Principles of Ecology, BIOL 414

In BIOL 414, students learn the basic principles underlying ecological thought, the ideas driving current research, and critical issues that deserve our attention as human population pressures drive environmental changes. We cover the basics of population, community, ecosystem, and landscape ecology. We pay special attention to the role of carbon cycling, and the role of pollutants (i.e. persistent organic pollutants) in the food chain.

Introduction to Field and Laboratory Methods for Ecology, BIOL 415

This course can be taken with or without BIOL 414. In it, we explore key issues in field and laboratory methods employed for ecological studies. Students do field work in local ecosystems of interest, explore pre-existing data sets in computer labs (thus learning basic statistical tests), and learn some basic lab techniques. This is an energetic, dynamic course and active student participation is encouraged, expected, and fun.

Forest Ecosystems

In alternate falls, I teach Forest Ecosystems. We examine how carbon, water, and nutrients are taken up, transformed, and released from forests all over the globe. The class is a mixture of lectures and student presentations. Readings include articles from peer-reviewed literature.