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BIOL 2060
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Ecology is the study of the interrelationships of organisms and their environments. The broad subject of ecology focuses upon the interactions of plants and animals, including humans, with each other and with their non-living world. Three levels of ecology are studied: (1) Individuals, (2) Populations, (3) Communities and Ecosystems. Assignments and tutorials enlarge upon concepts presented in lectures. Students are instructed in elementary computer techniques and use the computer for most assignments. This class provides an overview of the science of ecology for the informed citizen, and also a good foundation for further work in ecology, marine biology and environmental studies. |
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BIOL 3042/5042
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The analysis of molecular genetic data has revolutionized many areas of ecology and conservation biology. In support of this assertion, consider the following questions: How do you deduce parentage, kinship and mating patterns in wild populations from bits of fin, fur or feathers? Count bears (and other large mammals) with bits of fur? Identify the sex of mammals and the diet of sharks from fecal samples? Deduce population structures and average dispersal rates without tagging organisms? Use scale samples to tell whether the effective population sizes of fishes have changed over the last few decades? Determine the continent and river of origin of Atlantic salmon caught off Greenland? Compare the microbial diversity of deep sea vents and thermal hot springs? Identify the species and even population of origin of food products and consumer goods made from illegally harvested fish and wildlife? Determine where the ancestors of northwest Atlantic fishes spent the last ice age? This course will answer these and many other questions while introducing students to the methods and principles of the rapidly developing field of molecular ecology. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 2030 , BIOL 2060 , STAT 2080
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