BIO 3075 - Aquatic and Coastal Zone Ecology

Credits: 4

This course focuses on understanding the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater lakes, streams and wetlands as well as estuarine systems and salt marshes. Students will learn how concepts, ecological theory and methods can be integrated to address applied problems in aquatic and coastal zone ecology. This course assumes a basic background in biology, chemistry, math and physics. The approach will include a mix of theory (including a variety of mathematical, verbal, and graphical models of important ecological processes), and field and lab techniques. Students will also learn about how the science is done by looking at examples of research in course readings, examples in lecture, guest lecturers and by reading published research. The course investigates the relationships between habitats, applied ecology, climate, hydrology, watersheds and all types of human activities that affect aquatic ecosystems (e.g. urban development, coastal development, tourism, fisheries, protected areas, aquaculture and agriculture).
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1025 or BIO 1027, BIO 1028, BIO 2010 or consent of instructor.
Corequisite(s): BIO3075L
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab