The Health of the Biosphere (202-0-01)
Instructors
Bradley Scott Stevenson
Meeting Info
Technological Institute F285: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This course studies the growth of populations and their interactions in ecological communities. Topics include: the ecological niche; projections of population growth, including the history of human growth, harvesting populations, and population viability analysis of endangered species; interactions among species, including competition, predation, and disease transmission; measuring the diversity of ecological communities; the effects of diversity on energy flow. More advanced topics will also be addressed, including the biodiversity-stability relationship, the economic values of biodiversity and ecosystem function, and the biology and management of metapopulations in fragmented habitats.
Registration Requirements
Recommended Background: MATH 220
Learning Objectives
Introduce the concept of the ecological niche, and the limits on the distribution and abundance of populations. Develop the basic mathematical tools for understanding models of population growth, sustainable harvest, extinction of fragmented populations, and spread of diseases. Explore the concept of the biological community and the role of biological diversity in healthy ecosystem functioning.
Teaching Method
Two lectures per week.
Evaluation Method
Two midterms @ 20% + 25% = 45%; four problem sets @ 10% each = 40%; in-class activities = 15%
Class Materials (Required)
Ecology / Michael Cain, William Bowman, Sally Hacker / ISBN 9781605353050 / 2013 / 3rd ed / Sinauer Assoc. / All editions of the textbook are equally acceptable. ($98 new, $88 new rental, $20 used rental)
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Pre-requisite: Students must have completed at least three units of Math, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Environmental Sciences, Earth & Planetary Sciences, or Biological Sciences.