BIOEE 1610 - Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment

(BIO-AG, PBS-AS) (CU-SBY)

Fall, spring. 3-4 credits, variable. Student option grading.

Four-credit option involves writing component and a discussion section that meets twice per week. Biological sciences majors must take course for a letter grade. When taught by Professor Howarth, there will be more emphasis on marine ecological examples.

Fall, C. Goodale; spring, R. Howarth.

This course provides an introduction to ecology, covering interactions between organisms and the environment at scales of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecological principles are used to explore the theory and applications of major issues facing humanity in the 21st century, including population dynamics, disease ecology, biodiversity and invasive species, global change, and other topics of environmental sustainability.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate understanding of the ecological principles that affect organismal, population, community, ecosystem, and biospheric processes.

Outcome 2: Explain the significance of natural history and contrast the diversity of life-history strategies and habitats as it relates to the structure and function of communities and ecosystems.

Outcome 3: Apply ecological principles to contemporary environmental problems, including climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Outcome 4: Use experimental and synthetic approaches to analyze and identify patterns and processes at various scales of ecological organization.

Outcome 5: Combine tools and basic concepts to identify the causes and consequences of complex ecological relationships.