This is a course designed to give students a general understanding of ecology and population biology. Although there are no formal prerequisites for the course, you should have previously taken Biology 101, 160, 181, 211 or equivalent. This course will be taught at a higher level my other courses.
The course starts off with a basic introduction to ecology and evolution, then examines the impact of terrestrial and aquatic habitats on plant/animal adaptations. Next, life histories and population biology will be examined, along with the role humans have played in Earth's ecological systems.
The textbook for the course is "Elements of Ecology" (6th Ed) by Thomas M. and Robert Leo Smith. This text has been recently updated (2006) and is lavishly illustrated with graphs and photos to augment the reading. There is also online content for students provided by the publisher, Pearson/Benjamin-Cummings.
Please consult the current syllabus for details on course assignments, grading, and other information.