ENV57150

This course reviews the major organizing areas for the study of ecology: physiological ecology, dynamics of energy and element cycles, population ecology, population interactions, community ecology, and evolutionary ecology — the latter especially as it relates to conservation issues. Students will then explore the historical context and best practices of ecological restoration. By studying conflicts and tradeoffs that often occur between the science and practice of restoration efforts, students will come to understand the social complexity of such projects. The evolving direction of the field will be addressed in the face of global climate change, as students critically examine and design a restoration project or study within their own bioregions.