Courses:

Ecology of Food (ECOL 400) fall
Food production is humanity’s oldest and most fundamental use of ecological science to manage nature. In this course, we will evaluate the key principles of ecology and evolution as they apply to agricultural ecosystems. The course is divided into units designed to: (1) explore factors that influence the distribution and evolution of species consumed as food, (2) outline the methods used for management of species interactions in agriculture, and (3) evaluate the nutrient and energetic consequences of food production.

Introduction to Experimental Design and Statistics (ECOL 401) fall
Experiments are one method ecologists use to test the origins of pattern and the role of various processes in natural systems. Lectures in this course will provide baseline information needed to understand, describe, and analyze data from prevailing experimental designs. The course covers statistical inference, single and multi-factor analysis of variance, categorical relationships, ordination methods, and meta-analysis. Group discussions in this course will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the experimental designs and data used to support and refute key ecological hypotheses.

Special Topics in Interaction Ecology (ECOL 402) spring
An examination of current topics in interaction ecology. Current literature and ideas are analyzed in a seminar format (1 hr/week). A class research project provides hands-on experience with designing experiments and interpreting data. Prerequisite ECOL 401 or permission of instructor.

Coupled Human and Natural Systems (ECOL 403) spring
Environmental problems are caused by a complex mix of physical, biological, social, economic, and political factors. In this course we explore methods used to detect trends in global conditions, and we evaluate how environmental changes can be attributed to humans and other bio-physical drivers.