Ecology. Cr. 4

Ecology class at Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge,
Valentine NE

Tom Rosburg, Drake University

UI: 00L:031

ISU: Ia LL 312I
UNI: 890:031

An introduction to the principles of ecology at the organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels.  The course integrates lectures and field studies to examine factors controlling the distribution and abundance of plants and animals in native ecosystems.  General topics include climate, microclimates, soil, aquatic environments, responses of organisms to environment, life history, population growth and regulation, demography, species interactions, community composition and structure, landscape ecology, trophic structure and productivity, and biogeochemical cycles.  Meets May 18 to June 12, 2009.

There is a strong emphasis on field ecology (what do ecologists do?), meaning that students will conduct many field research projects.  These require collection, analysis, and the interpretation of data in short reports.  Participation in a four-day, weekend field trip to Nebraska is mandatory (a sleeping bag is needed for this).  Appropriate field clothes and supplies are needed (rain gear, warm clothing, hat, sturdy boots, sunscreen, wading shoes, and insect repellent).  The required text for the course is Elements of Ecology (7th edition) by Robert L. Smith and Thomas M. Smith. Students should bring a field pack, statistical calculator, a spiral notebook, and at least one flash drive. Optional items (suggested but not necessary) include  a camera, field guides, binoculars, a water bottle, and hip or chest waders.  Field trip fee: $100.