 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND BIOL 10200 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND BIOL 33300 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- Course Learning Outcomes 1. Describe water with regard to its physical and chemical properties. 2. Describe how natural lakes were formed and the role of morphometry in lake ecology. 3. Explain the hydrological cycle on a global basis as it affects distribution and movement of water. 4. Explain water balance in lakes, streams, and soil. 5. Explain the role of energy in stratification, turnover, and productivity. 6. Explain nutrient balance in aquatic systems. 7. Describe the role of nutrients of the watershed in the productivity of an aquatic ecosystem. 8. Explain the light in productivity of aquatic environments. 9. Explain the interaction of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an aquatic ecosystem. 10. Describe the seasonal changes in populations. View Class Schedule