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Biology Department
Environmental
Studies Department
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Teaching
Ecology (BIOL285/ENVI285)
An
introduction to the study of ecological and evolutionary theory and
processes. The subject of this course is the natural world and the current
and past processes that have shaped it. Major ecological and evolutionary patterns
are described and proposed underlying mechanisms are investigated through
field and laboratory studies. The impact of humans on natural systems is
also examined. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.
Prerequisites: none. Every semester. (4 credits)
Environmental Science (ENVI133)
This
course provides basic scientific knowledge and understanding of how our
world works from an environmental perspective. Topics covered include basic
principles of ecosystem function, human population growth, production and
distribution of food, soil and agricultural ecosystems, integrated pest
management, water resources and management, water pollution, hazardous
chemicals, air pollution and climate change, biodiversity and its
conservation, solid waste, energy resources, and sustainability. There are
no prerequisites. Every semester. (4 credits)
Restoration Ecology (BIOL194/ENVI194)
Ecological
restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem
that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed (SET 2004). This new
course will provide a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of
restoration ecology, include specific case studies of restoration
efforts, and involve extensive hands-on field experiences. We
will focus on using knowledge of basic ecology and ecosystem
functioning to facilitate the recovery of degraded ecosystems.
Topics related to the implementation of restoration projects such
as assessment of reference conditions, planning and setting objectives,
manipulating successional trajectories, evaluating success,
legislation, and funding will be included. Additional topics will
include management of initroduced/exotic/invasive species,
environmental design principles, and complications due to climate
change. Labs will include field trips to restoration efforts in the
Twin Cities area and a semester long project at Macalester's field
station, the Katherine Ordway Natural History Study Area. Some fall
semesters. (4 credits)
Ornithology (BIOL363)
A
study of the biology of birds. Through lectures, field trips, field
projects, dissections, and discussions of the primary literature students
are introduced to avian ecology, behavior, evolution, functional
morphology, physiology, distribution and systematics. Students will learn
the major avian taxa with special emphasis on the common birds of MN in
general and the Twin Cities in particular. Prerequisite: Biology 180
(Ecology). Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Some
spring semesters. (4 credits)
Seminar in Winter Ecology
(BIOL394)
An
advanced study of the relationships of organisms to one another and to
their environment in winter.
Includes behavioral, morphological and physiological adaptations and
strategies for coping with the rigors of the winter season. The course will include lectures, videos,
discussions, readings from the primary literature,
individual projects, and an occasional field trip. Students will gain experience writing NSF
format ecological research proposals.
Ecology (BIOL-180) is a prerequisite. Instructor signature or
on-line authorization is required for registration. Some fall semesters (4 credits)
Field Excursions: Winter
Ecology of Northern Minnesota (BIOL392)
This
intensive ten day field experience will explore selected topics in the winter
ecology of northern Minnesota. The majority of the time will be spent at
the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station in Itasca State Park where we will investigate
the special problems and adaptations of life in terrestrial, aquatic and
snow-pack environments. We will also
travel to Ely in far northern Minnesota to
study wolves at the International
Wolf Center
and explore the winter woods by dog sled.
2 credits. Winter Ecology
(BIOL-394) is a prerequisite.
Instructor signature or on-line authorization is required for
registration. Offered occasionally in January. (2 credits)
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