ENTOM 2020 - [Invasions: Trading Species in a Shrinking World]

(BIONLS-AG)

Fall. Next Offered: 2019-2020. 3 credits. Student option grading.

A. E. Hajek, J. P. Nyrop.

With globalization, plants, animals, and microbes are increasingly being introduced around the world with diverse results. This course explores the history, biology, and ecology of invasions impacting natural systems, human health, agriculture, and forestry. We discuss the expanding problems caused by invasive species, how invasions are prevented and managed, and the social, economic, and ethical issues related to invasive species. Current local, national, and international examples of invaders are included among the cases presented.

Outcome 1: 1.1 Students will understand invasive species beyond the extent to which they are presented in the mass media.
1.2 Students will be able to identify effects of invasive species on populations, communities and ecosystems.

Outcome 2: 2.1 Students will be able to use conceptual and analytical knowledge to understand the ecology of invasive species and predict the consequences of introductions of invasive species.

Outcome 3: 3.1 Students will participate actively in debate about invasive problems with peers.
3.2 Students will work together to develop campaigns to promote interest in invasive species.
3.3 Students will gain experience searching the scientific literature to learn more about invasive species from primary sources.

Outcome 4: 4.1 Students will collect and organize information with team members to construct a poster presentation of the invasive species of their choice.
4.2 Students will summarize experiments conducted in laboratories to learn about the hypothesis-driven approach to scientific research.
4.3 Students will have opportunities to summarize and evaluate the biology and ecology of invasive species.