BIOL 2002 Global Ecology

This course is intended to provide a global perspective on ecological processes, biodiversity, climate change and the environmental consequences of human actions. Students will develop an awareness of the role of global ecology in international human affairs and how this influences the relationships between the developed and developing worlds. Prerequisites: BIOL 1010 or BIOL 1020. (3 lect.)

Credits

3 credits

Transfer Status

Equivalent to UW.

Major Topics

Introduction to Global Ecology
Scientific thinking and methodology
Structure and components of ecosystems: trophic levels and biomes
Ecosystems: energy, function, populations, succession and evolutionary change
Weather and climate change: case studies from around the globe
Population and population dynamics
Global change and development
Sustainable development
Case studies in global land degradation, desertification and deforestation
Case studies in global air and water pollution
Interactions between humans and their environment: economics, demography and health

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Identify the basic ecological principles levels of biological organization within the biosphere.

2. Describe, define and apply the components of scientific thinking to assess the significance of environmental issues and their interface with society.

3. Compare and contrast the influence of culture, economics and geographic locale on world populations.

4. Assess the significance of sustaining ecological biodiversity and explore the role of wild species in ecosystems.

5. Describe the various natural resources available such as energy, forest, agricultural products, wildlife and aquatic resources, and provide examples of how to manage them in a sustainable manner.

6. Identify and discuss the role of cultural perspective and historical background in determining land use choices.

7. Assess and discuss how culture and history influence the lens by which a society views itself and its environmental health.

8. Discuss global issues such as air and water pollution and analyze contemporary evidence concerning global climate change.

9. Articulate via written assignments and class discussion the interrelatedness of ecosystems around the globe and discuss the role of human activity in preserving or disrupting natural systems.

10. Describe and discuss how environmental policies are shaped through historical or contemporary circumstance.